Driving over a deep pothole, even at low speed, can cause damage to your vehicle.
Tyres, alloy wheels, steering alignment, wheel tracking and balancing and suspension can all be affected. And as newer cars contain more advanced technology, repairs can be more costly to fix.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to claim any money back if your car is damaged on a British road, but we think it’s worth a try.
Below we explain why potholes are a problem and how to claim for pothole damage.
Potholes are caused when water seeps into a small surface crack that can expand and create a hole. When it's especially cold, these cracks can be exacerbated by the water freezing and then thawing.
In the UK, we experience cold and wet winters, meaning they're common on our roads. The number of pothole-related claims doubled in December 2022 following the cold weather. It's no surprise then that January to March are when 36% of our pothole claims occur.
March is a particularly heavy time for pothole problems, with 13% of compensation claims made during the month, which is more than any other.
Potholes cost Britain millions of pounds each year in compensation claims and repairs, and the cost is rising all the time. Our data shows the average cost of pothole damage increased by 16% last year.
Here’s our guide on claiming compensation for pothole damage:
If you have comprehensive cover you can claim for pothole damage on your insurance.
However, it’s worth considering the cost of the damage, your excess payments and if the claim will affect your No Claims Bonus.
Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral, says: “Our data shows that potholes continue to cause problems for many motorists, and the cost of repairs is increasing significantly as vehicles become more advanced. Not only can pothole-related damage be dangerous and costly, but it can also be difficult to claim compensation from the authority responsible for the road.”
When it comes to claiming for pothole damage on your car insurance, a comprehensive policy offers the more substantial cover.
“Unfortunately, if your car gets damaged on a British road from a pothole, unless you have comprehensive cover, you might not be able to claim on your insurance,” Connelly adds.
Other than reporting potholes you spot, the only way to prevent pothole damage is to be vigilant and drive carefully. We recommend: