How to claim for pothole damage
With pothole claims at record highs, motorists are being left with costly repair bills - but thousands could be entitled to compensation! Read this blog to find out more.
In January 2026, pothole claims hit an all-time high, with data showing more claims were made in put together, and the .
Despite these figures, many drivers feel their local roads are being neglected. In a recent survey, .
Too many drivers assume pothole damage is just 'one of those things', but in many cases, they shouldn't be paying a penny. If you've hit a pothole and your car has suffered damage, acting quickly - and methodically - can make all the difference.
1. Document everything, putting safety first ⚠️
If you hit a pothole, only stop if it's safe to do so. Once you're out of harm's way, start gathering evidence as soon as you can. Take clear photos of the pothole from several angles, ideally including something to show scale, such as a coin or a shoe. If possible, photograph the depth as well as the width, and note the exact location, date, and time.
You should also photograph any visible damage to your vehicle, even if it looks minor at first. Some issues - like alignment or suspension problems - don't always show immediately but can develop later.
2. Report the pothole officially
Before you submit a claim, report the pothole to the organisation responsible for that stretch of road. On most local roads, this will be your local council, on motorways and major A roads, it may be National Highways.
Reporting the defect creates an official record, which can be crucial. If the pothole had already been reported, or should reasonably have been identified during routine inspections, it can strengthen your case.
3. Keep all repair notes and receipts 🧾
If your car needs urgent repairs to stay roadworthy, keep all invoices and receipts. If repairs aren't immediately necessary, get at least one written quote from a reputable garage. Councils typically expect evidence that repair costs are reasonable and directly linked to the incident.
Avoid carrying out cosmetic repairs before documenting the damage, as this can weaken your claim.
4. Submit a claim to the relevant authority
Each council has its own claims process, usually available on its website. You'll be asked to provide details of the incident, photographs, repair evidence, and proof of ownership of the vehicle.
It's important to be factual and precise. Stick to what happened, where it happened, and how the damage occurred. Over stating the impact or including unrelated damage can undermine an otherwise valid claim.
5. Don't be put off if challenged ❌
Local authorities are allowed to defend claims if they can show they have a reasonable system of inspection and maintenance in place. This is why many pothole claims are initially rejected.
If that happens, you're entitled to ask for evidence of when the road was last inspected and whether the defect was recorded. In some cases, drivers choose to appeal or pursue the matter further, particularly if they believe the pothole had been present for some time.
6. Don't delay
Most councils have time limits for submitting claims, and evidence is always stronger when it's fresh. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the condition of the road at the time of the incident.
Potholes are more than just an annoyance - when hit at speed motorists could be facing a damaged tyre, buckled alloy, or even suspension problems. While repairs can be costly, many drivers don't realise they may be able to claim compensation from the authority responsible for the road.
Pothole claims aren't guaranteed, but a calm, well evidenced approach gives you the best chance. Councils have a legal duty to maintain roads in a safe condition, and where they fall short, drivers are within their rights to seek compensation.
Driving into potholes can cause serious damage to your car. But what causes potholes? And what can you do to avoid pothole accidents? Check out this to find out! 👀
You may also like...
