UK Pothole Crisis Your Car at Risk

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides essential guidance on navigating the UK's road hazards and securing the right motor insurance. The state of Britain's roads is a national crisis, and without adequate cover, you could be left facing significant financial loss.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 UK Drivers Will Suffer Pothole-Related Vehicle Damage, Fueling a Staggering £500 Million+ Annual Burden of Costly Repairs, Increased Premiums & Diminished Vehicle Value – Is Your Motor Insurance Ready for the UK's Road Reality

The evidence is undeniable and deeply concerning. A perfect storm of decades of underfunding, increasingly extreme weather events, and an ageing road network has plunged the United Kingdom into a full-blown pothole crisis. Fresh data projected for 2025 paints a grim picture: more than a quarter of all UK motorists are on course to experience vehicle damage directly caused by potholes and other road defects this year alone.

This isn't merely an inconvenience; it's a financial epidemic on our roads. The collective cost of repairs, according to a detailed analysis of data from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) and the RAC, is set to exceed a staggering £500 million annually. This eye-watering figure doesn't even account for the hidden, knock-on costs: the relentless rise in motor insurance premiums for everyone, the significant loss of vehicle resale value due to damage history, and the sheer stress and disruption caused to millions of lives.

For drivers, fleet managers, and business owners across the UK, the question is no longer if you will encounter a road defect, but when—and whether your motor policy is robust enough to handle the inevitable consequences.

The Sheer Scale of the UK's Pothole Problem in 2025

To understand the acute risk to your vehicle, it's crucial to grasp the magnitude of the issue. The numbers from leading UK authorities and motoring organisations are a sobering read for any road user.

• A Chasm of Underfunding: The AIA's 2025 ALARM survey (Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance) is expected to report that it would now take over 11 years and more than £16.5 billion to clear the entire backlog of carriageway repairs in England and Wales. This is a gap that continues to widen year on year.
• Breakdowns at Breaking Point: The RAC reports that its patrols are attending a record number of "pothole-related breakdowns." Based on trends from late 2024, callouts in the first quarter of 2025 for issues like distorted wheels, broken suspension springs, and damaged shock absorbers are projected to be up by nearly 22% compared to the previous year. This indicates the problem is accelerating, not improving.
• Compensation Claims in Gridlock: Local authorities are facing a barrage of compensation claims. However, analysis of council data shows a worrying trend: authorities are reportedly rejecting over 55% of all claims submitted by motorists. This leaves drivers to either foot the bill themselves or make a claim on their personal insurance policy, with all the negative consequences that entails.

This crisis is not confined to forgotten rural B-roads. Major A-roads and even motorways, the arteries of our nation, are showing signs of significant fatigue and failure, putting every single driver, from private car owners to HGV operators, at daily risk.

What Damage Can a Pothole Actually Do to Your Vehicle?

A single, jarring impact with a deep or sharp-edged pothole can inflict a surprising and cascading amount of damage, ranging from minor annoyances to safety-critical failures. Understanding these potential issues is the first step in protecting yourself and your vehicle.

The Most Common Types of Pothole Damage

• Tyres: The vehicle's first line of defence and the most frequent victim. Potholes can cause immediate punctures or blowouts. More subtly, they can create sidewall bulges or internal structural damage, which can lead to catastrophic failure days or weeks later.
• Wheels: Alloy wheels, common on most modern cars, are particularly vulnerable. A heavy impact can lead to visible cracks, but also hard-to-spot buckles or distortions. An unbalanced or damaged wheel will cause vibrations, premature tyre wear, and can be extremely unsafe at speed.
• Suspension System: Your car's suspension is designed to absorb bumps, but potholes can push it beyond its operational limits. This can result in:
  • Broken Coil Springs: A sudden snap can cause the car to drop on one corner, affecting handling dramatically.
  • Damaged Shock Absorbers: An impact can cause seals to fail, leading to fluid leaks. A failed shock absorber will result in a bouncy, uncontrolled ride and increased braking distances.
  • Bent Suspension Arms or Links: These critical components connect the wheel hub to the car's chassis. A bent arm can severely compromise vehicle stability and steering.
• Steering & Wheel Alignment: A significant jolt can instantly knock your car's sensitive wheel alignment (or 'tracking') out of its precise specification. The immediate symptoms include the steering wheel being off-centre or the car pulling to one side. If left unchecked, it will cause rapid and uneven tyre wear, costing you hundreds of pounds in premature tyre replacements and reducing your fuel efficiency.
• Exhaust System: Vehicles with lower ground clearance are at particular risk. A deep pothole can strike exhaust pipes, flexible joints, or the expensive catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (DPF). This can lead to fractures, noisy leaks, and failed MOT emissions tests.
• Bodywork & Undercarriage: In severe cases, the impact can damage low-slung front bumpers, side sills, and the vehicle's undercarriage. This can scrape away protective coatings, exposing bare metal to the elements and leading to long-term corrosion and rust.

The Real Cost of Pothole Repairs in 2025

Repair costs can vary dramatically based on your vehicle's make, model, and age. Parts for premium brands (like Audi, BMW, Mercedes) and Electric Vehicles are often significantly more expensive.

Disclaimer: These are estimated costs based on 2025 market analysis and can vary significantly by region and garage. Main dealer prices will likely be higher.

Your Motor Insurance Explained: Is Your Policy Pothole-Proof?

In the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 for any vehicle used or kept on public roads to have at least a basic level of motor insurance. However, the level of cover you choose is what determines whether you are financially protected against the scourge of pothole damage.

The Three Levels of UK Car Insurance: A Crucial Distinction

Many drivers mistakenly opt for the cheapest quote available without fully understanding the significant and potentially bankrupting gaps in their cover.

For businesses, fleet insurance and business car insurance policies operate on these same core principles but are tailored to cover multiple vehicles, drivers, and specific commercial uses. It is imperative that fleet managers ensure their policy is fully comprehensive to protect their valuable business assets from road defects.

Making a Claim: Your Two Routes to Compensation

If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, you generally have two potential routes for seeking financial redress. Each has its own distinct process, benefits, and significant challenges.

Option 1: Claiming Directly from the Responsible Authority

You can attempt to claim the full cost of repairs from the body responsible for maintaining the road. This is typically the local council for A-roads (not managed by National Highways), B-roads, and unclassified roads, or National Highways for motorways and major trunk roads in England.

The Step-by-Step Process to Claiming from a Council:

1. Prioritise Safety: As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over to a secure location to inspect your vehicle. Do not stop in a live lane of traffic.
2. Gather Meticulous Evidence (This is Crucial): If the location is safe, you must act like a forensic investigator. Your evidence is your power.
   • Photographs: Take multiple, clear photos of the pothole itself. Include a familiar object like a shoe, drink can, or newspaper for scale. Take wider shots to show the pothole's position in the road and relative to landmarks.
   • Measurements: Note the approximate width and, most importantly, the depth of the pothole. A common threshold for council action is 40mm deep.
   • Exact Location: Pinpoint the location precisely. Use a map app on your phone, note the road name, town, and any nearby house numbers, junctions, or unique landmarks.
   • Witnesses: If anyone else saw the incident, politely ask for their name and contact number. An independent witness can strengthen your case.
3. Obtain Repair Quotes: Get at least two, preferably three, detailed written quotes for the repair work from reputable garages. Do not authorise the work yet.
4. Identify the Responsible Authority: Use the GOV.UK website to find the correct local council or authority responsible for that specific road.
5. Submit a Formal, Professional Claim: Write a formal letter or email to the authority's highways department. Present your case clearly and concisely. Include all your evidence: photos, location details, witness information, and copies of the repair quotes.

The Major Hurdle: The Section 58 Defence: Be prepared for resistance. Councils will often defend themselves against a claim by invoking Section 58 of the Highways Act 1980. This gives them a statutory defence if they can prove they had a reasonable system of road inspection and maintenance in place and were not previously aware of that specific defect. Because this defence is so effective, a high percentage of claims are rejected, leaving motorists frustrated and out of pocket.

Option 2: Claiming on Your Comprehensive Motor Insurance Policy

For many, this is the faster, more reliable, and less adversarial route, provided you have a comprehensive motor policy.

The Insurance Claim Process:

1. Contact Your Insurer: Report the incident to your insurance provider's claims line as soon as is reasonably possible.
2. Explain What Happened: Clearly state that you have hit a pothole and describe the damage. Your insurer will classify this as an "at-fault" claim, as there is no liable third party from whom they can recover their costs.
3. Assessment and Repair: Your insurer will guide you on the next steps. This usually involves taking your vehicle to one of their approved repairers for an assessment and to have the work carried out.

Before You Call Your Insurer, Understand These Three Financial Realities:

• Your Policy Excess: This is the fixed amount you contractually agree to pay towards any claim. If your policy excess is £350 and the total repair bill is £1,000, you must pay the first £350, and your insurer will cover the remaining £650. If the repair cost is less than your excess, there is no financial benefit to making a claim.
• Your No-Claims Bonus (NCB) / No-Claims Discount (NCD): A pothole claim will almost certainly result in the loss of some or all of your NCB, which can be worth a discount of up to 70% or more on your premium. The only way to prevent this is if you have purchased NCB Protection. This is a valuable optional extra that allows you to make one or sometimes two "at-fault" claims within a set period without your discount level being affected.
• The Impact on Future Premiums: A claim, even a no-fault one, flags you as a higher risk in insurers' algorithms. Consequently, your base premium is likely to increase at your next renewal, an effect that can persist for three to five years. You must weigh the immediate cost of the repair against the long-term increase in your insurance costs.

For expert advice on finding the best car insurance provider and a policy that balances cost with excellent features like NCB Protection, a specialist broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We can compare the market to find vehicle cover that is truly fit for the reality of UK roads.

The EV Revolution Meets the Pothole Menace: A Heavier Burden

The government's push towards electrification means millions of Electric Vehicles (EVs) are now on UK roads. This introduces a new and serious dimension to the pothole problem.

• The Weight Penalty: EVs are significantly heavier than their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents due to the immense weight of their battery packs. A family-sized EV can be 30-50% heavier than a similar petrol car.
• Increased Component Strain: This additional mass places far greater stress on tyres, wheels, and suspension components. When an EV hits a pothole, the forces involved are much higher, increasing the likelihood of severe damage.
• Specialist and Costly Repairs: EV components are often highly specialised. Suspension parts may be unique to the model to handle the extra weight, and tyres are often specially designed to cope with the instant torque and mass. This means repairs are more complex and replacement parts are more expensive.
• The Battery Risk: While battery packs are extremely well-protected in armoured casings, a severe impact from a particularly deep or jagged pothole could theoretically damage the underfloor battery tray. Any inspection or repair of a high-voltage battery system is a highly specialist and extremely expensive undertaking.

EV owners must ensure their motor insurance UK policy is specifically rated for their vehicle and provides adequate cover for these unique and costly risks.

Proactive Fleet Management: Protecting Your Business from the Roads

For businesses running vehicle fleets—from a handful of sales reps' cars to a large depot of delivery vans or HGVs—potholes are a direct and constant threat to profitability, operational efficiency, and legal compliance.

A proactive fleet risk management strategy is no longer a "nice-to-have"; it's an essential business function.

1. Iron-Clad Fleet Insurance: Do not cut corners on your fleet insurance. A comprehensive policy is the only sensible option. Work with a specialist commercial broker like WeCovr who understands the nuances of business vehicle cover. Ensure your policy includes appropriate liability levels, cover for vehicle downtime (loss of use), and provides access to a network of commercial vehicle repairers to get your assets back on the road quickly.
2. Systematic Driver Training: Go beyond the basics. Train drivers on defensive driving techniques specifically for identifying and navigating road hazards. Emphasise the importance of maintaining a safe following distance to improve road scanning, and the correct technique for dealing with an unavoidable pothole (slowing down, but not braking during the impact).
3. Mandatory Daily Vehicle Checks: Implement and enforce a strict policy of daily walk-around checks. Drivers should be trained to look specifically for tyre damage (bulges, cuts), listen for unusual suspension noises, and check that tyre pressures are correct. An app-based system can ensure compliance and create a digital audit trail.
4. Leverage Telematics Data: Use your vehicle telematics to do more than just track location. Analyse data for incidents of harsh braking or erratic steering, which can indicate near-misses with potholes. This data can be used to identify high-risk routes or drivers in need of further training.
5. A Watertight Incident Reporting Process: Every driver must have a clear, simple process to follow in the event of a pothole strike. This should include a checklist for gathering evidence (photos, location, etc.) on a company smartphone. This disciplined approach is vital for maximising the chances of a successful claim against an authority or for smoothly processing an insurance claim.

How to Minimise Your Pothole Risk: A Defensive Driver's Guide

While you can't repair the roads yourself, you can significantly reduce your personal risk of suffering expensive pothole damage by adopting smarter, more defensive driving habits.

• Check Tyre Pressures Religiously: Your tyres are your car's only contact with the road. When correctly inflated, they provide a vital cushion against impacts. Under-inflated tyres are much more likely to be pinched and damaged by a pothole edge. Check them at least every two weeks.
• Expand Your Vision: Look well ahead—10 to 15 seconds down the road, not just over your bonnet. This gives your brain far more time to process information and spot potential hazards, including tarmac defects or the brake lights of cars swerving ahead.
• Leave a Safe Gap: Tailgating is a primary cause of hitting unseen potholes. Maintain at least a two-second gap (four seconds in the wet) from the vehicle in front. This space gives you a clear view of the road surface ahead.
• Be Wary of Water: Puddles and standing water can easily conceal deep, wheel-breaking potholes. Never drive through a puddle at speed; slow down and treat it with extreme caution.
• Slow Down on Unfamiliar Roads: If you're on a road you don't know, especially at night or in poor weather, err on the side of caution and reduce your speed. It's the single most effective way to reduce the force of any potential impact.
• Brake Before, Not During, Impact: If a pothole is unavoidable, brake firmly before you hit it, then release the brake just before impact. This allows the suspension to rise and use its full range of travel to absorb the jolt, rather than being compressed and rigid.
• Become a Pothole Reporter: Be an active part of the solution. Use your local council's official website or a national portal like FixMyStreet to report potholes you encounter. A logged report makes it much harder for a council to use the Section 58 defence if another driver is later damaged by it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will claiming for pothole damage on my insurance affect my no-claims bonus (NCB)? Yes, in almost all cases. A claim for pothole damage is treated as an "at-fault" claim by insurers because there is no third party from whom they can recover their costs. This will typically lead to a reduction of your NCB at your next renewal unless you have specifically purchased No-Claims Bonus Protection as an optional extra on your comprehensive policy.

2. Should I claim from the council or on my own car insurance? This is a financial decision based on the cost of the repair versus your policy excess. If the repair bill is relatively low (e.g., £250) and your policy excess is higher (e.g., £400), it makes no financial sense to claim on your insurance. In this case, your only recourse is to attempt a claim from the council. If the repair is expensive and exceeds your excess, claiming on your comprehensive insurance is often faster and more likely to succeed, but you must accept the consequences of paying the excess and the likely increase in your future premiums.

3. What is the single most important type of insurance cover for protecting against pothole damage? Fully comprehensive cover is the only standard level of motor insurance that pays for repairs to your own vehicle following accidental damage, a category which includes hitting a pothole. Third Party Only and Third Party, Fire & Theft policies provide no cover whatsoever for damage to your car in this scenario, meaning you would be responsible for 100% of the repair costs yourself.

4. My claim against the local council was rejected under Section 58. What can I do now? If the council rejects your claim using the Section 58 defence (arguing they had a reasonable maintenance schedule and were unaware of the defect), your options are limited. You can appeal their decision, providing any further evidence you may have, or, for larger amounts, consider escalating the matter to the small claims court. However, this can be a time-consuming and uncertain process. For significant damage, the most pragmatic route is often to claim on your own comprehensive motor insurance policy, if you have one.

5. How does WeCovr help find the best motor insurance for dealing with UK road conditions? As an FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr provides expert, impartial advice. We compare policies from a wide panel of UK insurers, looking beyond the headline price to assess crucial features like the cost of adding NCB protection, the level of the standard excess, and the availability of valuable extras like a guaranteed courtesy car and legal expenses cover. We help you find a robust policy that offers real value and protection against the realities of driving in the UK today.

The UK's roads present a clear and present danger to your vehicle and your wallet. Don't wait for the jarring impact of a pothole to find out your insurance isn't up to the task. Ensure your vehicle is protected with a robust, comprehensive motor insurance policy that's ready for reality.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice on finding the right cover for your car, van, or fleet.