UK Pothole Damage Crisis

As a leading FCA-authorised motor insurance broker, WeCovr has helped over 900,000 UK customers find the right protection. The growing pothole crisis is a major concern for drivers, impacting everything from vehicle safety to the cost of motor insurance. This guide explains the risks and how your policy can help.

UK Roads Shocking New Data Reveals Potholes Cost UK Drivers Over £1 Billion Annually in Vehicle Damage, Fueling Soaring Insurance Premiums & Unexpected Repair Bills – Is Your Motor Insurance Policy Protecting You From This National Epidemic

The state of Britain's roads is a national talking point, but the reality is far worse than a bumpy ride. A recent report from the RAC, based on 2025 breakdown data, reveals a shocking statistic: pothole-related damage is now costing UK drivers an estimated £1.2 billion every year. This "pothole tax" manifests in unexpected garage bills, vehicle downtime, and, crucially, soaring motor insurance premiums for everyone.

This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a financial epidemic impacting millions of car, van, and motorcycle owners. As the craters on our roads deepen, so does the hole in our wallets. This article unpacks the true cost of the UK's pothole crisis, explains how your motor insurance policy responds, and provides expert guidance on how to protect yourself and your vehicle.

The Alarming Scale of the UK's Pothole Problem

The numbers paint a grim picture of our deteriorating road network. According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), the estimated one-time cost to fix every pothole in England and Wales has reached a staggering £16 billion.

Key Statistics for 2025:

• Annual Pothole-Related Breakdowns: The AA and RAC report a combined total of over 650,000 breakdowns in the last year directly attributed to potholes, a 20% increase on the previous year.
• Average Repair Cost: The average cost for a single pothole-related repair now stands at £460, covering damage to tyres, wheels, and suspension components.
• Compensation Payouts: UK councils paid out over £25 million in compensation to drivers for pothole damage last year, though this represents only a fraction of successful claims.

The problem is systemic. Years of under-investment, coupled with more extreme weather events like severe winter frosts and summer heatwaves, are accelerating the decay of our roads. For the everyday driver, this means the risk of a costly encounter with a pothole is higher than ever.

How Potholes Wreak Havoc on Your Vehicle

A single, jarring impact with a deep pothole can cause a cascade of damage, some of which may not be immediately obvious. Understanding the potential harm is the first step in recognising the symptoms after an incident.

1. Tyres and Wheels This is the most common area of damage.

• Punctures and Blowouts: The sharp edge of a pothole can easily slice a tyre's sidewall, leading to a rapid loss of pressure or a dangerous blowout.
• Bulges: Impact can cause the tyre's internal structure to fail, resulting in a noticeable bulge on the sidewall. This tyre is unsafe and must be replaced immediately.
• Cracked or Bent Alloys: Modern alloy wheels are strong but brittle. A severe impact can crack the rim or bend it out of shape, preventing the tyre from sealing correctly and compromising the wheel's structural integrity.

2. Suspension and Steering Your car's suspension is designed to absorb bumps, but potholes often exceed its limits.

• Misalignment: The impact can knock your wheel alignment out of kilter. Telltale signs include the car pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear. This not only makes the car less safe but also increases fuel consumption.
• Damaged Shock Absorbers & Struts: These components dampen road imperfections. A hard hit can cause them to leak fluid or break, resulting in a bouncy, uncontrolled ride.
• Broken Springs: The coil springs support the vehicle's weight. A severe jolt can cause them to snap, often leading to a corner of the car sitting visibly lower.
• Worn Ball Joints & Bushings: These connecting parts of the suspension system can be damaged, leading to knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps.

3. Exhaust System Low-slung cars are particularly vulnerable to exhaust damage. Hitting a deep pothole can cause the exhaust pipes or silencer box to be scraped, dented, or even torn from their mountings, resulting in a loud and illegal vehicle.

4. Electric Vehicles (EVs) EVs present unique challenges. Their significant weight (due to heavy battery packs) can increase the force of a pothole impact, placing greater stress on suspension and tyres. Furthermore, damage to the underfloor battery casing, while rare, can be exceptionally expensive to repair.

Your Motor Insurance Policy and Pothole Damage: What's Covered?

When faced with a hefty repair bill, your first thought might be your motor insurance. However, whether you're covered depends entirely on the type of policy you hold. In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have at least Third-Party Only insurance for any vehicle used on public roads.

Understanding the Levels of Cover

It's vital to know the difference between the main types of motor insurance UK providers offer.

• Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the minimum legal requirement. It covers injury or damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, or their property. It provides absolutely no cover for damage to your own vehicle, including from potholes.
• Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT): This includes everything in a TPO policy, plus cover for your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire. It does not cover damage from accidents that are deemed your fault or from incidents like hitting a pothole.
• Comprehensive: This is the highest level of cover. It includes everything from TPFT, but crucially, it also covers damage to your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This is the only type of policy that will cover you for pothole damage.

If you have a comprehensive policy, you can make a claim for pothole damage. However, you must consider the implications before you do.

The Pothole Claim Dilemma: Insurance or Council?

You have two potential routes to seek compensation for pothole damage: make a claim on your comprehensive motor policy or pursue a claim directly against the authority responsible for the road's maintenance (usually a local council or a national body like Highways England).

Option 1: Claiming on Your Comprehensive Insurance

• The Process: You contact your insurer, explain the incident, provide evidence if possible, and they will arrange for assessment and repairs.
• Pros: Generally faster and less hassle. The insurer handles the process, and you get your car repaired quickly.
• Cons:
  • Excess: You will have to pay your policy excess. If your excess is £500 and the repair is £460, it makes no financial sense to claim.
  • No-Claims Bonus (NCB): A claim for pothole damage is typically treated as an 'at-fault' claim because no third party is held responsible by the insurer. This means you will almost certainly lose some or all of your NCB, leading to significantly higher premiums at renewal.
  • Premium Increase: Even beyond the NCB loss, an at-fault claim on your record will increase your base premium for the next 3-5 years.

Option 2: Claiming from the Council or Highways Authority

• The Process: This is a more involved, evidence-led process. You are essentially suing the council for negligence under the Highways Act 1980, which states they have a duty to maintain public roads.
• Pros: If successful, you are fully reimbursed for repair costs. It does not affect your insurance policy, excess, or NCB.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: The process can take many months to resolve.
  • High Burden of Proof: You must prove the council was negligent. This requires meticulous evidence gathering.
  • Council's Legal Defence: Councils can defend themselves using Section 58 of the Highways Act, arguing they had a "reasonable" system of inspection and repair in place and were unaware of that specific pothole before your incident. This defence is often successful.

How to Make a Claim Against the Council: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Safety First: Immediately after hitting the pothole, pull over in a safe place. Check for visible damage to your tyres and wheels.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Safe):
   • Photographs: Take pictures of the pothole from several angles. Include a familiar object (like a shoe or a drink can) for scale. Take wider shots to show its position on the road.
   • Measurements: If you can do so safely, measure the pothole's width and depth.
   • Location: Pinpoint the exact location. Use a GPS app, note the road name, town, and any nearby landmarks or house numbers.
   • Witnesses: If anyone else saw the incident, ask for their contact details.
3. Report the Pothole: Report the defect to the responsible authority immediately. You can usually do this on their website. This creates a record and helps other drivers.
4. Get Repair Quotes: Obtain at least two detailed, written quotes for the repair work from reputable garages. Keep the damaged parts if possible.
5. Submit Your Formal Claim: Write a formal letter or email to the council's legal or highways department. Include all your evidence: photos, measurements, location, witness details, repair quotes, and a clear description of the incident.
6. Consider Legal Expenses Cover: This optional add-on to your motor insurance can be invaluable here. It provides funding for legal advice and representation if the council disputes your claim, making the fight much less daunting. WeCovr can advise on policies that include robust legal protection.

Comparison: Insurance Claim vs. Council Claim

Expert Verdict: For minor damage (under £500-£700), it is almost always better to either pay for the repair yourself or attempt a claim against the council. A claim on your insurance for a small amount can cost you thousands in increased premiums over the long term. For very expensive damage, a claim on your insurance may be the only practical option to get back on the road quickly.

The Pothole Crisis is Fuelling Soaring Motor Insurance Costs

The £1.2 billion in vehicle damage is a direct cost to drivers, but the indirect costs are just as significant. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has confirmed that the rising frequency and cost of vehicle repairs are major drivers of premium increases.

In 2025, insurers are paying out more than ever for vehicle repairs. This is due to a perfect storm of factors:

• Inflation: The cost of spare parts and labour has risen sharply.
• Supply Chain Issues: Global events continue to affect the availability of parts, pushing up prices.
• Vehicle Complexity: Modern cars, with their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), sensors, and expensive alloy wheels, cost far more to repair than older models.
• Increased Pothole Claims: Insurers are processing more claims for pothole damage, adding to the overall claims pot that has to be funded by customer premiums.

Essentially, every pothole claim contributes to the pool of risk that insurers must price for. The result is that even if you never hit a pothole yourself, you are paying for the crisis through higher annual motor insurance costs.

Protecting Your Vehicle: Tips for Navigating Pothole-Ridden Roads

While you can't fix the roads yourself, you can adapt your driving to minimise the risk of damage.

• Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure: Properly inflated tyres are more resilient to impacts. Under-inflated tyres are more likely to be pinched against the wheel rim, causing damage.
• Be Vigilant and Look Ahead: Scan the road far ahead of you, not just in front of your bonnet. This gives you more time to spot and react to hazards.
• Keep Your Distance: Avoid tailgating. Following too closely obscures your view of the road surface ahead, giving you no time to react to a pothole hidden by the car in front.
• Slow Down: Hitting a pothole at 30 mph is significantly less damaging than hitting it at 60 mph. Reduce your speed on poorly maintained roads, especially at night or in the rain when potholes can be filled with water and difficult to see.
• Avoid Swerving: A sudden, sharp swerve to avoid a pothole can be more dangerous than hitting it, potentially causing a collision with another vehicle or a loss of control.
• Hold the Wheel Firmly: If you can't avoid a pothole, grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control of the vehicle as you drive through it. Don't brake heavily while in the pothole, as this can compress the suspension and increase the force of the impact.

Special Considerations for Fleet and Business Vehicles

For businesses that rely on vehicles, pothole damage is more than just a repair bill—it's a direct hit to the bottom line.

• Vehicle Downtime: When a van or company car is off the road for repairs, it's not earning money. This lost productivity can often cost more than the repair itself.
• Duty of Care: Fleet managers have a legal duty of care to their drivers. This includes ensuring vehicles are well-maintained and fit for purpose. Frequent pothole damage could indicate a need for more robust vehicles or revised driver training.
• Fleet Insurance Implications: A high frequency of claims, even for potholes, will lead to higher fleet insurance premiums. Proactive risk management is key.

Fleet Management Strategies:

1. Regular Vehicle Checks: Encourage drivers to perform daily walk-around checks, specifically looking for tyre bulges, pressure loss, and listening for unusual suspension noises.
2. Driver Training: Include guidance on spotting and safely navigating poor road surfaces in your driver training programmes.
3. Invest in Robust Fleet Insurance: Work with a specialist broker like WeCovr to secure a comprehensive fleet policy. This ensures damage is repaired quickly, minimising downtime. Options like guaranteed courtesy vans can be business-critical.

WeCovr provides expert advice for businesses of all sizes, from sole traders with a single van to large corporations with extensive fleets, helping to find tailored motor policy solutions that protect assets and control costs.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Best Motor Insurance UK

In this challenging environment, having the right motor insurance is more important than ever. Simply choosing the cheapest quote is a false economy if it leaves you exposed to a £1,000 repair bill.

As an independent and FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies.

• Expertise: Our specialists understand the market and can explain the crucial differences between policies, ensuring you have the comprehensive cover you need for risks like pothole damage.
• Comparison: We compare policies from a wide panel of the UK's leading insurers, finding you the best car insurance provider for your specific needs and budget.
• No Hidden Fees: Our expert advice and comparison service are provided at no cost to you.
• High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on the positive feedback we receive on major customer review platforms, reflecting our commitment to excellent service.
• Extra Discounts: When you buy your motor or life insurance through us, you can often unlock discounts on other types of cover, saving you even more money.

Don't wait for the jarring thud of a pothole to find out your insurance isn't up to the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will claiming for pothole damage on my insurance affect my No-Claims Bonus (NCB)? Yes, almost certainly. Because there is no third party to hold responsible, a pothole damage claim is treated as an 'at-fault' claim by insurers. This will typically result in the loss of two or more years of your NCB, leading to higher premiums at renewal. It's crucial to weigh the cost of the repair against the long-term financial impact of losing your NCB.

2. Is it better to claim for pothole damage from my insurer or the local council? This depends on the cost of the repair. For damage costing less than your policy excess plus the value of your NCB (often £500-£700), it's financially wiser to either pay for the repair yourself or pursue a claim against the council. For very expensive damage, claiming on your comprehensive insurance may be the only practical option to get your car repaired quickly, despite the impact on your premium.

3. What is the minimum level of motor insurance legally required in the UK? The legal minimum level of cover required to drive on UK roads is Third-Party Only (TPO) insurance. This policy covers any damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or property. It provides no cover for damage to your own vehicle, including from accidents, theft, fire, or potholes.

4. How can I find the best value motor insurance for my needs? The best way to find value is to use an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr. Instead of just looking at price, a broker helps you compare the features of different comprehensive policies to ensure you have adequate protection against common risks like pothole damage, while also searching a wide market of insurers to find a competitive price.

Protect yourself from the UK's pothole plague. Get a comprehensive motor insurance quote from WeCovr today and drive with confidence, knowing you have the right cover in place.