Pothole Claims: How to Get Compensation for Vehicle Damage in the UK

Potholes aren’t just an eyesore—they can cause serious damage to your car and drain your wallet with unexpected repair costs. But did you know that in the UK, you can claim compensation from the local council or highway authority if a pothole damaged your vehicle?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pothole damage claims in the UK, including how to gather evidence, file your claim, and improve your chances of getting money back.

Can You Really Claim for Pothole Damage in the UK?

Yes, absolutely. If your vehicle is damaged due to a pothole on a public road, you may be entitled to claim compensation from the organisation responsible for maintaining that road.

In the UK, responsibility typically falls to:

• Local councils – for most roads

• National Highways – for motorways and major A roads

• Transport for London (TfL) – for red routes in Greater London

The key requirement? You need to prove negligence—that the authority failed to fix the pothole in reasonable time after being made aware of it.

What Kind of Damage Can Be Claimed?

Common types of damage that qualify for claims include:

• Burst tyres

• Cracked or bent alloy wheels

• Suspension damage

• Steering issues

• Undercarriage damage

Keep in mind: minor cosmetic damage is unlikely to succeed unless paired with a mechanical fault or safety issue.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim for Pothole Damage

Step 1: Stop Safely and Record the Scene

Immediately after the incident:

• Pull over safely

• Take clear photos of the pothole (use a ruler or object to show scale)

• Note the exact location (road name, nearest landmark, postcode)

• Record date and time

Step 2: Assess and Document the Damage

• Photograph your car’s damage

• Obtain a written mechanic’s report

• Keep all repair receipts and invoices

• Don’t throw away the damaged parts—they may be requested as evidence

Step 3: Identify Who’s Responsible for the Road

Here’s a quick guide to road authority responsibility:

If unsure, you can check road responsibility through your local council website or use your postcode on the government’s online services.

How to Write a Strong Pothole Damage Claim

Your letter or form should include:

• Your full contact details

• Vehicle registration

• Date, time, and location of incident

• A clear description of what happened

• Photos of the pothole and damage

• Copies of receipts and repair bills

• Your request for full or partial compensation

Tip: Be polite but firm—avoid emotional language, and stick to the facts.

Example: Successful Pothole Claim with a Local Council

A driver in Birmingham hit a deep pothole on a poorly lit road. The damage caused a cracked alloy and burst tyre, totalling £240 in repairs.

She submitted:

• Photos of the pothole and her tyre

• A Google Maps location tag

• A garage invoice

• A brief, factual claim letter

Three weeks later, Birmingham City Council refunded the full repair cost, citing delayed road maintenance records as proof of fault.

What Happens After You Submit the Claim?

The highway authority will usually:

1. Acknowledge receipt within a few days

2. Investigate the road inspection history

3. Decide whether to accept or reject liability

This process can take 2 to 8 weeks depending on the authority.

What If Your Claim Is Rejected?

Many councils reject claims by saying they didn’t know the pothole existed, or they inspected the road recently and no fault was found.

If rejected, you have options:

• Request a copy of the road inspection records under the Freedom of Information Act

• Check when the road was last inspected

• Show that multiple complaints were made before your incident (news reports, online comments)

If you feel the rejection is unfair, you can:

• Appeal directly to the council (with additional evidence)

• Consider pursuing the case in the small claims court (if the cost justifies it)

Can Your Bank Help with Pothole Damage Costs?

Yes—if you paid for repairs using a UK credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply. Banks like:

• Barclays

• Halifax

• Lloyds

• NatWest

• HSBC

…can assist if the service (repair) was not provided correctly or you face a dispute with the garage.

Also, if your bank account includes premium insurance or breakdown cover (such as Nationwide FlexPlus or Halifax Ultimate Reward), you might be eligible for:

• Recovery from roadside damage

• Partial cost reimbursement for tyres or suspension

Always read the policy terms and contact your bank’s customer service for clarification.

Will Claiming on Car Insurance Affect My Premium?

If you claim through your comprehensive insurance, yes—your premiums may increase.

That’s why it’s often better to claim against the council or authority first, especially if the cost is below your excess.

Only claim on your car insurance if:

• The cost of damage is well above your policy excess

• Your pothole claim has been rejected and all appeal options are exhausted

How to Report Potholes to Prevent Future Incidents

Even if you don’t claim, reporting potholes helps prevent others from suffering damage or injury.

You can report via:

• GOV.UK Pothole Reporting

• Your local council’s website

• FixMyStreet

What If a Pothole Causes a Crash or Personal Injury?

If a pothole causes an accident resulting in:

• Injury

• Whiplash

• Damage to passengers’ property

…you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Contact a solicitor experienced in road traffic claims or consider speaking to organisations like Citizens Advice.

Top Tips to Boost Your Claim Success Rate

• Take multiple photos from different angles

• Get a detailed mechanic’s report (not just an invoice)

• Use Google Maps to tag the location

• Request inspection logs if the claim is rejected

• Keep a calm and professional tone in all correspondence

Final Thoughts: Don’t Pay for Council Negligence

Thousands of drivers in the UK suffer pothole damage every year—but most never claim because they assume it’s not worth the hassle. But with the right evidence, timing, and approach, your claim stands a very good chance of being successful.

You shouldn’t have to foot the bill for damage caused by neglected roads. Claiming is your right—and when enough people speak up, councils are pressured to maintain roads better for everyone.

Useful Resources

• Report a Pothole – GOV.UK

• FixMyStreet – Report Local Road Problems

• Transport for London – Report a Street Issue