Pothole problems and associated compensation claims

If there’s one thing that road users across the country can unite over, it’s the state of Britain’s roads. With the shocking statistic emerging that, on average, local roads in England and Wales are only resurfaced once every 68 years, it’s no surprise that potholes are no longer just a pesky problem; they’ve turned into more of a crisis. 

How do potholes occur?

Caused by water that has collected in existing cracks in the road surface expanding and contracting in cold conditions, potholes can cause damage to cars, and headaches for road users. In the first three months of 2021, the RAC attended 4694 pothole-related breakdowns - a threefold increase from the last quarter of 2020. That’s a lot of troublesome tarmac! 

What damage can a pothole cause? 

Tyres

One of the most common issues a pothole can cause is tyre damage, and this is something you can visually inspect; look for bulges in the sidewalls, tread separation, and flat areas. Bends, cracks and chips in the wheel itself can compromise the airtight seal between the tyre and the wheel too, which can lead to tyre failure at a later date. 

Steering and suspension

If steering, suspension or wheel alignment has been impacted by a pothole, you may notice the car pulling to one side, or vibrations while you’re driving. The ball joints and metal bars that connect the wheels to the steering (track rod ends), coil springs (that support the vehicle’s weight), and suspension wishbones can all be affected by a run-in with a pothole.

Undercarriage and exhaust

Coming across a pothole can see bumpers, side skirts, exhaust pipes and other elements on the underside of your vehicle suffer scrapes and dents. These can lead to rust, and in some cases, holes that can cause problematic leaks. 

How do I claim for pothole damage? 

If you’re unfortunate enough to suffer vehicle damage at the hands of a pothole, it’s likely that there will be a costly repair bill attached to the incident too. You can put in a claim for compensation in one of two ways, either by approaching the authority responsible for maintaining the road, or through your car insurance. 

In both instances, you’ll need to prove that damage was caused by a pothole; this is something a mechanic should be able to put in writing for you. 

Through the local authority 

Any authority responsible for a road has a duty to maintain it to a safe standard, and if a pothole has caused damage, it’s likely that this isn’t happening as it should. Report the pothole to them first and foremost, and collect as much evidence as you can, including photos and a report from your mechanic. If the pothole has already been reported, there’s a better chance that your claim for compensation will be successful. 

Through your car insurance 

The option to claim through your car insurance is likely to be a more straightforward one, but it’s worth weighing up whether the cost of your excess and impact on your no claims bonus is worth choosing this over your local authority. 

Remember, hitting a pothole at any speed can harm your vehicle. If you suspect that coming across one has resulted in damage to your vehicle, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so to visually inspect your wheels and tyres. Also check for vibrations and steering changes as you drive, and book an appointment for your vehicle to be assessed by a specialist.