Let’s face it, potholes are more than just an annoying bump in the road. They can seriously damage your car and cost you hundreds in repairs. But if a pothole has damaged your vehicle, you don’t always have to foot the bill. You might be able to claim compensation.
Here’s how to go about it…
Step 1: Check for damage (and stay safe)
If you hit a pothole, pull over somewhere safe and check your vehicle. Common problems include:
- Tyre punctures or bulges
- Bent or cracked wheels
- Steering misalignment
- Suspension damage.
If you spot anything off, or just feel like something’s not quite right, it’s a good idea to get the car checked by a professional. Keep the invoice or repair report. You’ll need it later.
Step 2: Gather evidence
Next, gather as much information as you can. The more you have, the stronger your claim.
- Take clear photos of the pothole, your vehicle, and any visible damage
- Record the exact location (street name, nearby landmarks, postcode if possible)
- Note the time and date
- Get witness statements if anyone else saw what happened.
It’s also worth noting the weather and lighting conditions, just in case.
Step 3: Report the pothole
Before you make a claim, you should report the pothole to the relevant authority:
- For local roads: your local council
- For motorways or major A roads:
- England: National Highways
- Wales: Traffic Wales
- Scotland: BEAR Scotland
- Northern Ireland: DfI Roads.
You can usually report potholes online through these websites. It’s quick, and it shows you’ve taken reasonable steps to flag the issue.
Step 4: Submit your claim
Once you’ve gathered your evidence and reported the pothole, it’s time to make your claim.
- For local roads, head to your council’s website and look for their highways or road maintenance section. Most offer a form where you can upload your evidence and repair bills.
- For motorways or major roads, visit the relevant national transport agency’s site and follow their claims process.
Make sure to include:
- A clear description of the incident
- Photos and evidence
- The cost of repairs
- Your contact details.
What are your chances of success?
Councils and agencies are only liable if they’ve failed in their duty to maintain the road. If they didn’t know about the pothole, or checked the road recently and found no issues, they might reject your claim. That’s why reporting potholes helps others too.
Once it’s on the record, they’re expected to act.
If your claim is rejected and you feel it’s unfair, you can appeal. Start by asking to see a copy of their road inspection reports. If they haven’t carried out regular checks or responded properly to reports, that could strengthen your case. You might also consider legal advice at the small claims court if the damage is significant.
Keep in mind
- You won’t be compensated for general wear and tear
- If your claim is successful, you’ll usually only get reimbursed for the cost of repairs
- Being persistent and organised really helps.
Know your rights, take action
Potholes aren’t just frustrating, they’re avoidable hazards. And if they’ve damaged your car, you have every right to ask for compensation. At Join the Claim, we’re here to shine a light on consumer rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
Want to know what else you could claim for?
Pothole damage is just one example of how consumers are being left out of pocket. From dodgy finance deals to corporate data breaches, there are plenty of group actions happening right now that you might be eligible to join.
Check out the latest claims on our website and see if you could be owed compensation.
It’s quick, simple, and completely free.
