Making a claim for pothole damage

Whether you’re driving down a country lane or heading through the city streets, you should be on the alert for potholes because even a fairly small divot can cause damage to your car.

You don’t need to be travelling at speed either for a bump to impact your suspension or steering.

What causes potholes?

Wear and tear from traffic creates small fissures in the road’s surface. Excess water in wet weather and ice and snow in winter can make these cracks bigger. The colder months from December to March see the largest number of claims for pothole damage.

Things to look out for if you hit a pothole

You might not be able to see any obvious issues but its best to get things checked out if you feel any wobbling or vibration after hitting a pothole.

If your car is pulling to the left or right it could be a problem with the wheel alignment. If you’re at all worried, get your local garage to take a look. That way if you need to claim for pothole damage, you’ve got a report to back you up.

Can I claim for pothole damage to my car?

Yes, thankfully you can. Record all the details of the incident – take note of the time, location, the road name and the driving conditions.

Measure the dimensions of the hole and take pictures of it, if you can do so safely. Any hole more than 40mm deep can be classed as a pothole.

Take pictures of any damage to your car including the wheel trim, tyres and exhaust. Get a written report from a reputable garage.

You can also claim if the pothole causes you to have an accident and hit another vehicle.

Claiming for pothole damage through insurance

One of the benefits of taking out Comprehensive car insurance is that you are covered for damage caused by potholes but bear in mind that it may not be worth claiming if the level of excess you have arranged to pay is more than the cost of repair.

Saga Car Insurance offers three fully Comprehensive cover levels to suit your needs and budget.

Be aware that claims for damage from potholes may affect your No Claims Bonus if you haven’t protected it. If you choose either Saga Select or Saga Plus, we’ll protect your NCD against two fault claims over three years.

If you need to make a claim for pothole damage, we’ll get your vehicle into an approved garage as soon as possible. We’ll also have a replacement car ready to keep you mobile while your car is in for repair.

Can you claim compensation for pothole damage?

If you are claiming for pothole damage through the council, you’ll need to have a pretty solid case.

Do your homework to find which authority is responsible for the stretch of road where the incident happened and contact them as soon as possible to report it.

A claim for pothole damage on minor roads would be through your local council office, you can check the government website for details.

Contact the Highways Agency if the pothole is on a motorway or A road. When you make a pothole claim, send them your report and pictures along with the findings from your mechanic.

Can you sue the council for pothole injury?

You may be able to claim compensation if you can prove the accident that resulted in a physical injury was directly caused by a pothole.

If you receive an offer from the council you can either accept it or appeal. If your claim is rejected or you want to appeal you may need to seek legal advice.

To check if a pothole has been reported, ask for a road inspection report, which should be able to tell you if the problem has been logged before.

How to avoid damage from potholes

Keep within the speed limit. Avoid flooded roads and steer clear of puddles that could mask what lies underneath. Keep your tyre pressure at the correct level and make sure the tread is not worn down.

Potholes can be very hard to spot until you feel the jolt, so take extra care in wintry conditions and in poor visibility.