{"id":52065,"date":"2025-01-28T00:35:04","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T00:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/business\/insurance\/how-to-claim-if-you-hit-a-pothole\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T00:35:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T00:35:04","slug":"how-to-claim-if-you-hit-a-pothole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=52065","title":{"rendered":"How to claim if you hit a pothole"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Picture this: you\u2019re driving down the road, perhaps enjoying your favourite playlist or podcast, when your car suddenly lurches. You hear a loud clunk, and your stomach drops as you realise you\u2019ve hit a pothole. While you might be tempted to curse your luck (or the state of UK road maintenance), there\u2019s a way to turn things around\u2026<\/h3>\n
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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article; however, it does not constitute legal advice. By acting on the information provided, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Are Potholes a Problem in the UK?<\/h4>\n

Blame our wonderful British weather. The freeze-thaw cycle caused by rain seeping into road cracks, freezing, and expanding leads to potholes. This natural process, combined with general vehicle wear and tear, explains why potholes are more common after winter. The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey<\/a> found that a pothole is fixed every 22 seconds in England. Yet, repairing all UK roads would take 11 years and \u00a314.02 billion.<\/p>\n

Potholes aren\u2019t just an inconvenience, they can cause serious damage. Tyres, alloy wheels, suspension systems, and even steering alignment are at risk. Admiral Car Insurance reports that driving over a pothole, even at low speeds, can result in repair bills that are anything but low.<\/p>\n

Pothole Insurance Claims on the Rise<\/h4>\n

According to Admiral, pothole-related insurance claims have surged 62% in the last two years<\/a>, with 2024 seeing the highest number in nine years. A 175% rise since 2016 highlights the growing severity of the issue. Adverse weather and storms like Henk and Kathleen have only worsened matters, prompting the government to commit \u00a3500 million to local road maintenance for 2025-26.<\/p>\n

Seasonal trends in pothole damage claims reveal that 36% occur between January and March, with March being the peak month. As the freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc, the number of claims climbs. It\u2019s a vicious circle: one pothole is fixed, and another emerges.<\/p>\n

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If your business buys, sells, repairs or modifies vehicles then Plan Insurance Brokers can source a tailored <\/strong>Motor Trade insurance policy<\/span><\/strong><\/a> for you. If you have any more questions or would like a quote call our expert team, request a call back<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or <\/strong>fill in a quote form<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Can You Claim for Pothole Damage?<\/h4>\n

Yes, you can, but only if you\u2019ve got evidence. Claims can be made through your car insurance or directly from the authority responsible for the road.<\/p>\n

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  1. Insurance Route<\/strong>: Comprehensive car insurance usually covers pothole damage. However, claiming on your policy could affect your no-claims bonus and increase your premium.<\/li>\n
  2. Authority Route<\/strong>: If the road\u2019s condition shows negligence, you can claim compensation from the relevant council or authority. For example, National Highways manages motorways and major A roads, while local councils handle smaller roads. In London, red routes are maintained by Transport for London.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Steps to Claim Compensation for Pothole Damage<\/h4>\n

    Here\u2019s your roadmap to making a successful claim:<\/p>\n

    1. Gather Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Evidence is key. When safe to do so<\/strong>, take photos of:<\/p>\n