Pothole damage costs drivers £579m

Drivers are being hit with higher repair bills if their vehicle is damaged by a pothole.

According to the AA, the average cost of fixing pothole damage to a vehicle has risen from £250 to £300 in the last year.

Figures also showed that in total, pothole damage cost drivers £579 million in 2024 – up from £474 million in 2023.

That’s despite the actual number of pothole-related incidents coming down during this period.

The AA believes this is partly a result of inflation, as well as supply chain delays and more advanced technology within cars.

AA calls for councils to act

Local authorities have been urged to move away from their “patch and run” approach, and instead make permanent road repairs and resurfacing a priority.

“The good news is that pothole-related car incidents have declined, but the bad news is that the cost of repairs has increased,” said AA president Edmund King.

“Potholes are still the number one issue for drivers and more needs to be done to build on this improvement.”

What problems can potholes cause?

Potholes can cause all sorts of problems for vehicles, including damage to:

• tyres
• wheels
• steering
• suspension

Chips flying up from potholes can also damage your vehicle’s windscreen and bodywork.

Can I claim compensation if my vehicle is damaged by a pothole?

Possibly. You could get compensation from whoever is responsible for maintaining the road surface.

That could be a better option than claiming on your insurance for pothole damage, as that could increase your premiums in the future.

If you decide to seek compensation, find out who’s responsible for the road, and then get in touch with the following information:

• What damage was caused
• Why you think they’re responsible
• The location (road name, nearest marker post, or identifiable feature)
• Date and time of the incident

You should also provide pictures of the pothole, which clearly show its size and depth, as well as images of the damage done to your vehicle. 

Finally, include evidence of how much repairing your car cost, and if applicable, details of any medical treatment you needed.

Although there’s no guarantee that your claim for compensation will succeed, it’s worth knowing that you could have a better chance if other drivers have already reported the pothole and nothing was done.

How do I know who is responsible for the road?

If you're travelling on a motorway or a major A-road, responsibility typically falls to National Highways (or equivalent agencies such as Transport Scotland or the Welsh Government, depending on the location). 

For most other roads, including residential streets, local councils are responsible for maintenance and repairs.