Potholes are a growing problem on UK roads and can cause serious damage to vehicles, from punctured tyres and bent wheels to cracked alloy rims and suspension damage.
Recent reports suggest pothole-related insurance claims are continuing to rise as worsening road conditions leave more drivers facing unexpected repair bills. Modern vehicles can also be more expensive to repair due to advanced suspension systems, sensors, and larger alloy wheels.
With pothole‑related breakdowns and insurance claims increasing, keeping your car in good condition is more important than ever, and our maintenance guidance hub.
Report a pothole online
Reporting potholes can help improve road safety and reduce the risk of further vehicle damage for other motorists. In many cases, local authorities are responsible for maintaining roads and repairing dangerous defects.
To report a pothole, you’ll usually need to provide:
- The exact location of the pothole
- Its approximate size and depth
- The date and time it was discovered
- Photos, if safe to take them
Many councils and road authorities provide online reporting tools that allow drivers to submit road defect reports quickly and easily.
By reporting potholes promptly, drivers can help improve road conditions and reduce the likelihood of future accidents or damage claims.
How do potholes form?
Potholes form when water enters small cracks in the road surface. Over time, traffic pressure weakens the road structure and repeated exposure to rain, freezing temperatures, and vehicle weight causes sections of the surface to break apart.
As cracks expand and the road surface deteriorates, loose material is displaced by passing traffic, eventually creating a pothole.
Larger potholes can become dangerous for both drivers and cyclists, especially on higher-speed roads where impacts can cause sudden tyre damage or loss of vehicle control.
Making a pothole claim
If your car has been damaged by a pothole, you may be able to make a compensation claim against the authority responsible for maintaining that road. Successful claims often depend on whether the authority was aware of the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable timeframe.
If you intend to make a pothole damage claim, it’s important to gather evidence as soon as it is safe to do so.
What should you do after hitting a pothole?
Check your vehicle for damage
Inspect your tyres, wheels, suspension, and steering for any visible signs of damage. If safe, take photographs of the affected areas and make notes about what happened.
Record details about the pothole
Try to note:
- The exact location
- Approximate size and depth
- Road conditions and weather
- Date and time of the incident
Photographs of the pothole itself can also support your claim.
Report the pothole
Even if you decide not to claim compensation, reporting the pothole helps reduce the risk for other road users and creates an official record of the defect.
Keep repair invoices and quotes
If your vehicle requires repairs, keep copies of all invoices, estimates, and receipts as evidence for your claim.
With pothole‑related insurance claims on the rise, this look at how AI could help tackle the UK’s road‑surface crisis — AI and potholes explores the technology the government believes could reduce future damage and repair costs.
Can potholes affect your car’s value?
Repeated pothole damage can impact wheel alignment, suspension components, tyres, and steering systems. If repairs are not properly carried out, this may reduce your vehicle’s resale value over time.
You can learn more about common vehicle repair costs in our guide to common car maintenance myths.
How to submit a pothole compensation claim
To make a claim, you’ll usually need to contact the authority responsible for the road and provide supporting evidence including:
- Photos of the pothole and vehicle damage
- Repair invoices or estimates
- Incident details
- Witness statements if available
You should also clearly explain the amount you are claiming and why.
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