Driving over a deep pothole, even at a low speed, can cause damage to a vehicle’s tyres, alloy wheels, steering alignment, wheel tracking and balancing and suspension.
When the steering is severely damaged it can also make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, which could increase the risk of accidents.
But can you claim for the damages caused by potholes from your car insurance?
Can you claim for pothole damage on your car insurance?
On most occasions, the answer will be yes, but it is worth considering whether it is worth risking your insurer ruling you were at fault for the incident, and therefore hitting you with an excess charge.
Graham Molsher, engineer and pothole expert, said: “Potholes aren’t just a nuisance – they can be dangerous. A single hit can damage tyres, wheels, suspension and even knock wheel alignment out of manufactures specification, meaning safety systems like ADAS would need to be re-calibrated.
“However, damage isn’t always obvious straight away, meaning repeated impacts can accelerate wear and tear and lead to expensive repairs, affecting how safely your car drives.”
John Coles, head of customer claims at Admiral, added: “For the first time in five years, we’ve seen a fall in pothole claims, which sounds like good news.
“It would be great to think that we’ve finally turned a corner and are getting a grip on potholes. However, drivers are telling us a very different story.
“The majority of motorists say that the number and severity of potholes has got worse in the last year, with only one in five saying things have improved.
“It’s likely that the claims we see are just the tip of the iceberg, as these will usually be cars that have been severely damaged.
“If the damage is relatively minor, drivers may decide to pay for the repair themselves. We want to help motorists spot the warning signs early, before small impacts turn into costly problems.”
How to claim compensation for pothole damage
Admiral has created a step-by-step guide explaining how to claim compensation for pothole damage from either the local council or your insurer.
Collect your evidence: Make a note of the pothole’s location, the time and date you hit it and get a photo, and take your car to a garage to get a mechanic’s report.
Who’s responsible: The next step is to work out who maintains the road; different authorities are responsible for maintaining certain types of roads.
Reporting it: You’ll then need to lodge a formal claim. Include as much information as possible, including the mechanic’s report and repair costs and any photos you’ve taken.
Receiving an offer: You’ll then receive an offer for compensation – if you’re not happy with this, you’re able to query the claim with the council.
Offer rejected: If you feel your claim has been unfairly rejected, you can seek legal advice or make a case through the courts.
Claiming through insurance: With comprehensive cover you can claim for pothole damage – however it’s worth considering damage costs, excess payments and your No Claims Bonus.