With 15 January designated as ‘National Pothole Day’, insurance company Admiral has revealed the huge increase in cars suffering pothole damage.
Analysis of the company’s data, has found that claims made for damage caused by potholes have risen by more than one-third (34 percent) since 2016.
The actual cost of repairs after pothole encounters has also jumped, increasing by an average of 16 percent. Admiral blames this on higher-tech vehicles requiring more specialist attention, along with an overall rise in the cost of car repairs.
Winter woes for drivers
December’s cold snap is expected to bring more pothole misery to UK roads, with freeze-thaw action likely to worsen existing cracks in tarmac surfaces.
Admiral notes that the ‘Beast from the East’ winter storm brought a 102 percent surge in pothole claims.
January to March is typically already the worst period for pothole-related claims. The first quarter of the year usually accounts for more than one-third (36 percent) of annual pothole claims.
Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral, explains: “Over the last seven years we’ve seen an average of over 700 pothole-related claims a year.
“In years with extreme cold snaps, we always see an increase – for example, in 2018 when we had the ‘Beast from the East’, this increased to over 1,000 claims.
“We expect the thaw following the December cold snap will result in a spike in claims this year, too.”
How to claim for pothole damage
Lorna Connelley adds: “You can always try to claim compensation for any damage caused to your car, through whoever is responsible for the road you were driving on, although there is no guarantee you will be successful.”
Admiral has produced a step-by-step guide on how to claim compensation for damage caused by potholes. This includes advice to:
- Collect as much evidence as possible. This should include a photograph of the pothole, along with details of the time, date, and location where the damage occurred. A mechanic’s written report on the damage will help, too.
- Find out who is responsible. Different authorities have responsibility for different roads, so it is vital to contact the right one. Drivers can request copies of maintenance schedules to show potholes have not been addressed properly.
- Report your claim. Many local authorities have online forms for this, but be sure to include as much information as possible.
Once submitted, a local authority or other organisation may make an offer of compensation. Be prepared to argue for more if this does not adequately cover the damage caused.
If your claim is rejected, drivers can opt to pursue the matter through court. However, this is potentially an expensive and time-consuming process, so best reserved for the most serious levels of damage.
Admiral notes that there is the option to claim on your car insurance for damage, should you have comprehensive cover. This should be weighed against the cost of your insurance excess, along with the effect on any no-claims bonus applied.
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