Potholes in the UK: what every driver should know

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading off on holiday or simply popping to the shops, potholes have become an unavoidable part of driving on many UK roads.

Most are little more than an annoyance, but some can cause significant damage to your tyres, wheels and suspension, leaving you with an unexpected repair bill.

In this guide, we’ll explain why potholes form, what to do if you hit one, how to report it and how you can help protect yourself if the worst happens.

Why are there so many potholes?

Potholes develop when water seeps into small cracks in the road surface. During colder weather, water freezes and expands, weakening the road. As vehicles continue to drive over the damaged area, the surface eventually breaks away, leaving a pothole behind.

Although winter often causes the greatest damage, potholes can appear at any time of year, especially after periods of heavy rainfall or on busy roads with high traffic volumes.

With thousands of miles of roads to maintain across the UK, repairing every pothole as soon as it appears is a huge challenge for local authorities.

How common is pothole damage?

Unfortunately, pothole damage is something many motorists experience.

According to the AA*:

• Millions of drivers encounter potholes each year.
• Tyres and alloy wheels are among the most commonly damaged parts of a vehicle.
• Suspension, steering and wheel alignment can also be affected.
• Repair costs will vary depending on the type of damage and your specific vehicle, but repair bills may run into hundreds of pounds.

Repair costs can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the damage sustained, but common repairs can include:

• Tyre punctures or replacements: around £100 to £150
• Wheel or alloy wheel repairs: around £150 to £300
• Suspension or steering repairs: £300 to £600+

More serious structural damage can cost considerably more, which is why it’s important to have your vehicle checked if you suspect a pothole has caused damage.

Sometimes the effects aren’t immediately obvious, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on how your vehicle feels after hitting a pothole.

What should you do if you hit a pothole?

If you think your vehicle has been damaged, your safety should always come first.

If it’s safe to stop, you should:

• Check your tyres and wheels for any obvious signs of damage.
• Make a note of the location of the pothole. If you have dash cam footage, keep a copy as it may help support your claim by showing the pothole, location, date and time.
• Report the pothole to the relevant local authority.
• If it’s safe and legal to do so, take photographs of the pothole and any visible damage to your vehicle.

Never stop on a motorway or in a dangerous location just to inspect the damage or take photographs. If it’s not safe, continue to a suitable place before checking your vehicle.

Even if everything looks fine, it’s worth paying attention to any new vibrations, unusual noises or changes in steering, as these could indicate hidden damage.

How do you report a pothole?

Reporting potholes helps local authorities identify dangerous road defects and arrange repairs.

You can report potholes through the relevant local authority for the road or by following the Government’s guidance on reporting road problems. Find out more here.

Providing the location as accurately as possible helps inspectors find the pothole more quickly.

Can you claim compensation for pothole damage?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to make a claim against the authority responsible for maintaining the road.

If you decide to do this, it’s helpful to keep:

• The location of the pothole.
• The date and time of the incident.
• Photographs of the pothole and vehicle damage, where it was safe and legal to take them.
• Any repair invoices or inspection reports.

Each claim is assessed individually and isn’t guaranteed to be successful, but keeping clear records can help support your case.

Helping make a claim easier

If a pothole has damaged your vehicle and you’re covered by Pothole Insurance, there are a few simple things that can help support your claim.

You’ll need to provide evidence that the pothole has been reported to the relevant authority. If it was safe and legal to do so, photographs of the pothole and any damage to your vehicle may also be requested to support your claim.

Taking these steps at the time of the incident can make all the difference later on.

Extra peace of mind

While careful driving can reduce the risk, it’s impossible to avoid every pothole.

That’s why we’ve introduced Pothole Insurance, helping provide reassurance if your vehicle suffers damage caused by a pothole.

You can find out more about what’s covered, eligibility and how to make a claim on our dedicated Pothole Insurance page.

Final thoughts

Potholes are an unfortunate reality of driving on UK roads, but knowing what to do can help minimise both the stress and the cost.

Remember to put your safety first, report dangerous potholes when you can and keep a record of the incident if your vehicle has been damaged.

A few simple steps today could make life much easier tomorrow.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as general guidance only and may not apply in every circumstance.

*Half Of Drivers Caught Out By Pothole Costs | AA