How to Report a Pothole and Claim for Damage in the UK

Summary

• Report potholes online: Use your local council's website or the gov.uk reporting tool.
• You can claim for damage: If the council knew about the pothole and didn't fix it, they may owe you compensation.
• Gather evidence: Photos, dashcam footage, and repair receipts strengthen your claim.

Potholes are everywhere on UK roads. They damage tyres, wheels, and suspension. And hitting a bad one at speed can be dangerous.

But did you know you can claim for the damage? Here's how to report potholes and get your money back.

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How to Report a Pothole

Reporting a pothole is free and takes just a few minutes. There are two main ways:

1. Gov.uk: Visit gov.uk/report-pothole to report any pothole on a public road in England.
2. Council website: Each council has its own reporting tool. Search for your council name plus "report pothole".

You'll need to describe the location, size of the hole, and whether it's getting worse. A photo helps the council find and assess it quickly.

Tip: Reporting the pothole before making a claim creates an official record. This strengthens your case if the council doesn't fix it and you suffer damage later.

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Can You Claim for Pothole Damage?

Yes. If a pothole damages your car, you can claim compensation from the local council or Highways England.

But it's not automatic. The council must have known about the pothole (or should have known) and failed to repair it within a reasonable time.

If the pothole was reported but not fixed, your claim is much stronger. If it appeared overnight and nobody reported it, the council may argue they didn't know.

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What Damage Can You Claim For?

• Tyre damage: Punctures, sidewall bulges, or blowouts.
• Wheel damage: Bent or cracked alloy wheels.
• Suspension damage: Broken springs, damaged shock absorbers.
• Steering damage: Misalignment caused by the impact.
• Bodywork: Dents or scratches from debris.

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How to Make a Pothole Damage Claim

1. Stop safely and take photos. Photograph the pothole with something for scale (a coin or shoe). Also photograph your car's damage.
2. Note the exact location. Road name, direction of travel, and nearest landmark. A what3words location is ideal.
3. Get repair quotes. Get at least two written quotes from garages.
4. Write to the council. Send a formal claim letter. Include all your evidence, photos, and quotes.
5. Keep all receipts. If you've already paid for repairs, keep the invoices.

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What Evidence Strengthens Your Claim?

The more evidence you have, the better your chances. Here's what helps:

• Dashcam footage: Shows the moment of impact and the size of the pothole.
• Photos: Of the pothole and your car's damage, taken at the scene.
• Witness statements: Any passengers or other drivers who saw the incident.
• Previous reports: If others reported the same pothole before your incident.
• Repair receipts: Proof of costs you've incurred.

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How Long Does a Pothole Claim Take?

Most councils aim to respond within 20-30 working days. But it can take longer.

If the council rejects your claim, you can appeal. You can also take the matter to the small claims court if the amount is under £10,000.

Small claims court fees range from £35 to £455 depending on the claim amount. Many cases settle before going to court.

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Protecting Your Car from Potholes

• Slow down on rough roads: Speed makes pothole damage much worse.
• Watch for puddles: They often hide deep potholes.
• Keep tyres properly inflated: Under-inflated tyres are more likely to be damaged. Read our tyre safety guide for more.
• Check your suspension: If your car feels bumpy or pulls to one side, get it checked.

Regular maintenance helps too. Check our car servicing guide to keep your car in top shape.

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Potholes are frustrating, but you don't have to absorb the cost. Report them, gather evidence, and make a claim. Many drivers successfully get compensation — you just need to know how.

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