How to Report a Pothole in the UK (And Claim for Damage)

Summary

• Report online: Most councils have online forms - takes 2-3 minutes.
• Use FixMyStreet: A free website/app that forwards reports to the right council.
• Claim for damage: You can claim against the council if they knew about the pothole and didn't fix it.
• Document everything: Photos of the pothole, your location, and any damage are essential.

UK roads are in a sorry state. Potholes damage cars, injure cyclists, and cost drivers millions each year in repairs.

This guide explains how to report potholes and how to claim compensation if one damages your car.

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Why Report Potholes?

Reporting potholes helps in several ways:

• Gets the pothole fixed, preventing future accidents
• Creates an official record (important if you need to claim)
• Helps councils prioritise road repairs
• Protects other road users

Councils have a duty to maintain roads. If they're made aware of a pothole and don't fix it within a reasonable time, they may be liable for any damage it causes.

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How to Report a Pothole

Option 1: Report to Your Council Directly

1. Find your local council's website
2. Search for "report a pothole" or "road defect"
3. Fill in the online form with the location and description
4. Upload photos if possible
5. Keep a copy of the confirmation

Option 2: Use FixMyStreet

FixMyStreet (fixmystreet.com) is a free service that:

• Works across the UK
• Automatically sends reports to the correct council
• Available as a website or app
• Keeps a public record of reports

Option 3: Report by Phone

Call your council's highways department. Less convenient but useful if you can't access the internet.

What to Include in Your Report

• Exact location (road name, landmarks, what3words)
• Size of the pothole (rough estimate)
• How long it's been there (if you know)
• Photos showing the pothole and its location
• Any damage or incidents it has caused

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Reporting Motorway and A-Road Potholes

Strategic roads (motorways and major A-roads) are managed by National Highways, not local councils.

Report these through:

• National Highways website (nationalhighways.co.uk)
• Phone: 0300 123 5000

In Scotland, contact Traffic Scotland. In Wales, contact the relevant local authority or Transport for Wales.

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What Happens After You Report?

Most councils have response time targets:

Severity	Typical Response Time
Dangerous (deep, on busy road)	24-48 hours
Moderate	1-4 weeks
Minor	May be scheduled for future maintenance

You may receive a reference number. Keep this for your records.

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Claiming for Pothole Damage

If a pothole damages your car, you may be able to claim compensation from the council or National Highways.

What You Can Claim For

• Tyre damage or blowouts
• Wheel or alloy damage
• Suspension damage
• Steering or alignment issues
• Bodywork damage

How to Make a Claim

1. Document the pothole: Take photos immediately, with a ruler or coin for scale
2. Note the location: Road name, what3words, or GPS coordinates
3. Photograph the damage: Multiple angles showing the damage to your car
4. Get repair quotes: At least one, preferably two or more
5. Submit a claim: Via the council's website or by letter
6. Keep receipts: If you've already paid for repairs

The Council's Defence

Councils often reject claims using the "Section 58 defence" - they claim they had a reasonable system for inspecting and maintaining roads and weren't aware of the specific pothole.

To succeed, you may need to show:

• The pothole was reported previously (check FixMyStreet for past reports)
• The pothole was large/dangerous enough that it should have been noticed
• The council failed to maintain the road adequately

If Your Claim Is Rejected

Options include:

• Appeal the decision with more evidence
• Take the matter to the small claims court (for claims under £10,000)
• Contact a solicitor for larger claims

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Should You Claim on Your Insurance?

You can claim pothole damage on your comprehensive car insurance, but consider:

• You'll have to pay your excess
• It may affect your no-claims discount
• Future premiums may increase

For minor damage, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket. For major damage, claiming might make sense - and your insurer may pursue the council on your behalf.

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Pothole Statistics

Some sobering numbers:

• UK councils filled over 2 million potholes in 2023
• The RAC attended over 27,000 pothole-related breakdowns in 2023
• Average repair claim is around £300
• The backlog of road repairs is estimated at £16 billion

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Tips for Avoiding Pothole Damage

• Keep your tyres properly inflated (underinflated tyres damage more easily)
• Leave space from the car ahead so you can see the road
• Slow down on roads you don't know well
• Avoid puddles (they can hide deep potholes)
• If you can't avoid a pothole, don't brake hard over it - this causes more damage

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Common Questions

How deep does a pothole have to be to claim?

There's no official minimum, but potholes over 40mm deep are generally considered actionable. Shallower ones may still cause damage in certain circumstances.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You should report and claim as soon as possible. Most councils have time limits, and evidence is strongest immediately after the incident.

Can I claim for damage to my bike or motorbike?

Yes, the same process applies for any vehicle - including bicycles and motorcycles.

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Final Thoughts

Potholes are frustrating, but reporting them helps get them fixed and creates a record if you need to claim. If a pothole damages your car, document everything and submit a claim - many are successful, especially if the council was already aware of the problem.

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