Potholes are the bane of every driver’s life. And while the UK government have pledged to fix over 7 million extra potholes across 2025 and 2026, they're still a common feature on most UK roads.
Not only are they a safety hazard, but potholes can also cause significant damage to your car. So, what happens when you hit one? Find out with our handy guide:
- What are potholes and why do we get them?
- Can I claim for pothole damage through insurance?
- How do I claim for pothole damage through my local council?
- How can I prevent pothole damage?
What are potholes and why do we get them?
Potholes are formed when cracks appear in the roads from wear and tear, which are then filled with rainwater. In cold weather, the water in the cracks freezes and expands, causing more damage and widening the crack. Over time, these expanded cracks become potholes. And the more cars drive over them, the bigger and more dangerous potholes get.
Can I claim for pothole damage through my insurance?
You can claim for pothole damage through your AXA car insurance policy if:
- your policy is fully comprehensive, and
- your claim isn't for tyre damage or punctures.
You would still need to pay an excess for your claim. So, if the damage repairs cost less than your excess, it's not work claiming. If the damage caused is more than your excess, you can make a claim online. We'll put you in touch with one of our approved repairers to get it fixed. You can choose another repairer if you like, but you may need to pay a bigger excess if you do.
It’s worth checking if you can get compensation through your local council before claiming through your insurance. Your insurance claim could affect your no claims discount.
How do I claim for pothole damage through my local council?
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Gather evidence of the pothole damage to support your case.
Note down the name of the road and location of the pothole. Take photos and measurements of the pothole if it's safe – and definitely don’t stop to take photos on the motorway, as that's illegal!
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Report a pothole to your local council.
Find the right council page to report your pothole on the gov.co.uk website. Type in your postcode and you’ll be redirected to your local council’s page to file a report. Keep a record of the report you made, as you’ll need this for your claim.
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Get repair quotes.
Get quotes from reputable mechanics to repair the pothole damage. Once you’ve decided who to go with, make sure you keep the receipt for the work done. Ask the mechanic to make a note on your receipt that the repair is for pothole damage, as this adds extra weight to your claim when you contact the council.
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Time to submit your claim.
Your local council should provide a form to claim compensation for pothole damage. Include all the evidence you’ve gathered, a full description of the incident, and your receipt for the repairs. Depending on the council you report to, pay-outs can take anywhere from weeks to months.
Even if you car hasn't been damaged by a pothole, consider reporting any you see. This will help get the pothole fixed by the council, reducing the risk for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
How can I prevent pothole damage?
Save yourself the headache of pothole damage by bearing these top tips in mind:
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Stick to the speed limit
Not only is it illegal to go above the speed limit set,but driving slowly over potholes reduces your risk of major damage. If you spot a pothole in the road, slow down as much as you can before you drive over it, or round it.
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Be wary of puddles
Puddles and flooded roads can be deceiving. They might be hiding potholes. You may end up driving over a puddle, only to find it's a large pothole.
If you see a puddle in the road, be cautious when driving over it. You can also try to avoid the puddle completely, but only if it's safe to. -
Keep a steady grip on your steering wheel
Hitting a pothole can cause you to lose control of your car, creating more damage. So always maintain a firm, steady grip of your steering wheel.
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Care for your tyres regularly
Well-maintained tyres are less likely to be damaged when you hit a pothole. Keep your tyre pressures at the correct level and check your treads regularly to stay safe on the road. Check your car’s manual to find out what the correct tyre pressures are.
Unfortunately, sometimes potholes just can’t be avoided. But if you hit one and get a puncture, or your car gets damaged, you now know what you need to do next.
