Pothole damage can void your car insurance

Which? has highlighted the twin threat facing British drivers from potholes – not only can they cause expensive damage to your vehicle, but they may also impact your insurance cover.

Pothole damage can be extensive and costly. Common problems include punctured tyres, cracked alloy wheels, damaged suspension components, and misaligned steering. More serious impacts can affect your car's tracking, cause premature tyre wear, or damage the exhaust system. Repair bills often run into hundreds of pounds, with luxury vehicles and cars fitted with low-profile tyres particularly vulnerable.

Your insurance response matters crucially. Most comprehensive policies cover pothole damage, but you'll typically face an excess payment. However, failing to declare previous pothole damage when renewing your policy could void your cover entirely. Insurance companies view undeclared claims as material non-disclosure – even if you paid for repairs yourself without claiming.

You have legal rights to compensation from councils. Local authorities have a statutory duty to maintain roads in a reasonable condition under the Highways Act 1980. If you can prove the council knew about a dangerous pothole and failed to repair it within a reasonable timeframe, you can claim compensation directly. You'll need photographs of the damage, the pothole, and evidence the council was aware of the problem.

Document everything immediately after pothole strikes. Stop safely and photograph your vehicle damage, the pothole itself, and surrounding road signs for location evidence. Note the exact time, date, and weather conditions. Report the pothole to the local council immediately – this creates an official record. Get repair estimates from garages, even if claiming through insurance.

Consider your claiming options carefully. Small claims under £500 might be worth pursuing directly with the council to avoid insurance excess fees and potential premium impacts. For larger amounts, your insurer may pursue the council on your behalf through subrogation. Citizens Advice provides free guidance on making compensation claims against local authorities.

Prevention remains your best protection. Reduce speed on unfamiliar roads, especially after heavy rain when potholes become more visible. Maintain proper tyre pressure – under-inflated tyres suffer more damage from impacts. Consider higher-profile tyres if you frequently drive on poor road surfaces, and always leave sufficient following distance to spot hazards ahead.