How to Claim for Pothole Damage in the UK (2026)

UK roads are in their worst state in decades. Pothole-related breakdowns hit a five-year high in 2025, and the average pothole repair to a car now costs £250–£600 — sometimes much more if the suspension or alloys are damaged. The good news: in many cases you can claim that money back from the highway authority. Here's exactly how to do it.

Step 1 — Stop safely and document everything

If it's safe to do so, pull over. Then start taking photos. The more evidence you gather at the scene, the stronger your claim:

• The pothole itself — from multiple angles, with something for scale (a £1 coin or a 30cm ruler is perfect)
• The depth — most claims need it to be at least 40mm deep on a road, or 25mm on a pavement
• The wider context — show the road, the lane, and any nearby signage
• The damage to your car — close-ups of the tyre, alloy, suspension or whatever's affected
• Date and GPS coordinates — your phone automatically tags these on photos

Step 2 — Identify the highway authority

Different roads are managed by different bodies:

• Motorways and most A-roads — National Highways (England), Transport Scotland, or equivalent
• Other roads — your local council (county, unitary, or borough)

Use the gov.uk "report a pothole" page — it'll automatically route you to the right authority based on the location.

Step 3 — Report the pothole first

Before you claim, report the pothole to the authority. This is important because of something called the Section 58 defence (Highways Act 1980): councils can argue they had no prior knowledge of the defect. Reporting it before you claim weakens that defence — and shows you're acting in good faith.

Step 4 — Get repair quotes

Get at least two written quotes for the repair work. Independent garages are fine — your council won't insist on a main dealer. Include:

• Itemised parts and labour
• Garage letterhead and registration details
• A clear statement linking the damage to a pothole impact

Step 5 — Submit your claim

Write to the authority's claims department (find the address on their website). Include:

1. Date, time, and exact location of the incident
2. Photos of the pothole and the damage
3. Repair quotes / receipts
4. Your reporting reference number
5. A clear request for the amount you want refunded

Send it by recorded delivery and keep a copy. You should get a response within 28 days.

What if they reject your claim?

This is common — many councils auto-reject the first claim. Don't give up. You have two options:

• Appeal in writing — provide additional evidence and ask them to disclose their inspection records under FOI (Freedom of Information). If the pothole was reported but not fixed within their own published timeframe, your case is strong.
• Small claims court — claims under £10,000 can go to the County Court Money Claims Centre. The fee is £35–£455 depending on amount, and you don't need a solicitor. Most councils settle once you file.

Should you claim on your insurance instead?

Only if the damage is serious (£500+) and you'd accept paying the excess. Insurance claims affect your no-claims bonus and future premiums — claiming directly from the council is almost always better when it works.

Don't accept that your road tax just pays for damage you have to absorb. The system is designed to work — if you've got the evidence, you've got a claim.