The government has handed over £200 million to fix Britain’s battered roads. But local councils are struggling to keep up with the pothole chaos.
Hit a Pothole? You Might Get Your Repairs Back
If your car’s been wrecked by a pothole, you can claim compensation from your local council — but only if you prove the damage was caused by a pothole deep enough to count.
Most councils say a pothole must be at least 40mm deep to qualify. You’ll need evidence that your damage was definitely caused by that specific pothole.
Mechanics’ Reports: Is Their Word Enough?
Some reckon a mechanic’s repair report could help back up your claim. But official confirmation on whether this is enough to settle a payout is still up in the air.
Claims Can Drag On for Months
Beware: According to Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert, pothole claims can take up to eight months to process. Drivers have a whopping six years (five in Scotland) to make a claim.
Martin Lewis warns: “A compensation culture is dangerous, and we must be wary of it, especially when taxpayers are footing the bill.”
“However, the authorities have a legal obligation to maintain roads so that they are safe for everyone to use. If they don’t, and your car is damaged, they should contribute to the repair costs.”
Who to Contact for Your Claim
- Local councils cover local roads, B roads, and smaller A roads.
- Highways England handles motorways and major A roads.
- Traffic Scotland deals with Scotland’s highways and A roads.
- DfI Roads looks after Northern Ireland’s claims.
Remember: Only file a claim if the responsible authority was clearly negligent. Otherwise, you might be stuck with the bill.
