Pothole Claims Increased By 39% Since 2016

Ahead of National Pothole Day on Saturday January 15th, Admiral Motor Insurance releases data which reveals claims for pothole damage has increased by 39% since 2016.

Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral, said:
“January 15th marks National Pothole Day and anyone who drives will be familiar with that sudden ‘clunk’ from roads that are plagued with potholes. But potholes are more than just an inconvenience, they can also cause costly damage to your vehicle.

“Our data shows that the number of claims for damage caused by potholes has increased by 39% since 2016 – and the cost will probably only go up as our vehicles become more advanced and costly to repair.

“January, February and March is the worst time of year for pothole claims, with over 57% more claims made over this period than any other season, as road surfaces become unsettled by cooler temperatures.

“Pothole pockets can quickly open up, especially if the weather has been bad, which means they might not have been there the last time you took that route. Keep a sharp eye and slow down – swerving can be more dangerous! If you think you’ve hit a hum-dinger, get out and check for damage at the safest opportunity. Take photos of the pothole and the damage to your car and consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic to check for damage.

“If you have Comprehensive cover, claiming for pothole damage through your insurer should be a straightforward process, but it can affect your no claims bonus and you may need to pay an excess.

“You can always try to claim compensation for any damage caused to your car, through whoever is responsible for the road you were driving on, although there is no guarantee you will be successful. To help, we’ve created a step-by-step guide explaining how to claim compensation for pothole damage.

“It’s great that there is funding committed to fixing Britain’s potholes – we know what a huge nuisance they are for our customers. However, keeping on top of them is a challenge for local authorities so it’s always best stay alert and keep a lookout for any potholes that might have popped up.”

https://www.admiral.com/magazine/guides/motor/how-to-claim-for-pothole-damage