With six potholes for every mile of road in England and Wales and 632,000 callouts to vehicles damaged by road defects last year, it’s clear that Britain has a serious pothole problem. As a result, drivers are left paying the price for underinvestment in our road infrastructure. According to data from the RAC, motorists can expect to pay as much as £460 for repairs if their car is damaged after hitting a pothole.
The good news is that Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to tackle the problem by using the latest technology to fix Britain’s battered roads (GOV). The government has also pledged more cash to fund the repair of over one million potholes a year.
The announcement will relieve many hard-pressed drivers already dealing with sky-high insurance premiums, car parts shortages, and eye-watering pump prices. But even with government support, Britain’s pothole problem will unlikely disappear overnight.
So, what can drivers do to protect their vehicles from pothole damage? And if their car is damaged, what options do they have to reclaim repair costs? The motoring experts at My Motor World are here with all the answers to help your readers.
Claiming for damage
Even cautious drivers occasionally fall victim to potholes. If you have a run-in with a pothole on a council-maintained road this winter, you may be able to claim damages. Here’s how:
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Take evidence. First, you’ll need proof that a pothole on a council-maintained road caused the damage to your vehicle. Make a note of the location, and if possible, take photographic evidence of the pothole and surrounding area to establish the exact location. It may also help to draw up a rough map.
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Please check that the pothole meets the proper criteria. It should generally be 4cm deep (about the same height as two twenty-pence coins).
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Ask your mechanic for evidence. Ask your mechanic for a written report of the damage to back up your claim. Be sure to get an itemised, dated bill for any work.
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Find out who is responsible for the road. Do some research to find out which official body to submit your claim to. National Highways may be able to help you if you aren’t sure.
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Quote the relevant legislation. For England and Wales, refer to Parts 42-58 of the Highways Act 1980; in Scotland, Part 1 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984; in Northern Ireland, Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.
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Submit your claim. Include all supporting evidence when you submit your claim through the relevant authority’s system. Many now have ‘fast claims’ systems, which can simplify the process.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal using data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to show that the road wasn’t adequately maintained. Alternatively, you could escalate your case to the small claims court.
Even if your claim is successful, the relevant body may only agree to cover part of the repair costs. However, there are other ways you can help keep costs low:
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Source parts yourself. This can reduce the cost of garage repairs.
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Carry out simple repairs at home. You may be able to carry out simple maintenance yourself, such as repairing chipped paintwork or replacing alloys and hubs.
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Shop around. It’s always worth getting a few quotes. You might also find that official dealerships charge higher prices than local garages and workshops.
How to Avoid Pothole Damage
Of course, no one wants to hit a pothole, and you can’t always avoid them. But making a few simple adjustments to your driving style can help reduce the chances of this happening.
Adjusting Your Driving Habits
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Slow down. It might seem obvious, but the slower you go, the more time you’ll have to react to hazards. Hitting a pothole at a slower speed will also reduce the impact and potential damage to your car.
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Avoid puddles and drive slowly through lying water. Large puddles can conceal deep potholes, so proceed with caution. Slowing down also helps reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
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Maintain proper stopping distance. Stay far enough behind the car in front to see the road surface ahead, giving you more time to react.
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Take a different route if you know a road is riddled with potholes. Major roads with better lighting are generally in better condition.
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Report potholes. While councils may not act immediately, reporting a pothole increases the chances of it being repaired. Note its location and, if safe to do so, snap a few photos of the damage.
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Slow down before impact. You should only drive around a pothole if it’s safe. If you can’t avoid a pothole altogether, slow down, then release the brakes and coast before you hit the pothole. This will reduce the speed at impact and allow your suspension to travel to its full range to absorb the blow.
Prepping Your Vehicle
While you can’t fully “pothole-proof” your car, keeping up with maintenance and making a few adjustments can help reduce the likelihood of significant damage.
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Check your tyres. Check your tyre pressure regularly to ensure they aren’t over- or underinflated, and inspect the condition using the 20-pence test. Inspect the tyres for cracks, punctures, and excessive wear, as this can make them very vulnerable to pothole damage.
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Alignment. Whenever you have work done on your tyres, suspension, or steering, align your wheels to help prevent uneven wear and improve handling.
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Improve visibility. Keep the windshield clear and ensure your wiper blades are in good working order so you can see the road in all weather conditions.
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Suspension. Ensure your car’s suspension system is in good working order to absorb the shock of any unexpected potholes.
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Apply paintwork protection. Loose debris from potholes can chip your car’s paintwork. A protective coating can offer extra defence against minor damage.
While the government’s efforts to fix Britain’s pothole problem are promising, drivers still need to stay proactive and take steps to protect their vehicles. By adjusting their driving habits, maintaining their cars, and knowing how to claim damages, they can reduce the impact of pothole-related issues this winter.
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