Saturday 19 November 2022 10:44 PM Motorists hit by pothole damage bills fighting back as councils pay £32m in ... trends now
This winter, two million new potholes are expected to break up our roads – caused by a lethal combination of freezing wet weather and council cuts to road repairs.
These craters cause thousands of pounds of damage to vehicles, as well as serious injuries and even deaths. Yet rather than simply paying the cost of a repair, it may be worth contacting the council responsible for maintaining the road to demand that it foots the bill.
Councils have given £32 million in compensation for people injured by potholes in the past five years, according to law firm Lime Solicitors. Only one claim in four is successful, but experts believe the figure would be much higher if motorists knew how to fight back.
Edmund King, president of the AA, says: 'If you are willing to be tenacious, it is worth seeking compensation.'
On average, the AA has received 225 more emergency call-outs each day this month for cars damaged by potholes – bringing the daily average up to 1,725. Most are for blowouts and punctures, costing £100 or so to repair, but some involve suspension damage which can cost £1,000 or more.
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If you hit a pothole, there are simple steps you can take to claim compensation. Firstly, note the date and time and take pictures of your vehicle and the crater. Ideally, also take measurements – councils can claim a depth of two inches is required to call it a pothole. Then go to a garage for a repair quote.
Check websites such as Fix My Street or Fill That Hole to see if anyone else has reported the pothole. If so, you have a stronger case. When you claim for compensation, a form should be available via the
