What To Do If You Hit a Pothole

When your wheel meets a crater

Hitting a pothole is a jolt in every sense. The bang is followed by a sinking feeling as a warning light flickers on or a tyre begins to deflate. You are not alone. RAC data shows pothole-related breakdowns reached a record 25,758 in the 12 months to September 2025, averaging 71 a day. That pressure reflects a wider problem: repairs across England look set to remain around 1.85 million in 2025/26, far short of ambitions to add a further one million fixes a year. The national carriageway backlog is estimated at £16.3 billion in England and Wales, with hotspots in the North West and South West where weather and road types accelerate wear.

For drivers, this means a higher chance of wheel, tyre and suspension damage, particularly after heavy rain and in colder months. Seasonal spikes are real, with a marked rise in late 2025. Councils are being rated on road condition and maintenance using a new Red, Amber, Green system, yet performance varies widely. Some areas resolve defects quickly, while others take months. Staffordshire, for example, has averaged over 200 days for fixes in recent years, compared with rapid one-day responses in places like Gwynedd.

Claims are rising but successes are scarce. Local authorities rejected the majority of pothole damage claims in 2024, with only around a quarter paid and average settlements of about £390. That is a sobering benchmark when deciding whether to claim on insurance, pursue a council, or pay out of pocket. Understanding the likely routes, timelines and costs will help you choose the least stressful and most economical path for your situation.

Understanding the odds and documenting evidence early can be worth more than chasing a low-probability payout later.

Who this guidance serves

If you drive in the UK, this is for you. It covers everyday motorists commuting on B-roads, families navigating school runs, and higher-mileage drivers whose suspension and tyres take the brunt of repeated impacts. It is also useful if you lease or finance your car and want to avoid end-of-term damage charges.

You will find practical steps to protect safety at the roadside, a clear view of your claim options, and a plain-English explanation of costs and trade-offs. Whether you plan to repair privately, claim on your insurance, or seek a council payout, you will know what to record, how to report it, and when financing repairs sensibly might make more sense than a lengthy dispute.

Your choices, ranked by practicality

1. Make the car safe: stop, check tyres, wheels and steering.

2. Document the scene: photos, measurements, location, time, weather.

3. Notify and report: log the pothole with the council promptly.

4. Repair privately: get quotes from VAT-registered garages.

5. Claim from the council: use evidence if the defect was reported or obvious.

6. Claim on comprehensive car insurance: weigh the excess and potential premium rise.

7. Use tyre, alloy or breakdown cover if included.

8. Consider finance for repairs: spread cost via reputable credit options.

What it really means for your wallet

Are you eligible to claim or finance?

A council claim depends on evidence and the authority’s inspection records. You will strengthen your case with clear photos showing the pothole’s depth and width, exact location details, timestamps, and proof of damage like punctured tyres, buckled rims or misaligned suspension. Councils often reject claims if they can show reasonable inspection and maintenance schedules, which is why many motorists do not succeed even when the damage feels clear-cut. Prior reports from other road users can help, as can demonstrating that the defect had deteriorated for some time.

For insurance, comprehensive cover typically includes pothole damage, but your excess and the risk of higher premiums should be considered against the likely repair bill. Check whether you have separate tyre and alloy cover or breakdown assistance that can reduce immediate outlay. Keep all invoices and diagnostic reports from VAT-registered garages to support any claim.

If you prefer to repair quickly and avoid uncertainty, finance can spread the cost. As a UK-based retail finance broker, Kandoo can introduce you to a panel of lenders so you can compare options in minutes, subject to status and affordability. Soft-search eligibility checks are commonly used by lenders and do not affect your credit score, but do review representative APRs, fees and total amount payable before committing.

Step-by-step to stay in control

1. Pull over safely and switch on hazards.

2. Inspect tyres, wheels and steering response.

3. Photograph damage and measure pothole depth.

4. Pinpoint location using maps and nearby markers.

5. Report the pothole to your local council.

6. Get two to three VAT-registered repair quotes.

7. Decide: council claim, insurance, or private repair.

8. Keep receipts and track communications throughout.

The trade-offs at a glance

Read this before you commit

Evidence wins cases. Take photographs from multiple angles, include a depth reference such as a tape measure, and note the exact location using a nearby junction or lamppost number. Book a professional inspection, even if the car feels fine. Suspension or alignment damage can surface weeks later and compromise braking. Balance the numbers. If your excess is £350 and the repair is £280, a claim seldom makes sense. If damage is extensive, an insurance route or pragmatic finance may be safer than deferring critical work.

Timing matters. Some councils take months to fix defects, and seasonal spikes make roads worse after prolonged rain or freezing conditions. Use the Department for Transport’s new council performance ratings to gauge local responsiveness, and consider adjusting routes in known hotspots such as parts of the North West and South West. Finally, keep every receipt and email. A tidy paper trail is your best defence if you need to escalate.

Alternatives if plan A stalls

1. Seek an independent engineer’s report to validate damage.

2. Use a mobile wheel refurbishment specialist for interim fixes.

3. Ask your insurer about approved smart-repair partners.

4. Consider a short-term courtesy car if mobility is essential.

5. Explore 0% promotional credit options for eligible repairs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Should I drive on after hitting a pothole? A: Stop when safe. Check for bulges, cuts, or steering pull. Driving on a damaged tyre or bent rim risks a blowout and more costly suspension issues.

Q: What evidence do councils accept? A: Clear photos showing size and depth, precise location, timestamps, repair invoices, and proof the defect existed before the incident or was previously reported. Independent reports help.

Q: Is claiming on insurance worth it? A: Compare the total repair cost with your excess and expected premium changes. For minor tyre damage, paying privately can be cheaper. For axle, wheel and suspension, insurance may be prudent.

Q: Why are potholes getting worse? A: Backlogs and weather play a role. Repair volumes remain flat relative to targets, and the national funding uplift will take time to filter through. Some regions face harsher conditions.

Q: Can I claim for tyre-only damage? A: Yes, but outcomes vary. Many claims are rejected, and average council payouts are modest. Tyre cover or private repair may be quicker for small bills.

Q: How long will a council decision take? A: Weeks to months. It depends on local processes and whether inspections show the authority met its maintenance duties. Keep records and set reminders to follow up.

How Kandoo helps you move sooner

Unexpected car repairs strain monthly budgets. Kandoo can connect you with a range of UK lenders so you can compare credit options quickly, subject to status and affordability. Checking your eligibility typically uses a soft search, helping you understand likely rates without harming your credit score. If approved, funds can arrive fast, letting you prioritise safety and get back on the road with confidence.

Important information

This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, insurance or legal advice. Always check your policy documents and local council processes. Credit is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Fees and interest may vary by lender.