Motorists can claim cash back for pothole damage in a simple three-step process which AA President Edmund King has outlined on GB news.
Speaking on the People’s Channel, King said the pothole epidemic has not been properly addressed in Britain for years.
He slammed local authorities for taking a “patchwork” approach to clearing road damage, saying it is one of the key contributors to drivers having to shell out a significant amount to fix their vehicles.
But owners of vehicles that have suffered pothole damage could claim cash to go towards repair costs, King said on GB News.
Edmond King said potholes are costing drivers millions
PA / GB NEWS
“What you need to do, if safe to do so, get a picture of the pothole, but obviously be careful”, he said.
“Get a quote for the repairs and then you can make a claim to the local highway authority.
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“If it’s a local road, it will be the local council, if it’s a motorway or trunk road, it will be National Highways.
“The problem is, you are only really likely to get compensation if that pothole has already been reported and not repaired.
“There is an incentive to report pothole and there is a Government website to do so.
“It’s touch and go, I’ve applied a couple of times for compensation and even I haven’t got it – it does vary on the local highway authority.”
The AA President joined Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello on GB News
GB NEWS
It comes after it was revealed UK drivers spent a record-breaking £579 million on pothole damage repairs last year, according to new data from the AA.
The average repair bill has jumped to £300, up from £250 previously, driven by inflation, more advanced vehicle technology and spare parts shortages.
The AA reported 643,318 pothole-related incidents in 2024, with damage typically affecting shock absorbers, suspension springs and wheels.
The RAC noted that the final quarter of 2024 saw a 17 per cent increase in callouts compared to the previous three months, following severe weather conditions.
Last week marked one of the RAC’s busiest periods in five years for pothole-related incidents.
Admiral Car Insurance data reveals pothole-related claims in 2024 were 14 per cent higher than 2023, marking a 62 per cent rise over two years.
Claims have surged by 175 per cent since 2016, with 2024 setting a new record.
The average cost of pothole damage increased by 20 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Adam Gavin, Head of Claims at Admiral, said: “Potholes are more than just an inconvenience; they can also cause costly damage to your vehicle.”
The Government has pledged £500 million towards local road maintenance in 2025-26, committing to fix an extra one million potholes annually.
Local authorities now have nearly £1.6 billion available for road maintenance, representing a £500 million increase from the previous year.
