Motorists across England submitted claims totalling a staggering £10.2 million to county councils for vehicle damage caused by potholes in the 2024/25 financial year. However, research reveals a stark reality: the vast majority of these claims were rejected, with only a small fraction of drivers receiving any financial help.
A Multi-Million Pound Claims Gap
Data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 13 county councils in the final quarter of 2025, analysed by Quotezone.co.uk, paints a concerning picture. From April 2024 to March 2025, nearly 10,000 drivers applied for compensation. Despite the huge sum claimed, councils approved payments of just £666,712. This means a mere 6% of claimants successfully received funds to cover their repair bills.
This low success rate exists against a backdrop of mixed news on road maintenance. While the total number of reported potholes to these councils fell to 233,047 (down from 276,932 the previous year), public perception suggests the problem is worsening. A separate Quotezone survey found that 73% of drivers believe potholes in their local area have deteriorated over the past 12 months.
Public Frustration and Government Investment
The research highlights significant public dissatisfaction with the compensation system. A overwhelming 92% of drivers say the council claims process needs to be simplified, and 95% believe they should be entitled to claim from their local authority for pothole-related damages.
This frustration persists despite significant government investment. In December 2024, ministers announced a record £1.6 billion to fill potholes and repair roads between 2025 and 2026, simultaneously encouraging the public to report defects in their area.
How to Navigate the Pothole Claims Process
For motorists who hit a pothole, there are typically two avenues for seeking compensation: claiming on your own car insurance or making a claim directly against the local council or highway authority. The latter option is often fraught with difficulty.
To have any chance of a successful claim against a council, drivers must provide robust evidence. Experts recommend compiling a detailed dossier including:
- The exact location, date, and time of the incident.
- Clear, time-stamped photographs of both the pothole and the damage to the vehicle.
- Receipts or multiple quotations for the repair work.
- Any broken vehicle parts, kept for potential inspection.
- Witness statements, if available.
It is also crucial to note that some councils have specific criteria, such as a minimum depth or width, before they will even consider a pothole claim.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone and a car insurance expert, commented on the findings: “Despite record government investment to fix the UK’s pothole problem, a recent Quotezone survey shows the public feel more needs to be done.”
“Potholes can be a double-edged sword for motorists,” he added. “Claiming for vehicle repairs off the car insurance policy will likely risk the driver’s no claims bonus, potentially making future premiums more expensive, and our research suggests it can be a challenge to get compensation from local councils and road authorities.”
Wilson concluded by calling for reform: “Councils are under immense pressure but that doesn’t change the reality for drivers with costly damage. A clearer, more transparent claims process would go a long way in restoring trust and ensuring motorists aren’t unfairly left out of pocket.”
