We all know how common potholes are on UK roads, causing vehicle damage and posing safety risks. Fortunately, there are multiple systems in place to report potholes and address the potential issues they can cause.

Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to report potholes in the UK and what to do if you experience vehicle damage from a pothole.

What to do if you hit a pothole

A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface, typically caused when cracks in the asphalt worsen due to traffic and water. Over time, these cracks can expand from just a few centimetres to over a metre wide, becoming dangerously deep if left untreated.

If you hit a pothole, it’s a good idea to pull over to a safe place as soon as possible to assess if there’s any damage to your vehicle.

Regardless of whether you think you’ll claim for the damage, drivers should report a pothole straight away to make sure it gets fixed and prevent further potential incidents.

Potholes should be reported if they’re:

  • Deeper than 20mm (2cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a footway

  • Deeper than 40mm (4cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a carriageway

If this is the case, you should get in touch with one of the below:

  • If you live in England and Wales, use the Government’s postcode finder to be directed to the correct organisation
  • If you live in Scotland, use MyGovScotland to select your local council
  • If you live in Northern Ireland, use NIDirect to mark them on a map

How to make a claim

Many drivers are unaware that you can make claims for pothole-related vehicle damage to the organisation responsible for maintaining the road, either against the council, National Highways or your insurance. Before the claim can be made, drivers need to pull together as much evidence as possible.

To make a claim (or when you report a pothole), you need to document the damage. It’s important to provide as much detail as possible to increase your chance of a successful claim.

Take clear photos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle. Note the exact location using what3words and details of the pothole’s depth and size. It’s also worth noting down the contact details of anyone who witnessed what happened and would be happy to support you.

When collecting pothole evidence, please ensure you follow the law—do not measure potholes on motorways or any other dangerous locations where stopping is illegal or unsafe – your personal safety comes first. 

If you suspect your vehicle has experienced damage after hitting a pothole, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible before making the claim. Book in for our Free Pothole Damage Check that comes with an accompanying report you can use when claiming back compensation.

The service includes a thorough safety inspection by a qualified Halfords expert, covering elements such as damage to the tyres, wheels, suspension and wheel alignment. Customers will be given a report outlining any damage noted on the vehicle, and a non-committal quote, all of which can be used for part of any claim.

Now that you’ve documented all the evidence, it’s time to make the claim. The organisation in which you try to claim is dependent on the type of road.

Potholes on public roads

You can apply for compensation against your local council if your car has experienced pothole damage. To do this you’ll need to:

  • Contact the council responsible for maintaining the road with the pothole
  • Provide all the details you’ve gathered, including copies of your quotes, invoices, and receipts.

For more information, head over to the government website where you’ll find the relevant instructions for your local council.

Potholes on motorways and A-roads

If you need to report a pothole on a motorway or an A-road, contact National Highways.

You may also be able to claim against National Highways if your car has experienced damage while on a strategic road network (SRN) as a result of improper road maintenance– these are known as ‘Red Claims’. Again, you will need to provide as much evidence as possible, so it’s important to provide all the details of the incident. Fill out the Red Claim form on their National Highways website to start the process.

What damage can potholes do to your car?

Your car can experience various issues if you hit a pothole. Some of the key problems are as follows:

Tyre puncture

If you experience a tyre puncture, you should head to a garage to see if the puncture is repairable. If not, your tyre will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a punctured tyre is not only incredibly dangerous but also illegal.

Additional tyre damage

It’s possible for potholes to create cuts or bulges in the tyre which can eventually lead to a blow-out or puncture. As a result, it’s important to inspect your tyres after hitting a pothole to check for any potential damage.

Misaligned wheels

This is the most common issue to happen after hitting a pothole. If this is the case, it’s important get your wheels assessed as soon as possible as misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor fuel consumption.

Damage to steering and suspension components.

While this is not as common as some of the above issues, potholes can still cause problems with steering and suspension. You’ll know if this is the case as you’ll experience poor vehicle handling and a much bumpier ride.

What to do if you experience car damage from a pothole?

At Halfords, we offer a variety of services that can help get your car back on track after hitting a pothole. We have a range of free services that cover the likes of tyres, steering and suspension.

Free Pothole Damage Check

While we offer a number of free checks that inspect individual vehicle components, our Free Pothole Damage Check, covers all bases! Our Pothole Damage Check will inspect your tyres, wheels, steering and suspension system all in one appointment. We can also provide you with a non commitment quote that can be used against any insurance claims. To ensure your vehicle is in safe condition after hitting a pothole, be sure to book this free check online as soon as possible.

Free Repairs Check

Our free Free Repairs Check is a great option if you have identified a leakage or start to hear worrying noises after hitting a pothole. Our experts will inspect your vehicle for any mechanical vaults and provide a non-obligation quote for any work that may be needed.

Car Puncture Repair

If you’ve experienced a puncture after hitting a pothole, book in for our Car Puncture Repair. If you’ve got a flat tyre, have suffered a puncture or your tyre is slowly losing pressure, our technicians will inspect the tyre to see if a repair is suitable. If it’s not, we can refund the cost of the repair towards a new tyre.

What to do when encountering potholes

If you’re driving on a road with potholes, it’s important to be alert to help avoid or lessen damage to your vehicle. We recommend:

  • Leaving plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front to allow you to see potholes ahead of time.

  • Slow down – driving at higher speeds can increase damage to your vehicle.

  • Avoid harsh unnecessary braking as this can place further stress on the front suspension.

  • If you have no choice but to drive over the pothole, make sure you do so safely and allow the wheel to roll into the hole.

This covers all you need to know about how to report a pothole and what to do if you experience vehicle damage as a result. Whatever vehicle issues you may experience, Halfords are always here to help.

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