Potholes are a common issue on UK roads. They can damage vehicles, create safety risks, and disrupt journeys – but there are clear systems in place to report them and steps you can take to protect your car.
How to reduce the risk of pothole damage
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:
- Leave extra distance between you and the vehicle ahead so you can spot potholes early.
- Slow down – higher speeds increase the impact on your tyres and suspension.
- Avoid harsh or unnecessary braking, which puts extra strain on the front suspension.
- If you must drive over a pothole, do so safely and let the wheel roll through it rather than braking sharply.
Keep reading to view our comprehensive guide on how to report potholes in the UK and the best products and services available if you experience vehicle damage from a pothole.
What is 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.
What to do if you hit a pothole
- Pull over to a safe place as soon as possible to assess if there’s any damage to your vehicle.
- Report the pothole, even if you’re not planning to make a claim.
When to report a pothole
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.
Where to report it
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 for pothole damage
Many drivers don’t realise they can claim for pothole‑related damage from the organisation responsible for maintaining the road — this could be your local council, National Highways, or your insurer.
Step 1. Gather evidence
Provide as much detail as possible:
- Clear photos of the pothole and the damage
- Exact location (e.g., using what3words)
- Measurements of depth and width (only if safe to do so)
- Witness details, if available
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.
Step 2. Get your vehicle checked
Before submitting a claim, have your car inspected. Halfords offers checks that provide written reports you can use as evidence.
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.
Step 3. Submit your claim
Where you claim depends on the road type:
Potholes on public roads
Claim through your local council. Provide all evidence, 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 or A‑roads
Report to National Highways. For damage caused by poor maintenance on the Strategic Road Network, you may be able to submit a Red Claim.
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. At Halfords, we offer both two and four wheel alignment – simply book your appointment online at a day and time to suit you.
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.
30 Point Car Safety Inspection
Hitting a pothole can cause hidden damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension and alignment, even if everything feels fine at first. Our 30-point Car Safety Inspection checks these key areas to make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive, helping catch any issues early before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and reduced fuel efficiency. You’ll know if your wheels are misaligned as steering will pull to the one side. Book in for our two or four Wheel Alignment Check and one of our experts will ensure you’re back on the road safely and efficiently.
Puncture Repair
If you’ve experienced a puncture after hitting a pothole, book in for our 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.
Free Tyre Check
Tyres are most likely to be impacted after hitting a pothole. Take advantage of our free tyre check where one of our experts will inspect the overall condition of the tyre as well as tyre pressure and tread depth.
Free Suspension Check
Our Free Suspension Check is recommended to check your suspension after hitting a big pothole. We’ll identify any issues and provide a non-obligation quote if work is needed. We only use quality parts from approved suppliers and come with our standard 1 year or 12,000-mile warranty, whichever is sooner.
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.
Handy products for pothole damage
If you’re confident carrying out basic checks or minor repairs at home, having the right tools can make all the difference after hitting a pothole. From checking tyre pressure to inspecting wheels, these essentials can help you get back on the road safely.
Halfords Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator
Quickly check and restore tyre pressure if it’s dropped after impact. Driving on underinflated tyres can be unsafe, so this is a great first step.
Halfords Advanced 5 Piece Wheel Removal Set
Ideal for removing wheels to inspect for damage such as cracks, bulges, or issues with the tyre wall.
Halfords Advanced Torque Wrench Model 100
Ensures wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification when refitting a wheel, helping prevent further issues down the line.
Halfords Advanced 2T Ratchet Axle Stands
Provides stable support when lifting your vehicle, making inspections safer and easier.
Halfords Advanced 3 Ton Low Profile Trolley Jack
Designed to safely lift your vehicle so you can check underneath for any visible damage.
Slime Tyre Plug Kit with Plug Bond
A temporary solution for minor punctures, helping you get back on the road or to a garage if needed.
