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Sofia Modiri Dockery
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Hitting a pothole can be frustrating and expensive, whether you’re driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle. Even at low speeds, potholes can cause damage to tyres, alloy wheels, suspension components and steering alignment.
While pothole damage is generally not covered under routine maintenance agreements, you may be able to recover repair costs by claiming compensation from the authority responsible for maintaining the road.
Here’s what to do if your vehicle suffers pothole damage in 2026.
The UK’s Ongoing Pothole Problem
Potholes remain one of the biggest concerns for UK motorists.
In 2020, the UK Government announced a £2.5 billion Pothole Repair Fund, with £500 million allocated each year to help improve road conditions. At the time, local authorities in England and Wales repaired more than 1.7 million potholes, while pothole-related vehicle repairs were estimated to cost UK drivers around £1.25 billion annually.
Despite this investment, potholes continue to be a major issue across the country. Many local authorities still face significant repair backlogs, with ageing infrastructure, increased traffic and changing weather conditions putting further pressure on road networks.
For drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists, potholes remain a common cause of vehicle damage, safety concerns and unexpected repair costs.
What Damage Can a Pothole Cause?
The impact of a pothole can vary depending on its size, the vehicle’s speed and the condition of the road.
Common types of pothole damage include:
- Tyre sidewall damage or punctures.
- Cracked or buckled alloy wheels.
- Suspension damage.
- Steering misalignment.
- Tracking issues.
- Damage to EV battery protection covers or underbody components in severe cases.
Some damage may not be immediately visible, which is why a professional inspection is recommended.
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Immediate Actions After Hitting a Pothole
1. Put Safety First
If you suspect damage, find a safe place to stop as soon as possible.
Check for:
- Flat or damaged tyres.
- Visible wheel damage.
- Warning lights on the dashboard.
- Changes to steering or handling.
- Unusual noises when driving.
If the vehicle feels unsafe to drive, contact your breakdown provider for assistance.
2. Arrange a Professional Inspection
Even if no obvious damage is visible, hidden issues can develop into more serious problems later.
A qualified technician can inspect:
- Tyres and wheel rims.
- Suspension components.
- Steering systems.
- Wheel alignment.
- Underbody damage.
Early detection often prevents more expensive repairs.
3. Take Photographs
If it is safe to do so, return to the pothole location and gather evidence.
Photograph:
- The pothole itself.
- Its depth and width.
- The surrounding road conditions.
- Any vehicle damage.
- Nearby road signs or landmarks.
Most smartphones automatically record the date, time and location of photographs, which can help support your claim.
4. Record the Exact Location
Make a note of:
- Road name.
- Nearby junctions.
- Postcode if available.
- Local landmarks.
- Direction of travel.
Accurate location details help authorities identify the pothole and assess your claim.
5. Report the Pothole
Reporting the pothole helps protect other road users and creates a record that may support your compensation claim.
You can report potholes through:
- Your local council’s website.
- National Highways, if the damage occurred on a motorway or major A-road.
- Online reporting services such as FixMyStreet.
When reporting, include photographs and detailed location information wherever possible.
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Managing Repairs and Claims
Fleet Evolution Drivers
If your salary sacrifice vehicle suffers pothole damage, refer to your driver card for the relevant support contact details.
The QR code on your driver card will direct you to the appropriate assistance and claims process. Please ensure Fleet Evolution is kept informed of any damage and repairs carried out on the vehicle.
Making a Compensation Claim
You may be able to claim compensation from the authority responsible for maintaining the road.
Your claim should include:
- Photographs of the pothole.
- Photographs of vehicle damage.
- Exact location details.
- Repair invoices or quotations.
- Any inspection reports.
It’s important to note that authorities often defend claims by demonstrating they had a reasonable inspection and maintenance programme in place. Providing clear evidence can significantly improve your chances of success.
What If Your Claim Is Rejected?
If your claim is declined, you may still have options.
You can:
- Request details of the road inspection history.
- Ask for maintenance records.
- Submit additional evidence.
- Escalate the complaint through the authority’s appeals process.
Some motorists also seek independent legal advice for higher-value claims.
How Long Does Compensation Take?
Compensation claims can take several weeks or even months to resolve.
To improve your chances of success:
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Save receipts and repair invoices.
- Follow up regularly.
- Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Patience and thorough record-keeping are often key to achieving a successful outcome.
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Yes. You may be able to claim compensation from the local council or National Highways if they are responsible for maintaining the road where the damage occurred. You'll need evidence such as photographs, repair invoices and the exact location of the pothole.
Potholes can damage tyres, alloy wheels, suspension components, steering systems and wheel alignment. In severe cases, they can also cause underbody damage.
Yes. Reporting potholes helps local authorities identify hazards and arrange repairs, reducing the risk to other road users.