Does your car insurance cover pothole damage – and should you claim?

From buckled wheels to broken suspension springs, potholes are leaving drivers with serious repair bills. According to the RAC, breakdowns caused by potholes rose by 19% in the first three months of 2025. 

Between January and March, it recorded more than 9,400 callouts for suspension failures, wheel damage and other problems linked to poor road surfaces –  up from 7,900 during the same period last year. 

Here, we explain whether you’re covered by insurance, how to claim from your council – and when it’s worth doing either. 

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Will your car insurance cover pothole damage?

In most cases, yes – if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, you should be able to claim for repairs caused by potholes.

But that doesn’t mean it’s always worth it. Insurers often classify pothole claims as ‘at fault’, meaning you'll need to pay the excess and risk losing your no-claims discount – even if the damage wasn’t your fault.

Here are a few key things to weigh up before claiming:

• Your excess: is the payout worth it after that's deducted? 
• Your no-claims discount: unless it's protected, you may lose years of savings
• Future premiums: even with no-claims bonus protection, your underlying premium could still rise.

For example, if repairs come to £300 and your excess is £250, your insurer would only pay £50 – and your premium could still increase. In many cases, it’s cheaper to pay for repairs yourself and keep your claims record clean.

That said, claiming may be worthwhile if the damage is serious, the repair bill is much higher than your excess, or critical parts like suspension or steering components need replacing.

If the pothole damage leaves your car undriveable, having breakdown cover can also be helpful. There are several types of policy available, so it's worth comparing what's on offer. Read our guide to the best breakdown cover providers.

• Find out more: best car insurance companies in the UK 2025

Can I claim from the council instead?

Yes, although success is not guaranteed. Councils and highways agencies are responsible for keeping roads in a safe condition, and you’re entitled to claim if they have failed to do so. 

Each authority has its own process, so check its website before submitting your claim.

Many drivers try the council route first to avoid losing their no-claims discount or facing higher insurance premiums. 

However, if the pothole had not already been reported, or the council can show it recently inspected the road and found no issue, your claim may be rejected. Under Section 58 of the Highways Act 1980, councils can defend claims if it can prove it took reasonable care. 

Still, reporting potholes can help highlight problems and may improve your chances if others have also been affected.

You cannot claim from both your insurer and the local authority. If you go through your insurer, you will not be able to make a separate claim to the council.

• Find out more: how to get cheap car insurance

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How to make a successful pothole claim

The success rate can be hit or miss when claiming from a local authority. But with strong evidence and the right approach, you may be able to cover your repair costs.  

Here’s what to do:

1. Gather evidence: take clear photos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle. Try to show how depth of the hole and note the exact location. 
2. Report the pothole: report the pothole to the highways agency or local authority. Cyclists can also use Cycling UK’s Fill That Hole tool to report it. 
3. Get a repair quote: if you’ve already paid for the work, keep the receipt. If not, get a quote showing how much the repair will cost.
4. Submit your claim: visit the local authority’s website and follow its process. You will usually need to provide details of the damage, the location and the repair costs. 
5. If your claim is rejected: ask to see the council’s road inspection records. If it didn’t adhere to its own maintenance schedule or ignored a known issue, you may have grounds to appeal. You could also consider the small claims court, though it’s best to get legal advice first.

• Find out more: how do I report a pothole and claim compensation?