A pothole damaged my wheel and suspension — should I claim on my car insurance or against the council?
What should you do?
- Photograph the pothole safely, including its location and scale.
- Keep photographs of the vehicle damage, repair invoices and recovery costs.
- Report the pothole to the relevant highway authority.
- Ask your insurer how a claim would affect your excess and claims record before deciding.
What can make a difference?
The result can depend on your level of cover, exclusions, excess, information given when the policy was arranged or renewed, who was driving, and the precise circumstances. Two policies both described as “comprehensive” can still contain different terms.
Do not put yourself in danger by standing in the carriageway to measure or photograph a pothole.
Photographs of the pothole, the road location and the vehicle damage can be important. Whether you claim on your own policy or pursue the highway authority can depend on the circumstances, the evidence available and the terms of your cover.
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