Across the UK, potholes are becoming more than an occasional nuisance. Insurance Business reported that they’re now one of the most common reported causes of vehicle damage. And the data tells a clear story: claims are rising sharply and repairs are becoming more expensive.
Recent industry figures show that pothole‑related motor claims have hit record levels, with some insurers reporting dramatic spikes and repair costs continuing to climb.
Claims Continue to Rise Sharply
Insurance Business reported that pothole‑related car insurance claims reached record highs in January 2026, with Tesco Insurance settling 12% more pothole damage claims in that one month than in the entire second half of 2025. This represented the highest monthly level of pothole‑related claims Tesco Insurance had ever recorded.
The financial impact is also escalating. Parkers reported the average payout for pothole‑related damage now stands at around £4,441, and January alone accounted for nearly a third of all pothole‑related payouts made throughout 2025.
Larger‑scale road data echoes this trend. According to the RAC’s Pothole Index, pothole‑related breakdowns rose by 15% in 2025, with patrols attending 26,048 incidents, roughly 71 breakdowns every day caused by issues such as broken suspension springs, damaged shock absorbers or distorted wheels.
Why Potholes Cause Serious Vehicle Damage
Potholes cause sudden, concentrated impact forces that many parts of a vehicle simply aren’t designed to absorb. According to Free Price Compare the most frequent types of damage include:
- Tyres and alloy wheels, often punctured or warped upon impact
- Suspension springs and shock absorbers, which can crack or collapse
- Steering systems, which may become misaligned or damaged
- Undercarriage components, particularly in deeper potholes
Wet weather only intensifies the risk, standing water can conceal potholes entirely, making them almost impossible to avoid.
What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Pothole
If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, The AA recommends the following steps.
- Pull over safely as soon as you notice a change in how the vehicle drives and look for tyre or wheel damage
- Take clear photos of the pothole, your vehicle’s damage and the surrounding road surface.
- Record the location precisely, using road names, nearby landmarks or GPS.
- Report the incident to your insurance company who can guide you through the right steps, help protect the validity of your claim and make sure the repair work is approved by your insurer.
- Report the pothole to your local council
- Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, recovery or inspections.
Reducing Your Risk on the Road
While we can’t fix the roads ourselves, there are practical steps that can help reduce the likelihood of pothole damage:
- Slow down on unfamiliar routes or in heavy rain
- Maintain proper tyre pressure to absorb road impacts
- Leave more space to the vehicle ahead for better hazard visibility
- Report potholes to your local council as soon as you spot them
With pothole‑related motor claims continuing to climb, and potholes now recognised as one of the most common causes of vehicle damage in the UK, it’s more important than ever for drivers and businesses to stay protected.
If you’ve recently experienced pothole damage or you’d like support reviewing your motor cover, we’re here to help. Contact us on 02920 853788 or email us at contact@thomascarroll.co.uk.
