Pothole compensation claims surge by 90% in three years but most are denied

Pothole compensation claims to councils in Britain have nearly doubled in three years, yet most motorists are turned away and left paying hundreds of pounds for repairs.

Pothole compensation claims submitted to councils across the country have risen sharply, as motorists face mounting repair bills caused by poor road surfaces.

Analysis by the RAC found that 53,015 claims were made to 177 local authorities in 2024, a 90% increase from the 27,731 claims in 2021. However, only just over a quarter of claims were successful, with the average payout of £390 falling well short of typical repair costs of £590.

The figures highlight the ongoing struggle to maintain Britain’s local road network after years of underinvestment. While the Government has pledged £7.3 billion over the next four years to tackle the UK’s pothole problem, drivers are still dealing with damage to shock absorbers, suspension springs and wheels caused by poorly maintained roads.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy said:

“The massive three-year rise in pothole compensation claims show how difficult it is to return Britain’s roads to a respectable standard. Drivers are still paying the price for the years of neglect.”

With 177 of 207 councils responding to the RAC’s Freedom of Information requests, William added that the figures may represent “only the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to settled claims. If your car has been damaged by a pothole you may be able to claim compensation from the body responsible for the road. Our car guide explains how to make a pothole compensation claim and what evidence you’ll need.

What you need to know about thWhich councils received the most pothole compensation claims?

Derbyshire County Council recorded the largest increase, with claims rising from 224 in 2021 to 3,307 in 2024. Glasgow City Council followed, with claims more than doubling from 1,140 to 2,794, while Oxfordshire County Council saw claims rise from 488 to 1,941 over the same period.

The RAC described the overall rise in pothole compensation claims as “concerning”. However, it noted that 2024 claims were 6% lower than in 2023, when 56,655 claims were submitted, suggesting the situation may be beginning to stabilise.

Most pothole compensation claims are rejected

Despite the surge in claims, success rates remain low. Just 26% of claims made in 2024 resulted in compensation.

Several councils – including Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Medway, Carmarthenshire and Telford – rejected 99% of pothole damage claims last year.

Councils refuse claims if they believe they have met their statutory duty to maintain roads or if they think a court would be unlikely to award compensation. Many local authorities cite severe budget pressures, which limit their ability to carry out preventative maintenance needed to stop potholes forming.

Your rights if your car is damaged by a pothole

Under UK law, councils have a duty to maintain roads to a reasonable standard. If you can show that a council failed in that duty and that this failure directly caused damage to your vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.

Who you claim compensation from depends on who manages the road:

• Motorways and most A-roads are managed by National Highways
• Major London roads (red routes) are managed by Transport for London
• Most other roads are the responsibility of local councils

To improve your chances of success, follow your local authority’s claims process and gather strong evidence, including:

• Photographs of the pothole showing size and depth
• The date, time and exact location of the incident
• Repair estimates or receipts
• Witness statements, where possible

The average payout of £390 often does not cover the full cost of repairs. Damage caused by potholes frequently include broken suspension springs, damaged shock absorbers and buckled wheels, which can cost £590 or more to fix.

For step-by-step guidance, see our guide on how to report a pothole or claim car compensation.

Government funding and the future road repairs

The Department for Transport says it is investing £7.3 billion over the next four years to help councils resurface roads, giving them “certainty to plan ahead and deliver safer, smoother journeys”. This includes a record £1.6 billion allocated to highway authorities in England this year.

A local Government Association spokesman said councils continue to face a statutory duty to maintain roads but that “ever-increasing pressure on budgets” has affected their ability to do so. While new funding may allow councils to move from reactive pothole repairs to more sustainable maintenance, the spokesperson said this would take time.

Some councils report early improvements. Derbyshire County Council says compensation claims have fallen by 72% since May 2025, while Glasgow City Council reports a “substantial reduction” this year. Oxfordshire County Council says it has invested £14.5 million since April 2024 in its largest surface dressing programme in at least 20 years.

Visit our car guide to learn how to claim compensation for pothole damage, including what evidence to gather and how to contact the right authority.