The number of drivers receiving compensation payouts for pothole damage from local councils increased by 82% in 2023 but most motorists complaining about damage to their vehicle are turned down by councils.

The FOI revealed 6,243 motorists received pothole damage compensation last year – up 82%

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Green Insurer to councils across the UK revealed 6,243 motorists received compensation for damage to their car caused by potholes or poor road conditions – an 82% rise on the previous year and more than double the 3,043 payouts in 2019. Total compensation paid by the 50 councils responding to the FOI was £1.1m last year.

However, almost two-thirds (65%) of claims last year were rejected, with 11,413 claims turned down.

The number of potholes reported to councils who responded to the FOI far exceeds compensation claims with those councils saying they were notified of nearly 300,000 last year and they spent £52.45 million repairing them.

The research also shows one in 20 (5%) of adults say they have tried to fill in potholes themselves or with neighbours.

Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer, said: “Potholes and badly maintained roads are a major issue for everyone with drivers regularly suffering damage to cars and needing to find the money to pay for repairs.

“Our FOI shows the extent of the problem with councils receiving around 300,000 reports of potholes every year and spending up to £52.45m on repairs. Our research even shows people are trying to fill in potholes themselves.

“Drivers however clearly cannot rely on council compensation when they suffer damage to their vehicles as most claims are rejected which underlines the need for comprehensive car insurance to help with bills. Badly maintained roads also make it difficult for motorists to drive in an environmentally conscious way.”

People can report potholes through the Report a pothole – GOV.UK link for England and Wales, at Report a pothole – mygov.scot in Scotland and Report a pothole or other surface defect | nidirect in Northern Ireland. They can also report issues through local council websites.