We all know how common potholes are on UK roads, causing vehicle damage and posing safety risks. Fortunately, there are multiple systems in place to report potholes and address the potential issues they can cause.
If you’re driving on a road with potholes, it’s important to be alert to help avoid or lessen damage to your vehicle. We recommend:
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Leaving plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front to allow you to see potholes ahead of time.
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Slow down – driving at higher speeds can increase damage to your vehicle.
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Avoid harsh unnecessary braking as this can place further stress on the front suspension.
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If you have no choice but to drive over the pothole, make sure you do so safely and allow the wheel to roll into the hole.
Keep reading to view our comprehensive guide on how to report potholes in the UK and the best products and services available if you experience vehicle damage from a pothole.
What is a pothole?
A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface, typically caused when cracks in the asphalt worsen due to traffic and water. Over time, these cracks can expand from just a few centimetres to over a metre wide, becoming dangerously deep if left untreated.
What to do if you hit a pothole
If you hit a pothole, it’s a good idea to pull over to a safe place as soon as possible to assess if there’s any damage to your vehicle.
Regardless of whether you think you’ll claim for the damage, drivers should report a pothole straight away to make sure it gets fixed and prevent further potential incidents.
Potholes should be reported if they’re:
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Deeper than 20mm (2cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a footway
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Deeper than 40mm (4cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a carriageway
If this is the case, you should get in touch with one of the below:
- If you live in England and Wales, use the Government’s postcode finder to be directed to the correct organisation
- If you live in Scotland, use MyGovScotland to select your local council
- If you live in Northern Ireland, use NIDirect to mark them on a map
How to make a claim
Many drivers are unaware that you can make claims for pothole-related vehicle damage to the organisation responsible for maintaining the road, either against the council, National Highways or your insurance. Before the claim can be made, drivers need to pull together as much evidence as possible.
To make a claim (or when you report a pothole), you need to document the damage. It’s important to provide as much detail as possible to increase your chance of a successful claim.
Take clear photos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle. Note the exact location using what3words and details of the pothole’s depth and size. It’s also worth noting down the contact details of anyone who witnessed what happened and would be happy to support you.
When collecting pothole evidence, please ensure you follow the law, do not measure potholes on motorways or any other dangerous locations where stopping is illegal or unsafe – your personal safety comes first.
If you suspect your vehicle has experienced damage after hitting a pothole, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible before making the claim. Book in for one of our below car checks where you’ll receive a report you can use when claiming back compensation.
The service includes a thorough safety inspection by a qualified Halfords expert, covering elements such as damage to the tyres, wheels, suspension and wheel alignment. Customers will be given a report outlining any damage noted on the vehicle, and a non-committal quote, all of which can be used for part of any claim.
Now that you’ve documented all the evidence, it’s time to make the claim. The organisation in which you try to claim is dependent on the type of road.
Potholes on public roads
You can apply for compensation against your local council if your car has experienced pothole damage. To do this you’ll need to:
- Contact the council responsible for maintaining the road with the pothole
- Provide all the details you’ve gathered, including copies of your quotes, invoices, and receipts.
For more information, head over to the government website where you’ll find the relevant instructions for your local council.
Potholes on motorways and A-roads
If you need to report a pothole on a motorway or an A-road, contact National Highways.
You may also be able to claim against National Highways if your car has experienced damage while on a strategic road network (SRN) as a result of improper road maintenance– these are known as ‘Red Claims’. Again, you will need to provide as much evidence as possible, so it’s important to provide all the details of the incident. Fill out the Red Claim form on their National Highways website to start the process.
What damage can potholes do to your car?
Your car can experience various issues if you hit a pothole. Some of the key problems are as follows:
Tyre puncture
If you experience a tyre puncture, you should head to a garage to see if the puncture is repairable. If not, your tyre will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a punctured tyre is not only incredibly dangerous but also illegal.
Additional tyre damage
It’s possible for potholes to create cuts or bulges in the tyre which can eventually lead to a blow-out or puncture. As a result, it’s important to inspect your tyres after hitting a pothole to check for any potential damage.
Misaligned wheels
This is the most common issue to happen after hitting a pothole. If this is the case, it’s important get your wheels assessed as soon as possible as misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor fuel consumption. At Halfords, we offer both two and four wheel alignment – simply book your appointment online at a day and time to suit you.
Damage to steering and suspension components.
While this is not as common as some of the above issues, potholes can still cause problems with steering and suspension. You’ll know if this is the case as you’ll experience poor vehicle handling and a much bumpier ride.
What to do if you experience car damage from a pothole?
At Halfords, we offer a variety of services that can help get your car back on track after hitting a pothole. We have a range of free services that cover the likes of tyres, steering and suspension.
30 Point Car Safety Inspection
Hitting a pothole can cause hidden damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension and alignment, even if everything feels fine at first. Our 30-point Car Safety Inspection checks these key areas to make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive, helping catch any issues early before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and reduced fuel efficiency. You’ll know if your wheels are misaligned as steering will pull to the one side. Book in for our two or four Wheel Alignment Check and one of our experts will ensure you’re back on the road safely and efficiently.
Puncture Repair
If you’ve experienced a puncture after hitting a pothole, book in for our Puncture Repair. If you’ve got a flat tyre, have suffered a puncture or your tyre is slowly losing pressure, our technicians will inspect the tyre to see if a repair is suitable. If it’s not, we can refund the cost of the repair towards a new tyre.
Free Tyre Check
Tyres are most likely to be impacted after hitting a pothole. Take advantage of our free tyre check where one of our experts will inspect the overall condition of the tyre as well as tyre pressure and tread depth.
Free Suspension Check
Our Free Suspension Check is recommended to check your suspension after hitting a big pothole. We’ll identify any issues and provide a non-obligation quote if work is needed. We only use quality parts from approved suppliers and come with our standard 1 year or 12,000-mile warranty, whichever is sooner.
Free Repairs Check
Our free Free Repairs Check is a great option if you have identified a leakage or start to hear worrying noises after hitting a pothole. Our experts will inspect your vehicle for any mechanical vaults and provide a non-obligation quote for any work that may be needed.
Handy products for pothole damage
If you’re confident carrying out basic checks or minor repairs at home, having the right tools can make all the difference after hitting a pothole. From checking tyre pressure to inspecting wheels, these essentials can help you get back on the road safely.
Halfords Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator
Quickly check and restore tyre pressure if it’s dropped after impact. Driving on underinflated tyres can be unsafe, so this is a great first step.
Halfords Advanced 5 Piece Wheel Removal Set
Ideal for removing wheels to inspect for damage such as cracks, bulges, or issues with the tyre wall.
Halfords Advanced Torque Wrench Model 100
Ensures wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification when refitting a wheel, helping prevent further issues down the line.
Halfords Advanced 2T Ratchet Axle Stands
Provides stable support when lifting your vehicle, making inspections safer and easier.
Halfords Advanced 3 Ton Low Profile Trolley Jack
Designed to safely lift your vehicle so you can check underneath for any visible damage.
Slime Tyre Plug Kit with Plug Bond
A temporary solution for minor punctures, helping you get back on the road or to a garage if needed.
