Motorists urged to check for hidden pothole damage on cars
Potholes are holes in the road that form when water seeps into cracks in the road surface and freezes and expands in the cold weather. When the frozen water evaporates, it causes gaps in the surface which get broken down by traffic. Holes in the road often result in drivers reporting potholes to their local councils and sometimes cause damage to vehicles.
How much does it cost to repair pothole damage on cars?
Recent research by Admiral[1] reveals drivers spend ?189 on average on pothole-related repairs, with 57% of motorists claiming their local roads have worsened in the last year. Graham Molsher, engineer and pothole expert at Admiral, has shared the common issues caused by potholes and how best to spot the signs of damage: "Potholes aren't just a nuisance - they can be dangerous.
"A single hit can damage tyres, wheels, suspension, and even knock wheel alignment out of manufactures specification, meaning safety systems like Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS) would need to be recalibrated. "However, damage isn't always obvious straight away, meaning repeated impacts can accelerate wear and tear and lead to expensive repairs, affecting how safely your car drives."
Factors that affect car insurance cost
Signs of pothole damage to cars to look out for
Graham adds that spotting the signs early can save you money and hassle, and encourages drivers to look out for:
- Bulges on tyres
- New warning lights
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering wheel vibrations
- Strange noises
- The car is pulling to one side
He added: "To save yourself from costly repairs and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive, it's important to get these problems checked out by your garage as soon as possible."
Can you claim compensation for pothole damage?
The government[2] website has shared a step-by-step guide for drivers who need to make a claim when their vehicle is damaged by a road. It explains: "You may be able to claim compensation if your vehicle has been damaged by a road.
"The organisation you contact depends on where the road is and the type of road. "You cannot claim compensation if debris from another vehicle caused the damage. Contact your insurer instead."
The UK's road maintenance system
To make a claim, a driver will need to call the relevant organisation and explain what damage has occurred and why they think the organisation is responsible.
You will need to tell them exactly where and when the damage happened, including the date and time. The government issued a warning to motorists: "Trespassing on a motorway is a criminal offence. "Do not visit or try to photograph the location where your vehicle was damaged."
The RAC[3] shared how you can contact the relevant organisations if you want to report a pothole. If the pothole is in England and on a major A-road or motorway, Highways England is who you should call or email - 0300 123 5000 and [email protected]. A pothole that needs reporting and is located on a major road or motorway in Scotland will need to be reported to an authority on Transport Scotland[4]'s website.
In Wales, you can report a pothole that's on a major road or motorway to Traffic Wales - call 0300 123 1213 or email [email protected]. If a pothole you'd like to report is on any other road, you'll need to contact the relevant council. Recommended reading:
John Coles, head of customer claims at Admiral, said: "March has consistently been the worst month for pothole claims over the last ten years, and given the recent weather, it's looking like this March will be no different. "The claims we see are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as these will usually be cars that have been severely damaged. "If the damage is relatively minor, drivers may decide to pay for the repair themselves.
"Our guide sets out how to make a claim, so motorists have options if they're affected."
References
- ^ Admiral (www.admiral.com)
- ^ government (www.gov.uk)
- ^ RAC (www.rac.co.uk)
- ^ Transport Scotland (www.transport.gov.scot)