Drivers foot the bill for pothole repairs
Drivers are paying for pothole repairs themselves as successful claims numbers fall, according to new research.
More than 600,000 potholes have been reported in the UK so far this year, taking the total reported in the last four years to over 3.4 million.
Meanwhile, 144,230 pothole-related compensation claims have been made to councils since 2022 with payouts during that time exceeding £11m.
However, a Freedom of Information request by Confused.com has revealed a sharp fall in the number of successful pothole-related claims, down from 29% in 2024 to just 19% in 2025.
Repairs
So far this year, just £1.1m has been paid out in compensation to motorists suffering pothole-related damage to their vehicles. This has resulted in 86% of drivers paying for repairs themselves, with average costs reported at £175.
UK councils repaired 990,840 potholes last year, but 53% of 2,000 drivers surveyed said road conditions are worse now than in previous years, with 22% saying they drive over potholes every day and 41% encountering them several times a week.
The survey also found that 49% regularly have to swerve to avoid potholes, and 47% have had to brake or reduce their speed because of them. Despite these actions, 28% said they have suffered a flat tyre or puncture after hitting a pothole and 21% have experienced tracking or alignment issues.
Major concern
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, said: “Potholes continue to be a major concern for drivers across the UK, particularly after periods of harsh weather that can accelerate damage to road surfaces.
“Many motorists are still experiencing disruption caused by deteriorating road conditions, which can lead to vehicle damage and unexpected repair costs.
“While local authorities are responsible for maintaining roads, funding and resource pressures mean repairs can sometimes take time. For drivers, this makes it even more important to stay alert behind the wheel.”
