Surge in Pothole Compensation Claims in Britain

Pothole compensation claims made to local councils in Britain have surged by 91% over three years, rising from 27,731 in 2021 to 53,015 in 2024, according to the RAC motoring group. Despite this increase, only 26% of claims resulted in payouts, with an average compensation of £390, which is below the estimated £590 repair cost for damage more severe than a puncture.

UK pothole claims surge 91% — but most drivers get nothing back, RAC saysBBC NewsCouncil pothole claims rise by 90% in three years

The RAC's analysis, based on responses from 177 local authorities across England, Scotland, and Wales, indicates a significant rise in claims. In 2024, councils received 53,015 claims, a decrease from 56,655 in 2023. Notably, Derbyshire County Council reported the sharpest increase, with claims rising from 224 in 2021 to 3,307 in 2024. Glasgow City Council and Oxfordshire County Council followed, with claims more than doubling and increasing significantly, respectively.

Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years

The UK government has announced a £7.3 billion investment over the next four years aimed at improving road surfaces and addressing potholes. This funding is intended to help councils transition from short-term repairs to more sustainable maintenance practices. The Department for Transport emphasized that this investment would provide local authorities with the certainty needed for long-term planning.

Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years

Despite the rising number of claims, the likelihood of receiving compensation remains low. The RAC reported that 97% of councils that shared data rejected over 90% of claims in 2024. Councils such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Telford turned down 99% of claims. The RAC's head of policy, Simon Williams, noted that the high rejection rates reflect the significant challenges councils face in maintaining road quality.

UK pothole claims surge 91% — but most drivers get nothing back, RAC says

The Local Government Association acknowledged that councils have a statutory duty to maintain roads but highlighted that budget constraints limit their ability to address the issue effectively. Some councils, like Derbyshire and Glasgow, reported a decrease in claims in 2025, suggesting that recent investments might be having a positive impact. Oxfordshire County Council has invested nearly £14.5 million in surface dressing since April 2024, aiming to prevent potholes from forming.

Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years

While the RAC's findings indicate a concerning trend in pothole claims, some councils are optimistic about future improvements. The government’s recent funding and requirements for preventative maintenance may lead to a decline in claims as local authorities enhance their road maintenance strategies. However, the RAC cautions that the current data may only represent a portion of the total claims, as some councils did not respond to requests for information.

UK pothole claims surge 91% — but most drivers get nothing back, RAC says

• “The massive rise shows the huge task of returning the roads to a respectable standard,” — Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy

UK pothole claims surge 91% — but most drivers get nothing back, RAC says

• “So, while the figures we’ve analysed are a cause for concern, we hope pothole compensation claims will begin to decline as local authorities increase the amount of preventative surface dressing work on their roads.” — Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy

Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years

This analysis underscores the ongoing challenges faced by motorists due to deteriorating road conditions and the complex landscape of compensation claims in Britain.

Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years