In recent months, the pothole damage claim has become an increasingly regular point of contention between drivers and insurance companies. Thousands of drivers across the UK have been calling out breakdown cover company teams this summer due to poor road conditions. But why has this year become so problematic for tyres, wheels and suspensions?
Generally, drivers are expected to be more likely to claim for pothole damage in winter. However, this summer has been a special case. This blog will dig into why and also give insight into the outlook we can expect going forward.
The increase is gradual
Pothole damage has actually been on the rise for some time, with claims increasing gradually over the last few years. This gradual rise is indicative of both environmental factors and a lack of effective attention from local and national governments. The common forms of damage caused by potholes include:
- Damaged shock absorbers
- Broken suspension springs
- Distorted wheels
How temperature impacts potholes
It’s worth noting that the increase in extreme weather in the UK is at least partly responsible for the increase in pothole damage claims. The cold winter weather is traditionally known to be a primary cause, with the early months of 2025 considered fairly noteworthy in terms of temperatures.
The cold weather impact on roads is often known as the freeze-thaw cycle, which works as follows:
- Water seeps into cracks in the road
- It freezes and expands
- The ice thaws, leaving behind a pothole
On the other hand, this recent summer and its record-high temperatures are considered to be a significant factor in the rise in pothole damage across the UK. Reports have stated that these intense heatwaves have caused the worsening of already weak road surfaces, with the heat also weakening worn or already-damaged tyres.
Rural roads & a lack of preventative measures
Much of the damage is concentrated on rural roads, with tourists tending to take country lanes more than ever. The issue is that these roads generally don’t get the same attention that major areas do, meaning they suffer from a lack of attention. Similarly, some argue that the government needs to focus more effectively on preventative measures rather than patching up existing damage. Things like road surface dressings are more effective as a long-term solution to keep potholes from developing in the first place.
The government's response to increased pothole damage
Road repairs are vast and require a lot of attention. That’s why the government has pledged an extra £1.6 billion in funding to repair roads and fill seven million potholes. However, the cost of bringing all the roads of the country up to the right standard is £16.8 billion, meaning we’re still up against a serious degree of underfunding.
How to claim for pothole damage
Claims for pothole damage are generally sent through government guidelines, contacting the responsible organisations. Insurers and breakdown cover teams generally can’t cover pothole damage, while some policies might include support for these instances. It’s not always easy to get what you’re owed, so make sure that you fill any application with all the necessary details and information.
For more motoring advice, check out our blog today. We’re putting up plenty of informative and up-to-date pieces so you can feel confident on the roads.