The number of pothole claims made to a top insurer last year was 14% higher than in 2023 and nearly three times the number in 2016, new data shows.
Ahead of National Pothole Day on Wednesday, Admiral Car Insurance said that the number of pothole-related claims rose by 62% in the last two years, part of an increase of 175% since 2016.
The insurer linked an increase in potholes to severe weather events in recent years, particularly last year, adding that its data shows that 36% of pothole-related claims occur between January and March – more than any other time of year.
The average cost of pothole damage also increased by 20% in 2024 compared with 2023, according to Admiral’s claims data, which it said was likely to be linked to more technology in vehicles and a general increase in the cost of repairs.
Head of claims Adam Gavin said: ‘Potholes are more than just an inconvenience; they can also cause costly damage to your vehicle.
‘Driving over a deep pothole, even at a low speed, can cause damage to your tyres, alloy wheels, steering alignment, wheel tracking and balancing and suspension. If the steering is severely damaged it can also make it difficult to control the vehicle, which could increase the risk of accidents.’
He added: ‘If you think you’ve hit a bad pothole, get out and check for damage at the safest opportunity. Take photos of the pothole and the damage to your car and consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic to check for damage.’
Admiral said it received 1,347 claims during the whole of 2023, which rose to 1,529 from January to November last year. This compares with 946 claims in 2022, which was up from 557 in 2016.
