A pothole claim is when you seek compensation from a local council or highway authority because a poorly maintained road caused damage to your vehicle. In the UK, these authorities are responsible for keeping roads in good condition and repairing defects like potholes that could harm drivers.
For example, imagine driving home on a dark winter night and hitting a large pothole hidden by snow. The impact damages your car's suspension, tyres, or alloy wheels, leaving you with expensive repair bills. In this case, you might be able to claim from the local council responsible for maintaining that stretch of road.
It matters because potholes aren’t just annoying; they can cause significant damage and even lead to accidents. By filing a claim, drivers can get help covering repair costs and ensure councils take better care of roads in the future.
Under UK law, relevant legislation includes Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, which sets out that highway authorities must keep roads in good repair. If they fail to do so and you suffer damage as a result, you have grounds for a claim.
A practical tip is to take photos immediately after hitting a pothole to document the condition of the road and any damage to your vehicle. This evidence can be crucial when making a claim against the highway authority.
How This Relates to the FCA Redress Scheme
The FCA motor finance redress scheme covers 12.1 million agreements with an average compensation of £829 per agreement. The total cost to firms is £9.1 billion. If you had PCP or HP finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, you may be eligible. The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You do not need a claims management company.