Guide to Making Pothole Compensation Claims in the UK
- Document the Damage:
If you're a motorist looking to make a claim for a repair bill for pothole-related damage, or a cyclist putting in a damage or personal injury claim after hitting one in the road, make sure to take clear photographs of the pothole and any damage it caused to your vehicle or bike. Include a close-up of the damage and wider shots that show the surrounding area to help locate the pothole.
- Gather Evidence:
Collect any other supporting evidence such as witness statements, repair quotes, and receipts for the repair work. It's also helpful to note the date, time, and location of the incident. Where possible, take photos at the scene, just in case the council repairs the pothole before you can return to take them. If you didn't do this at the time of the incident, you can return to the scene to take pictures.You should also take a photos of the damage the pothole has caused to your vehicle (or person, if you have been injured).
- Identify the Responsible Authority:
Determine which local council or authority is responsible for the maintenance of the road where the pothole is located. This information is crucial for submitting your claim to the correct body. If the pothole is on a motorway or main trunk road, the chances are it is a National Highways (formerly Highways England) problem. For local roads, you will need to research which council is responsible.
- Submit Your Claim:
Contact the responsible authority to find out their specific claims procedure. Fill out any necessary forms and provide all your gathered evidence. Include a detailed description of the incident and a request for compensation.
- Follow Up:
After submitting your claim, follow up with the authority if you haven't received a response within a reasonable time frame. Keep records of all correspondence for further reference in case your claim is disputed.
