Can you claim for pothole damage?

Make the car safe first

If the steering feels wrong, a tyre is damaged or a wheel is badly bent, do not continue simply to see whether it improves. Arrange safe recovery or inspection.

Record the location. Photograph the pothole if it is safe to do so, along with the damage and enough of the surroundings to identify the location. Note the road name, direction of travel and approximate position.

You may be able to approach the highway authority

Responsibility for road maintenance depends on the road. A claim against the relevant authority isn't automatically successful simply because a pothole existed; maintenance and inspection issues can matter.

Insurance is another route

If you've suitable cover, you can ask your insurer whether the damage can be claimed. Consider the excess and possible claims history implications before deciding.

Get more than the tyre checked. A hard impact can knock out wheel alignment or damage suspension components even when the tyre still holds air. Ask for the affected corner of the car to be inspected if the impact was severe.