UK roads are filled with potholes that annoydrivers who often face unplanned repair expenses. With road upkeep unable to keep up with the devastation wrought by weather and general erosion, many drivers are now asking the question: Does your car insurance cover pothole damage? Your answer will vary depending on your situation, such as the kind of coverage policy you have and the details of the situation. In this post, we review our coverage options, when it makes sense to file a claim, and what you should consider before doing so.
What is Pothole Damage and How Does It Affect Your Vehicle?
Potholes are created when water enters cracks in the road surface, expands when frozen, and causes the material to rupture. Eventually, the little cracks form big holes. For drivers, probably anything from a lingering tire puncture to impending suspension or wheel alignment damage can happen due to hitting a pothole. Sometimes pothole related collisions can also damage bodywork, or affect the vehicle’s ability to protect you.
Road maintenance in the uk is the responsibility of local councils and highway authorities. With budgetary limitations though, few potholes are repaired quickly and vehicles keep getting damaged regularly.
Is Pothole Damage Covered By Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Another is what your insurance policy is, it determines if you are covered or not. In most cases, pothole damage will be covered by your comprehensive car insurance policy. Rarely does this type of policy come with accidental damage — this may also include accidents as a result of road defect, including potholes.
But the further you go, the more you feel, and not all the comprehensive policies are the same. The terms of your individual policy may have a different approach, so be sure to check or ask your insurer. Pothole damage will be covered by accidental damage cover with some providers while others may treat it separately or not cover at all. You can review your policy documents or call your insurer directly to double-check if you are not sure.
Third Party and Third Party, Fire & Theft Policies
If your cover is only third-party or third-party fire & theft, you probably wont be able to claim for pot-hole damage. Such policies only protect against damage to other vehicles, people, or property, not your own car. Unless another entity is clearly guilty, you will be forced to cover the repair expenses from your own pocket, in other words.
Is it Worth Making a Claim for Pothole Damage?
Just because your insurance covers pothole damage, that doesn’t mean you should file a claim. This may result in your future premiums being raised or losing your no-claims bonus if you make a claim. However, it is always best to compare the cost of the damage with your excess before making a claim. If the repair cost is just above your excess or only slightly below it, this may not pay off in the long run.
Over and above that, a few insurance providers would investigate the events surrounding the damage. However, you may be requested for proof, including photographs of the pothole, information concerning where you found it, and receipts for repairs. You will need to prove that your claim is credible and documentation can help with that.
Are You Able to Claim After an Accident in the Council?
If your car has been broken by a pothole in the UK, you might be able to claim money from the council or highway authority responsible for the upkeep of the road. In order to do so, you will need to demonstrate that the authority knew about the pothole and did not take action in a reasonable amount of time. Although this can be a lengthy process and is not always successful, it’s an option if your insurance won’t pay for the damage or you want to go around filing a claim through your policy.
Preventing Pothole Damage
You may not avoid potholes, but taking it easy, particularly in inclement weather or unknown places can minimize your chances. By keeping your tires inflated, and having your suspension properly tuned helps as well. Which means being aware of preventive maintenance, for protecting your vehicle and avoiding unpleasant surprises when it comes to invoices.
Final Thoughts
The question then is, does your auto insurance cover pothole damage? The short answer is yes, in many cases especially with a full policy. However, whether or not you should claim depends on your policy, excess costs, and potential premiums increase. Better to look at your options and see if a council claim might be the way forward. The best way to combat the financial risks caused by the potholed roads of the UK is to stay aware and active.
