Fleets and drivers face long odds when seeking compensation for pothole damage, according to new analysis from the RAC. Freedom of Information requests sent to 207 councils across England, Scotland and Wales show that, of the 177 authorities that shared data, just 26% of claims were successful in 2024.
In total, councils settled 13,832 of the 53,015 claims submitted, paying out an estimated £3.56 million – an average of £390 per claim. That figure falls well short of the £590 average repair cost when damage goes beyond a simple puncture.
The data also highlights stark regional differences. Merton Borough Council paid the highest average claim at £2,267, while Derbyshire paid out the largest total sum, estimated at £605,235. In contrast, 45% of councils rejected more than 90% of claims, with several turning down 99%.
Overall, pothole claims have risen 91% since 2021, underlining the ongoing cost and disruption poorly maintained roads create for fleet operators and drivers alike.
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