Introduction
According to AA stats, UK drivers spent almost half a billion pounds on repairs last year due to the country's deteriorating roads. Potholes damaged over 632,000 vehicles, a 16% increase from the previous year. The combination of bad weather and substandard maintenance led to a five-year high in callouts for roadside recovery service.
Reclaiming the Money: Simple Steps
If your vehicle has been damaged by a pothole, there are ways to reclaim the repair costs. Here's how:
Get Proof
Act quickly and gather evidence to support your claim:
- Revisit the pothole and measure its depth and width, if safe to do so.
- Take close-up and wide-angle photos of the pothole, ideally with a tape measure to show its depth.
- Describe the pothole's location in detail, including the lane and distance from the kerb.
- Take photos of the vehicle damage and obtain a repair bill and mechanic's statement.
- Write a detailed description of the incident, including the date and time, and gather witness statements if possible.
Make a Claim
Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, you'll need to determine which council is responsible for the road:
- For major A-roads and motorways in England, contact National Highways.
- For major Scottish roads, visit the Transport Scotland website.
- For main roads in Wales, contact Traffic Wales.
- Use the gov.uk website to find the right authority for other roads using a postcode.
Report the pothole on the council's website or contact them directly to inquire about making a claim. It's helpful if the pothole has been reported previously, so check websites like fixmystreet.com for any previous reports to include in your claim.
Fighting the Claim
Local authorities often reject pothole claims, but you can still win if you can prove that the road wasn't being properly maintained. Follow these steps:
- Submit a Freedom of Information request to learn about the council's inspection and repair schedule, as well as their knowledge of the pothole in question.
- Check if the road was cared for according to the council's own rules.
- Ask local Facebook groups if anyone had previously reported the pothole.
- Appeal the council's decision with the additional information.
If All Else Fails: Insure
If the council refuses to compensate you, consider turning to your car insurer for help:
- Review your insurance policy and check if it covers pothole damage.
- Make a claim and provide all the necessary documentation.
- Keep in mind that making a claim on your insurance may result in losing your no claims bonus.
Conclusion
Reclaiming repair costs due to pothole damage can be a challenging process, but with the right evidence and persistence, it is possible to receive compensation. Remember to act quickly, gather proof, and follow the necessary steps to make a successful claim.
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