New and used car owners 'can claim for pothole damage if hazard is recorded'

New and used car owners 'can claim for pothole damage if hazard is recorded'

Many motorists may not be reporting damage to their vehicles as a result of potholes because few such claims are successful, it has been revealed.

New and used car buyers may be among those motorists whose vehicles have been damaged after striking the road hazards but findings by the Highways Agency have shown that only one in nine such claims are successful.

Motoring guru Honest John has advised drivers to follow the correct channels to ensure the best outcome, which includes reporting potholes to the relevant local council.

He commented that "evidence suggests that cases are being rejected where a driver can't prove that a pothole was the source of the damage".

So to increase the chances of a claim being successful, motorists should make sure they report the problem, because if the road hazard is logged the council could be liable for a compensation claim.

The local authority is obliged to fill a hole within the week after it is reported otherwise they could be liable for any further damage caused.