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Get ready for peak hole season! How one in eight claims are filed in March – so how bad are YOUR local roads?
- More than a third of pothole-related car incidents occur in the first three months of the year
- Data collected by insurer Admiral shows that the number of claims has increased by more than a third since 2016
Motorists are warned to prepare for ‘peak season’ with one in eight claims filed in March.
According to car insurance company Admiral, more than a third of car-related breakdowns, bumps and collisions occur in the first three months of the year.
And new data collected by the company shows that these claims are up 34 percent since 2016.
The Daily Mail is campaigning to end the UK’s pothole scourge, which is costing motorists millions of pounds in repairs and putting cyclists at risk of injury or death.
A wet and cold winter has already exacerbated Britain’s pothole problem – with bitter temperatures and heavy rainfall causing record numbers of asphalt potholes in some parts of the country.
More than a third of car breakdown-related car breakdowns, bumps and collisions occur in the first three months of the year, according to car insurer Admiral
Driving over a deep pothole, even at low speed, can damage a vehicle’s tires, alloy wheels, steering alignment and suspension.
Motorists who can prove damage to their vehicle was caused by a pothole can claim money to recover repairs – through their council or a road management agency such as National Highways.
Meanwhile, drivers with an all-risk car cover can also claim on their insurance.
But inflation and inventory shortages have driven up the price of repairs — and the cost of repairing pothole damage has risen 16 percent since last year, Admiral said.
March is the busiest month for pothole claims – with 12.8 percent of the annual total received within the month.
Yesterday (Wednesday), AA President Edmund King said at a transportation committee hearing that the “condition” of the roads was the top concern of its members.
Addressing MPs, Mr King said: ‘When you talk to our affiliated drivers about this strategic road network, the most important thing is the condition of the roads – that’s their biggest concern – getting rid of the potholes!’
Motorists who hit a pothole can increase their chances of a successful claim by taking a photo of the pothole and any damage to their vehicle.
Driving over a deep pothole, even at low speed, can damage a vehicle’s tires, alloy wheels, steering alignment and suspension. Pictured: Cars driving over potholes on Claremont Road in North West London
Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral, said: “We are seeing more pothole damage claims in March than any other month, and with forecasters predicting a possible severe weather event at the start of the month, similar to the one that caused the 2018 . ‘Beast from the East’ will probably be no exception this year.
“Potholes can open quickly, especially if the weather has been bad, meaning they may not have been there the last time you took that route.”
Nicholas Lyes, head of road policy at the RAC, said: ‘This is further proof, if ever needed, of the appalling state of the UK’s roads – and shows the needless harm done to drivers through no fault of their own.
“It’s about time the government sat up, took note and finally tackled the pothole plague in the country.”