Google searches for “pothole claim” surge by 900% as drivers seek compensation advice

Analysis by Go.Compare Car Insurance has found that online searches for ‘pothole claim’ have jumped to a five-year high, increasing by 900% in just three months.* 

The data shows that while searches typically peak during the winter months, February 2026 has recorded the highest volume since 2021.  

Related search terms, including 'pothole damage claim', 'council pothole claim', and 'claim for pothole damage' have also reached similar peaks, indicating a widespread frustration for UK drivers. 

Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go.Compare Car insurance explains: “With rainy weather plaguing most of the UK, it’s perhaps no surprise that potholes seem to be everywhere right now. What is interesting is the massive increase in the number of people searching for guidance on how to claim for compensation for pothole damage.  

“When it comes to knowing how to claim for pothole-related damage, there are a few things to consider - if you’re unfortunate enough to have sustained damage to your car, you need to make sure it is technically a ‘pothole’. This means it must be at least 40mm deep, which is about the height of two 20p coins."

Tom continued: “If you want to make a claim to your council there are a couple of things you need to do: 

• Gather evidence: You’ll need to show evidence to back up your claim. If it’s safe to do so, get a photo of the pothole and make a note of exactly where it is. What3words is a fantastic way to do this and remember the date and time you hit it. If anyone saw the incident it could be helpful to get a statement.  

• Talk to your mechanic: Any damage you claim for must be due to impact with the pothole, so if your car has to go to the garage and requires work, make sure you keep a record of everything and ask your mechanic to confirm this in writing. 

• Contact the right authority:  Depending on the type of road, a different authority will be responsible. For example, red routes in London are run by Transport for London rather than National Highways. You can find out who to contact here.  
• Insurance claims: A claim on your insurance policy shouldn't be your first port of call, but if you do decide to make a claim it’s worth noting that your insurance premiums could rise in the future as a result.”

For more information on how to make a pothole claim, visit here.  

Go.Compare Car Insurance has also researched the cost of pothole compensation claims for UK councils. It found that across England and Wales, between 2022 and 2024, councils in England and Wales paid out £10.2 million to drivers due to pothole damage.** 

Staffordshire County Council topped the list, paying out more than £1 million (£1,039,52) in compensation to drivers who claimed for road condition-related damage, followed by East Sussex (£598,112) and Derbyshire (£526,090). 

Councils paying the most in pothole compensation claims to drivers (2022-2024) 

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