Motorists may be able to recover costs for damage caused by potholes

The insurance industry is estimated to be forking out £2.85m per month for pothole claims and consumers should review the details of their motor insurance policy to see if they can recoup some repair costs advises independent research company, Defaqto.

Mike Powell, Insight Analyst at Defaqto said: "Local authorities are still struggling to fill the vast amount of potholes that have been created from the severe winter so the problems for motorists are far from over. Consumers should check their policy features and exclusions as they may be able to recover some costs of repair."

Features to look for

All comprehensive car insurance policies include cover for ‘accidental damage' and damage caused by potholes may therefore be covered. 

Beware the exclusions and excesses

‘Damage to tyres caused by braking or by punctures, cuts or bursts' is a typical exclusion found under a comprehensive car insurance policy so it's unlikely motorists will be able to recover costs in this area.

Motorists should check their policy excess as the repair costs may be lower than the excess. 

It is unlikely insurers will be able to recover any amounts they have to pay out so claims made would most likely reduce the policyholder's no claims discount.

If the damage has been caused over a period of time by consistently driving over potholes, insurers may refuse the claim on the grounds that the damage has been caused by ‘wear and tear'.

Mr Powell added: "Many motorists don't examine the policy features carefully when they take out their motor insurance. For our Star Ratings, we reviewed 216 comprehensive policies with over 45 features between them so there can be huge differences."