Whittlesey and District Neighbourhood Watch

Reporting and Claiming for Pothole Damage

Local authorities are typically responsible for maintaining roads and repairing potholes. They use various methods such as patching, filling, and resurfacing to address these issues. However, due to budget constraints and the sheer volume of roads needing maintenance, potholes can sometimes persist or reappear even after repairs. Dealing with potholes damaging your car can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to address the situation.

Inspect your car: After hitting a pothole, take a moment to inspect your vehicle for any immediate damage. Look for flat tires, bent rims, misalignment, or any unusual noises.

Document the damage: Take photos of any visible damage to your car caused by the pothole. This documentation can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or seeking reimbursement for repairs.

Report the pothole: It is important to report potholes which you can do very easily online go to Report a Highways Fault on the Cambridgeshire County Council website and click the Report a Highways Fault online button. Currently there are 204 reported potholes in Whittlesey - the map shows those already reported. If you see potholes on the road marked with yellow paint these will be fixed within 21 days. Potholes marked with white paint will take up to 13 weeks to fix.

File a claim: If your car sustains significant damage from a pothole, you may be eligible to file a claim with your insurance company or Cambridgeshire County Council who have a site which gives the process for claiming at Cambridgeshire County Council - Roadworks and Faults. Which have an advice page at How Do I Report a Pothole and Claim Compensation.

Repair your car: Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair your car. This could involve anything from replacing a tire to realigning the suspension. Be sure to obtain multiple estimates from reputable mechanics or auto shops.

Consider preventative measures: While you can't always avoid potholes, there are some preventative measures you can take to minimize the risk of damage. These include driving at a safe speed, leaving plenty of room between your car and the vehicle in front of you, and avoiding puddles or areas of the road where potholes are likely to form.

Stay informed: Keep an eye on road conditions, especially during periods of inclement weather or after significant temperature fluctuations, as these conditions can contribute to the formation of potholes.

By taking these steps, you can help mitigate the impact of potholes on your car and potentially recoup any costs associated with repairs