36% of motorists have had their car damaged by a pothole, and it’s costing Brits billions, new data confirms.
The research, from Close Brothers Motor Finance, revealed that more than one in three (36%) British drivers have had their car damaged by a pothole, with the average cost of repairs coming in at £339. However, despite widespread damage, more than half (52%) of motorists have had to fork out for repairs themselves.
21% of motorists had the damage costs partially covered by their insurance provider, compared to less than one in five (19%) who had the bill fully covered. 13% had their costs partially covered by the local authority responsible for the road, compared to 12% who said their local authority covered the full cost of repairs.
Despite the fact that only 12% of local authorities responsible for the roads that have caused damage fully paid for the damage, 42% of drivers believe they should pay in full. 31% also believe local authorities should at least partially reimburse motorists, whereas 23% believe their insurer should fund some of the repairs. 19% agree that insurers should foot some of the bill, whereas only 12% of drivers believe they should have to cover the costs.
John Cassidy, Managing Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “Despite increased funding for repairs and widespread coverage, it’s concerning that potholes are continuing to cause billions of pounds worth of damage to vehicles. The UK’s infrastructure needs considerable investment to ensure it’s up to scratch, and local authorities need to do more.
“While the Government is trying to encourage electric vehicle adoption and is pushing its zero emission vehicle mandate, buyers will be reconsidering making new car purchases out of fear of instantly incurring significant repair costs. While it may seem trivial in the grand scheme of the automotive market, ensuring that our road infrastructure is adequate will play a role in meeting the Government’s targets. We must also emphasise the safety element; though costs are hefty, there are also serious concerns over the impact of potholes on road safety.”
