Some interesting stats from The Green Insurer, as the paltry amount in compensation paid by Councils for pothole damage has increased, but most drivers get the brush-off. Here’s the word;
The number of drivers receiving compensation payouts for pothole damage from local councils increased by 82% last year but most motorists complaining about damage to their vehicle are turned down by councils, analysis of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Green Insurer shows.
The FOI answered by 50 councils across the UK shows 6,243 motorists received compensation for damage to their car caused by potholes or poor road conditions – an 82% rise on the previous year and more than double the 3,043 payouts in 2019. Total compensation paid by councils responding to the FOI last year was £1.075 million.
However the figures from the councils show around 65% of claims last year were rejected with 11,413 claims turned down, the FOI from The Green Insurer, which is focused on helping drivers reduce carbon emissions and drive in a more environmentally friendly way, found.
The number of potholes reported to councils who responded to the FOI far exceeds compensation claims with those councils saying they were notified of nearly 300,000 last year and they spent £52.45 million repairing them.
DIY ROAD REPAIRS
Research by The Green Insurer, which is focused on helping drivers reduce carbon emissions and drive in a more environmentally friendly way, found one in 20 (5%) of adults say they have tried to fill in potholes themselves or with neighbours.
Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer, said: “Potholes and badly maintained roads are a major issue for everyone with drivers regularly suffering damage to cars and needing to find the money to pay for repairs.
“Our FOI shows the extent of the problem with councils receiving around 300,000 reports of potholes every year and spending up to £52.45 million on repairs. Our research even shows people are trying to fill in potholes themselves.
“Drivers however clearly cannot rely on council compensation when they suffer damage to their vehicles as most claims are rejected which underlines the need for comprehensive car insurance to help with bills. Badly maintained roads also make it difficult for motorists to drive in an environmentally conscious way.”
REPORT A POTHOLE
People can report potholes in England and Wales through Report a pothole – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or at Report a pothole – mygov.scot in Scotland and Report a pothole or other surface defect | nidirect in Northern Ireland. They can also report issues through local council websites.
The Green Insurer offers car insurance policies through its website at http://www.thegreeninsurer.com and through leading price comparison websites. A customer’s Green Driving Score will be used to calculate their renewal premium and to offer discounts when they renew. Policies are linked to a mobile app, which monitors how customers drive.
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