Potholes claims create dents in insurers' finances

Car insurance companies are still footing large bills for the pothole damage caused by the recent bad weather, a survey shows.

Figures from the AA show £2.85 million is paid out every month for pothole claims, which equates to around 1,900 drivers going in search of compensation.

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Insurance, identified that the true extent of the damage caused by potholes is not reflected in these figures, because claims will only be made for serious problems.

"Garages and tyre centres are dealing with countless thousands of punctured tyres, damaged tracking or broken springs which don't justify making a claim," he commented.

The AA estimates there are around two million potholes throughout the UK, which each cost around £70 to repair.

Last month, the motoring organisation said it had experienced a four-fold increase in car insurance claims compared to the same period of last year.

Posted by Martin Ellis