Here at ACC UK Ltd of Farnborough, Hampshire, Independent Volvo & Toyota Service & Repair Specialists we have seen our fair share of damaged vehicles due to Pothole incidents. This is in light of research carried out which shows that Pothole Compensation claims in the UK have soared in 2014 with some councils reporting a 750 per cent rise in claims, according to a report from Potholes.co.uk.

photo credit: caribb via photopin cc

The surge in claims has been blamed on the UK’s wet winter during 2013/2014, which saw record rainfall across the whole country. Potholes.co.uk is now urging authorities to display signs on damaged stretches of road as a temporary warning system for road users. The average bill for damage caused by potholes is estimated to be £247. There are lotsof things motorists can do to avoid damage to their vehicles due to potholes in the road. One thing is to ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressures. The other thing is to be extra vigilant of the road ahead and drive slower! If you can see a pothole approaching then if it is safe to do so avoid the pothole, if not then reduce your speed and drive slowly over the pothole. Always be extra vigilant of cars both in front of you and behind you and don't slam on your breaks or swerve into the other lane - see our previous blog regarding tips when faced with potholes.

In Somerset claims spiked at 204 in January/February from just 24 in November/December, a massive 750% increase in cases. The same worrying trend has been reported in some of the other regions worst hit by flooding at the start of this year.

Surrey County Council reported a 353% increase and admitted that an “unprecedented number of claims” meant that there was still a backlog of claims waiting to go on to the system, meaning the statistics will only get worse.

In Dorset, one of the worst hit flood areas, the County Council saw claims for pothole damage increase from 85 in November/December to 193 in January/February – up 127%. In January the county experienced up to 290mm of rain in some areas – almost three times the average expected at that time of year.

Worcester floods hit record levels in February and claims to the County Council also rose 400 per cent from 25 in November/December to 125 in January/February.

To draw attention to the ongoing problem with the crumbling roads, Potholes.co.uk has unveiled a new design for temporary signage that could be adopted to warn motorists and other road users about pothole-ridden stretches of road.

If you do sustain damage take photo's as soon as possible and report the pothole and incident to the council immediately to ensure that it is logged. Take your vehicle to your logal independent garage such as ACC UK Ltd, Volvo and Toyota Service and Repair Specialists in Farnborough, Hampshire for them to fully inspect your vehicle for any hidden damage to the suspension and ensure that you have a copy of the full estimate/invoice to add to your claim.

Happy Motoring!