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FOI Data Show £11m UK Payouts as Pothole Claim Success Hits Record Low

Claim acceptance has plunged, leaving most drivers paying out of pocket.

Overview

  • Confused.com’s FOI analysis logged more than 3.4 million UK pothole reports since 2022, including over 600,000 in 2025, with 990,840 repairs completed last year.
  • UK councils paid over £11 million in compensation between 2022 and 2025, including £1.1 million last year, with Greater London paying the most at £1.29 million.
  • The share of successful compensation claims fell to 19% in 2025 from 29% in 2024, as drivers reported average repair costs of £175 and average council payouts of £242.
  • Hotspots by reports included Devon (210,754 reports, 15% success), West Yorkshire (191,001, 11%), and Northumberland (151,485, 51%), highlighting stark regional variation.
  • In Ireland, 28 local authorities reported roughly €1.3 million paid to motorists since 2023, led by Donegal (€340,923) and Cork County (€275,439), with annual payouts declining over the period.