New insurance data has revealed a surprising contradiction in the state of Britain's roads. While the number of insurance claims for pothole damage has fallen for the first time in half a decade, a significant majority of drivers insist the condition of their local routes has actually deteriorated.
The Contradiction in the Data
Research from Admiral Insurance shows that pothole-related claims dropped by a substantial 20.3 per cent in 2025, marking the first decline in five years. On average, drivers are spending £189 on pothole-related repairs. However, this statistical improvement is at odds with the lived experience of motorists. A striking 57 per cent of drivers report that their local roads have got worse over the past twelve months.
This disconnect is further highlighted by the fact that almost half (48 per cent) of all drivers say they have hit a pothole at least once in the last year. Of those who have had an impact, 49 per cent sustained damage to their vehicle. Perhaps most tellingly, a quarter of motorists have altered their regular routes specifically to avoid pothole-ridden streets.
An Expensive and Hidden Problem
The concern extends beyond immediate repair bills. A significant 62 per cent of drivers suspect that pothole impacts have caused long-term damage to their cars. Experts warn that the problem is particularly acute during the colder months. The period from January to April, known as 'Pothole Season', accounts for 46 per cent of all annual claims due to freeze-thaw cycles weakening road surfaces.
Graham Molsher, an Engineer and Pothole Expert, emphasised the serious risks. "Potholes aren't just a nuisance - they can be dangerous," he said. "A single hit can damage tyres, wheels, suspension and even knock wheel alignment out of manufactures specification, meaning safety systems like ADAS would need to be re-calibrated. However, damage isn't always obvious straight away, meaning repeated impacts can accelerate wear and tear and lead to expensive repairs."
Investment Versus Perception
This ongoing issue persists despite significant government investment aimed at tackling the problem. An extra £500 million in pothole-repair funding was launched for councils in April of last year. Furthermore, the recent Autumn Budget announced a further £7.3 billion investment in local roads.
John Coles, Head of Customer Claims at Admiral, commented on the puzzling data. "For the first time in five years, we've seen a fall in pothole claims, which sounds like good news. It would be great to think that we've finally turned a corner and are getting a grip on potholes. However, drivers are telling us a very different story. The majority of motorists say that the number and severity of potholes has got worse in the last year, with only one in five saying things have improved."
Coles suggested that insurance claims may only represent "the tip of the iceberg," as many drivers likely pay for minor repairs out of their own pockets to avoid affecting their no-claims bonus. Admiral is urging motorists to inspect their vehicles regularly for early signs of damage, such as unusual tyre wear, steering wheel vibration, or pulling to one side, to prevent minor issues from escalating into major, costly repairs.
