The five areas of the UK with the highest reports of potholes on their roads have been revealed as numbers reach record highs in a misery for motorists
The number of drivers who claimed money back for pothole damage has plummeted to the lowest on record as data reveals which parts of the UK are worst for it.
Councils across the UK only dished out compensation to 19% of motorists who complained that their vehicle was damaged due to a pothole. This figure fell from 29% in 2024, according to figures from Confused.com. Some parts of the nation have even lower figures than the staggering 19% compensation average rate for the country. Data has also revealed that nearly half of drivers across the country reported having to “regularly” swerve while driving to avoid these holes in the road.
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The area with the most potholes was Devon, with 210,754 reported from 2022 to 2025. Shockingly only 15% of damage claims from people in that region have been approved.
A shocking 191,001 incidents from potholes were reported by drivers in West Yorkshire, from 2022-25, but councils in that region only handed out money for 11% of damage reports.
The area ranked third worst, according to Confused.com, was Northumberland. Greater London and Dumfries and Galloway closely followed in fourth and fifth place. Despite the list of most pothole ridden places, they did not all align with the five areas that dished out the most cash to furious drivers who reported damage to their vehicles, between 2022 and 2025.
Greater London topped the list with a staggering £1.29 million handed out in compensation. East Sussex was next with £642,338 and Glasgow in a close third at £606,492. Highland Council was fourth highest at £544,092 handed out to drivers, and Oxfordshire came fifth at £507,233. Over three million potholes have been reported across the UK in the past four years.
A motoring expert at Confused.com, Matt Crole-Rees, said: “Potholes continue to be a major concern for drivers across the UK, particularly after periods of harsh weather that can accelerate damage to road surfaces. Many motorists are still experiencing disruption caused by deteriorating road conditions, which can lead to vehicle damage and unexpected repair costs.”
In the 2025 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed that the government would hand over £2billion annually by 2029-30 to local authorities to “repair, renew and fix potholes”.
How to make claim for pothole-related damage
Drivers impacted by poor road conditions looking to claim money back from their local authorities can follow five key steps to try and get compensation. Firstly, motorists or cyclists looking to make a claim for pothole-related damage must not where the road damage was as well as the date and time of the incident. People should also take an image of the damage so this can be submitted with an application.
Secondly, motorists should decide who they need to complain to. For example, a road hole on a main trunk road or motorway could be a claim for National Highways. For local roads, it should go to the local authority where the hole was located.
Third, the next step would be putting together and submitting a formal claim to a council or National Highways. Fourth, drivers or cyclists must wait to hear back on whether the claim has been accepted. If someone is unhappy with the outcome or amount of compensation they can seek legal advice.
Finally, some drivers with comprehensive cover could be able to make a claim through their insurance provider. People should consider whether they have a no claims bonus and what their excess payments are before doing this step.
