New research reveals that more than a quarter of UK drivers say their cars have been damaged by potholes, with many motorists resorting to dangerous manoeuvres to avoid road hazards. Online searches for 'pothole damage' have risen by 187% in the past year.
Pothole damage affects millions of drivers
The car insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket conducted a study of more than 1,300 UK drivers. The research found that 26% of motorists said their car had been damaged by a pothole, which equates to more than 11 million drivers based on August 2026 DVLA figures showing 43,248,130 people held a full or provisional driving licence.
A further 14% of motorists said their car had been damaged by a speed bump. The research also highlighted the measures drivers take to avoid hazards: 43% said they had swerved or braked sharply to avoid a pothole or speed bump, and 31% said they had driven on the wrong side of the road to avoid one.
Risks of sudden evasive action
With darker nights making speed bumps and potholes harder to spot, drivers may be more likely to take sudden evasive action, the experts said. Car insurance expert Alicia Hempsted advised that this could increase the risk of unsafe driving. Manoeuvres such as swerving into oncoming traffic could result in penalties if the standard of driving amounts to careless or dangerous driving, ranging from penalty points and fines to a driving disqualification depending on the circumstances.
Alicia said: "A hard hit on a speed bump or pothole can lead to issues such as buckled wheels, punctured tyres or a damaged suspension, with the cost for these repairs quickly adding up."
"However, what's worrying is the drastic measures some drivers have used to avoid these hazards that may put other drivers and themselves at risk. Swerving suddenly, braking sharply or driving onto the wrong side of the road can have potentially far more severe consequences, especially in poor visibility or heavy traffic."
"The safest approach when driving on the roads is to maintain a suitable speed and distance from the car in front so you can spot any potential hazards early on. Then, go over speed bumps slowly and straight on. If you can't avoid a pothole safely, it's generally best to slow down and drive over it rather than swerve."
Advice for winter driving
Alicia has shared her advice on preparing for winter driving conditions and what to do if your car is damaged: "With winter quickly approaching and potholes likely to get worse, now's a good time to check your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition, as this can help to reduce the impact of any rough road surfaces."
"But if your car does get damaged, take photos of the pothole or speed bump and the damage to your vehicle, noting down the exact location to report it to the local council or the relevant authorities."
"Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for pothole damage. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you may also be able to make a claim depending on your cover."
"However, it's worth considering your excess and the impact on your no-claims bonus if you have one before you move forward with your insurance provider."
