MORE THAN 45,000 potholes were reported to councils across the West Midlands last year.
As a result, local authorities had to pay out more than £364,000 to compensate drivers for damage to their vehicles.
Data shows that around 1million potholes were reported in the UK last year with 4.4million claims made. However, compensation payouts are down by 13 per cent.
The most common damages caused are punctured tyres, damaged suspension or damaged tracking and repairs are costing drivers around £169 on average to fix.
Of the drivers who made a claim to their local council, around a third were completely unsuccessful in getting compensation.
Those who did managed to claim back around £214, on average, for damages.
Motor expert Louise Thomas at the Confused.com car insurance comparison site said: “Although the harsh winter months are almost behind us, potholes are still proving problematic for drivers.
“That’s as pothole reports in the region reached more than 45,000 last year.
“And across the UK, data shows how reports totalled almost 1million – a 24 per cent increase compared to 2020.
“There’s no denying the UK has a pothole problem, and the government has dedicated more funding as a result.
“But for some drivers this isn’t enough.”
Search for ‘report a pothole – Worcestershire’ for the link to the county council’s designated page.
