Pothole compensation data reveals the top-paying areas in the UK. According to information obtained by Confused.com through Freedom of Information requests, UK councils received 144,230 compensation claims for pothole damage between 2022 and 2025, totaling over £11 million in payouts, with £1.1 million in 2025 alone. Over the past four years, 3.4 million potholes were reported nationwide, with 18% occurring in 2025.
Despite the high number of reported potholes, the success rate for compensation claims has decreased. In 2025, councils approved only 19% of claims, down from 29% the previous year. Devon led in reported potholes with 210,754, yet only 15% of damage claims were accepted.
West Yorkshire reported 191,001 potholes, with a success rate of 11% for claims. Northumberland had 151,485 potholes and approved 51% of claims, while Greater London recorded 145,618 potholes with a 36% success rate.
Among the areas with the highest total claims payouts, Greater London topped the list, paying out £1,294,566 over four years, followed by East Sussex with £642,338. Glasgow, Highland Council, and Oxfordshire also had significant payouts.
In 2025, UK councils repaired 990,840 potholes, with Greater London, West Yorkshire, and Devon leading in pothole repairs. A survey of 2,000 motorists revealed that 53% believe road conditions have worsened, with 22% encountering potholes daily and 41% several times a week. However, claiming compensation for pothole damage remains challenging.
Confused.com introduced a pothole reporting tool that provides local council data on reports, repairs, and compensation claims, guiding users to report issues or make claims. Matt Crole-Rees, a motoring expert at Confused.com, advised drivers to gather evidence and explore council claims processes before considering insurance options to cover pothole damage. The tool aims to expedite repairs and protect road users from potential harm.