Can I Claim Car Insurance for Pothole Damage?

Yes, you may be able to claim car insurance after hitting a pothole, but approval depends on the damage, your policy and your insurer’s assessment. Comprehensive car insurance may cover eligible accidental damage to your vehicle. If the damage is limited to tyres or rims, you may need an optional benefit such as BJAK’s Tyre & Rims Cover.

If your car is damaged after hitting a pothole, do not assume every repair cost will be covered. Check your vehicle safely, take photos of the damage and contact your insurer to understand which claim options may be available.

What Pothole Damage Can You Claim For?

The type of damage and your policy determine whether a claim may be possible. Here are some common examples.

Type of damage	Can you claim?
Tyre punctured or torn by a pothole	Possibly, if your policy includes relevant cover such as Tyre & Rims Cover.
Bent or cracked wheel rim	May be covered under Tyre & Rims Cover, subject to the policy terms.
Damaged suspension or undercarriage	May be claimable under comprehensive insurance if the damage from the incident is covered.
Mechanical failure or normal wear and tear	Generally not covered as accidental damage.
Damage to the car following a more serious accident after hitting a pothole	May be covered under comprehensive insurance, depending on the circumstances and claim assessment.

This table is a general guide, not a guarantee of approval. Check your policy documents because insurers may apply different benefit limits, exclusions and conditions.

Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?

Comprehensive car insurance generally covers eligible accidental damage to your own vehicle, subject to the policy terms. However, damage caused by hitting a pothole is not automatically approved. Your insurer will assess the cause of the damage, the affected components and the coverage available under your policy.

For example, if a strong impact damages your suspension or undercarriage, contact your insurer to check whether the incident qualifies for a claim. If only the tyre or rim is damaged, check whether your policy includes specific additional cover.

What Is Tyre & Rims Cover?

Tyre & Rims Cover is an optional benefit that may pay for eligible tyre or rim repairs and replacements following certain incidents, including hitting a pothole. It is not necessarily included in every comprehensive car insurance plan.

If you regularly drive on uneven roads or roads with potholes, you can learn more about Tyre & Rims Cover on BJAK to understand the available protection. Review the conditions, claim limits and exclusions before choosing this add-on.

What Should You Do After Hitting a Pothole?

If you suspect your car has been damaged, take these steps before continuing your journey.

1. Stop somewhere safe

If your car feels unstable, the steering wheel vibrates or a tyre loses pressure, stop in a safe place. Do not continue driving if the damage could affect your ability to control the vehicle.

2. Take photos and collect evidence

If it is safe to do so, photograph the pothole, the location and the damage to your car. Record the date, time and location clearly. Keep any dashcam footage, inspection reports, repair estimates and receipts.

3. Contact your insurer

Explain what happened and ask whether the damage may be claimed under your policy. Confirm whether an inspection, panel workshop or prior approval is required before repairs begin.

4. Get an inspection and repair estimate

Ask a workshop to inspect potentially affected parts, including the tyres, rims, suspension and undercarriage. Keep the inspection report and repair estimate in case your insurer requests them.

5. Wait for instructions before arranging repairs

Follow your insurer’s instructions on inspections and approved workshops. If your car is unsafe to drive, ask about towing or roadside assistance. Do not assume repair costs will be paid before the claim has been assessed.

You can also refer to BJAK’s car insurance claim process guide for general information about the steps and documents involved.

Can You Claim Compensation from the Road Authority?

In some circumstances, you can contact the authority or agency responsible for maintaining the road to ask about making a complaint or claim for pothole-related damage. However, compensation is not guaranteed. The outcome may depend on the evidence, the responsible party’s liability and the applicable procedures.

Keep photos of the pothole and vehicle damage, the exact location, dashcam footage, inspection reports and repair receipts. Contact the relevant authority to confirm its complaint process and document requirements. A claim against a road authority is separate from your car insurance claim.

Will a Pothole Damage Claim Affect Your NCD?

The effect on your No Claim Discount (NCD) depends on the type of claim and your policy terms. A standard own-damage claim under comprehensive insurance generally affects your NCD. However, the treatment of claims under certain optional benefits may differ.

Before making a claim, ask your insurer whether your NCD will be affected, how much may be paid and whether any excess or other deductions apply. If the repair cost is low, compare paying out of pocket with the possible impact on your NCD.

Conclusion

Potholes can cause damage beyond the tyres alone. Before renewing your insurance, review your comprehensive cover and available add-ons so you understand what may be covered if this happens.

You can compare car insurance options on BJAK and review policy conditions, benefit limits and exclusions before choosing your cover.