Car Insurance companies are predicting an expensive winter as the number of potholes on UK roads hits its highest level since records began. The damage to roads has become so severe that a spokesperson for the AA commented that some roads may actually have to close.

The pothole situation looks set to be even worse than 2010 when the Local Government Association successfully lobbied the government for an additional £100 million for essential repairs. Given that many councils have had to cut back their road maintenance funding by up to 20 per cent, there is unlikely to be any money in the pot during 2011.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation recently said that: “The situation is already really bad but there is a real possibility that this is only the beginning of our problems. Given that the financial situation is as bleak as the weather, motorists should expect more problems.”

A spokesman for the UK Roads Liaison Board, which advises the government, commented: “Last year, the government provided an extra £100 million to try and stem the tide of repairs but this year that money won’t conveniently be found down the back of the sofa.”

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: “We know how important it is that local roads are well maintained. That is why, despite the need to make in-year budget reductions, we have protected day-to-day funding for local road maintenance this year and will invest £3 billion in maintenance over the next four years. However, local councils should manage the maintenance of their roads throughout the year and in view of the last two winters we would expect winter maintenance to be a priority for them.”

Interestingly, the spokesperson went on to add: “It is too early to assess whether any exceptional damage has been caused by the recent weather.”

Information such as the huge increase in reported potholes, the rise in car insurance claims and the number of claims requested from the Highways Agency is a clear indication that the DfT either doesn’t drive on the same roads as the rest of us or were on holiday somewhere warmer during the exceptional snowfall. It is estimated that there is a serious pothole for every 180 metres of road, according to the CTC cycling organisation.

Potholes are caused when water from rain or snow seeps under the road surface and expands as it freezes. The loosened asphalt is worn away by further rain, snow, ice and passing traffic.

According to the Fill That Hole organisation, there were 17,339 public reports of potholes and road surface damage last year, with more than 28 new reports coming in each day. The organisation takes information of potholes and passes it on to the relevant road authority and acts to keep up-to-date statistics.

Car insurance companies, alongside bike insurance companies, are picking up a large percentage of the bill for pothole damage, forking out over £10.5 million in the first three months of 2010 alone, with an average claim of just over £1,300. The number of claims could have been higher but not all car insurance policies cover pothole damage, so it pays to do a car insurance comparison. Cheap car cover may be welcome but the small print is worth checking and you may have to prove that the pothole caused the accident.

It is not just car insurance companies that are footing the bill. The Highways Agency has an obligation in its duty of care to keep UK roads safe for day to day use. If you have an accident caused by severe road surface damage then you can try to make a claim from the agency itself.

In order to make a claim, the pothole causing the accident must be reported immediately. You should ask for a freedom of information request to see if it had previously been reported and when the last road risk assessment was done on that road. Take photographs of the damaged road and include these. If you can prove that your accident damage is consistent with the pothole then you have a chance but don’t think it is easy money. Last year, many claims went unpaid but if your car insurance will not cover you, it could be worth a try.

As for future journeys, check that you are fully covered on your car insurance should you encounter dangerous road surfaces and don’t rely on the Highways Agency or local councils to have repaired the damage quickly. With their budgets cut, repairs are probably pot luck.