Hit a pothole within the road? Potholes could be a nuisance for each drivers and pedestrians. They could cause accidents, make it difficult to navigate the roads, and worse, cause damage to your automotive.
However, in accordance with Kwik Fit Repairs, pothole damage is at its highest within the UK in a decade, with thirteen million cars damaged last yr, costing a complete of £1.7bn to repair.
This common problem on many UK roads costs around £40 to repair, but it surely not only causes damage to vehicles but can pose a security risk to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
But there may be light at the tip of the tunnel, if you may have suffered damage to your vehicle due to a pothole, chances are you’ll be entitled to compensation.
are you entitled to compensation?
First, it must be noted that not all holes will qualify for compensation. The local authority is liable for the road but should have given advance notice of the pothole and didn’t take reasonable steps to repair it.
Therefore, if you happen to hit a hole that has only just formed and there was no prior notice, chances are you’ll not be eligible for compensation.
If you think you may have a right, step one is to gather evidence of the damage done.
collect evidence
Take pictures of the opening if you happen to can do it as safely as possible, and fasten any damage to the vehicle, including tire damage, wheel damage, or suspension damage. It’s also a superb idea to get a repair cost estimate from a good repair shop as this may be used as credible evidence.
Then report the opening to the suitable local authorities as soon as possible. This can often be done online via the council’s website or by calling the client service team. You will need to supply details concerning the location of the opening and the damage attributable to it. If you may have pictures it will probably really help.
Once you report a pothole you have to be given a reference number and the council will start an investigation. If they agree that the opening was a hazard and that they didn’t take reasonable steps to repair it, they are going to likely give you compensation to cover the fee of repairing your vehicle.
what in case your claim is rejected?
If the council rejects your claim, you may escalate the matter by making a proper criticism. This must be in writing and will include all of the evidence collected, including photos and an estimate of the repair shop. You also needs to include any correspondence you may have had with the council regarding this matter.
If your criticism continues to be not resolved, you may take legal motion against the local authority. However, this could be a lengthy and expensive process, so it’s advisable to hunt legal advice before pursuing this selection.
There are some solicitors who will offer a contract at no charge within the event of a claim, but it surely is best to know all of the terms and conditions before taking legal motion as there could also be some clauses depending on the law firm you utilize.
If all else fails, you too can make a claim under comprehensive automotive insurance, but check if the claim is greater than the deductible and you may lose a few of your no claims bonus.
Kwik Fit recommends keeping your automotive in top condition and ensuring your tires are properly inflated, which is able to act as protection if you happen to hit a pothole or stone on the road, and have your automotive inspected commonly all year long.
