Damage to the nation’s motors caused by the UK’s growing pothole problem has hit record levels, with data from Tesco Insurance showing it settled 12% more pothole damage claims in January 2026 than in the entire second half of 2025.
New figures for January 2026 suggest that claims may rise sharply this year, as the country feels the impact of deteriorating road surfaces. In the first 31 days of 2026, Tesco Insurance settled 56% of the total number of claims it paid out in the whole of 2025.
The cost of pothole damage is also rising, the data shows. Compensation paid in January 2026 alone accounted for nearly a third (32%) of the total payouts for 2025, with the average claim costing around £4,441, highlighting the financial strain drivers could face if forced to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance, said: “It’s no secret that the UK’s roads are suffering badly, with the strain clearly showing on cars and vans from the growing number of potholes on our main roads and side streets.
“But it’s telling from our figures for January 2026 that pothole damage could reach its worst levels yet. Pothole claims in the first month of the year represented 4.1% of all single vehicle accident claims we received, the highest ever recorded at Tesco Insurance.
“With the trend likely to continue as roads deteriorate, we advise drivers to take extra care when driving to avoid any costly damage to their vehicles.”
Across the UK, Peterborough and Northampton lead the way in pothole damage claims for 2026 so far, based on January data. Peterborough also topped last year’s claim table alongside Tonbridge, with the Kent town already sitting in joint third place for the first month of the year, alongside Plymouth and Sheffield.
Wheels accounted for the greatest proportion of pothole damage claims in January, the data shows, just as they did throughout 2025. However, bumpers, brakes, suspension systems, and even a panoramic roof were also affected.
The pothole problem on UK roads could worsen further, after the huge amount of rainfall experienced in February.
WHICH UK TOWNS AND CITIES HAVE THE MOST POTHOLE DAMAGE CLAIMS SINCE 2020
1. Peterborough
2. Northampton
3. Tonbridge
4. Chelmsford
5. Plymouth
6. Glasgow
7. Guildford
8. Ipswich
9. Cambridge
10. Nottingham
The joint lowest claim numbers since 2020 were: Blackpool, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Dorchester, Harrow, Kirkwall, Lancaster, Liverpool, Wakefield, and Warrington. These lower figures may reflect variations in Tesco Insurance’s customer distribution, as well as differences in road conditions.
The most common places for claims related to pothole-damaged wheels since 2020 were: Peterborough, Tonbridge, Aberdeen, Chelmsford, Stevenage, and Redhill.
To help motorists reduce the risk of pothole damage, Tesco Insurance experts have shared five quick tips:
Slow down on poorly maintained roads. Hitting a pothole at speed increases the likelihood of tyre or suspension damage.
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, giving you more time to spot potholes and other hazards.
Be especially cautious after heavy rain or flooding, as this is when potholes can fill with water and become harder to see.
Avoid sudden braking or swerving at the last minute, which can increase the risk of losing control or causing further damage.
Check tyre pressure regularly. Underinflated tyres are more vulnerable to impact damage from potholes.