Pothole Damage in Kent: What to Check and How to Report It

Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent

If you have pothole damage in Kent, check your tyres, wheels and steering first, then report the pothole. Most Kent roads are reported to Kent County Council, while motorways and major A roads go to National Highways. You can claim for damage, but the council says there is no automatic right to compensation.

What potholes can damage

The RAC lists several parts of a car that a hard pothole strike can harm:

• Tyres: punctures, sidewall bulges or, after a severe impact, a blowout.
• Wheels: bent or cracked rims.
• Suspension: shock absorbers, struts and control arms.
• Alignment and steering: the wheels can be knocked out of line, causing vibration or difficulty steering.
• Underneath the car: in a deep pothole, the underside can hit the road, damaging the exhaust or oil pan (sump).

Some damage shows straight away. Some only appears days later, so keep an eye on how the car feels.

What to check after hitting a pothole

Pull over somewhere safe and have a look. Then keep checking over the next few drives.

1. Look at the tyre. Check the sidewall for bulges, cuts or splits.
2. Look at the rim. Look for dents, cracks or chips, especially on the inner edge.
3. Feel the steering. Is the wheel off-centre, or does the car pull to one side?
4. Feel for vibration. A new shake through the steering wheel or seat is a warning sign.
5. Listen for new noises. Knocks over bumps or a louder exhaust can point to damage underneath.
6. Check for leaks. Look under the car for fresh drips after it has been parked.

Is it safe to drive? Be cautious. If a tyre has a bulge, the steering feels wrong, a warning light comes on, or you see a leak, stop driving and get it checked. A damaged tyre or steering part can fail without warning.

How to report a pothole in Kent

Reporting the pothole helps get it fixed. It also gives you a reference number you will need if you claim.

Kent County Council roads. You can report non-urgent potholes through the council’s online “Report a pothole” form. If a pothole could cause an accident, Kent County Council says to call 03000 41 81 81 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or 03000 41 91 91 at other times.

The council says it aims to fix routine faults, including potholes, within 28 days, and dangerous faults within 2 hours. You can track a report online.

Motorways and major A roads. These are managed by National Highways, not the council. GOV.UK lists a National Highways reporting page and a 24-hour line on 0300 123 5000.

Not sure who looks after the road? GOV.UK’s pothole page finds the right council from the postcode.

Claiming for pothole damage from Kent County Council

Kent County Council has a set process for vehicle damage claims:

1. Report the damage on 03000 41 81 81, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You get a reference number and can ask for a claim form.
2. Fill in the form fully, including the fault reference number.
3. Wait for acknowledgement. You receive a claim reference and an idea of how long the investigation will take.
4. Get a decision. The council says this can take up to 10 weeks from receiving your completed form.

Points to know before you claim:

• The council says you must keep your losses as low as possible, so get repairs done promptly.
• Original repair documents and receipts are always required.
• If repairs are likely to cost over £500, the council may want to inspect the damage first.
• Claims are handled under sections 41 and 58 of the Highways Act 1980. The council says “the majority of compensation claims are unsuccessful” because of the legal defence available.

The RAC explains that authorities can defend a claim by showing they took reasonable steps to inspect and maintain the road. It suggests gathering evidence: photos of the pothole and the damage, its size if safe to measure, the exact location and date, repair invoices and any witness details.

What affects the cost of repairs

We do not quote fixed prices, because pothole damage varies so much. Cost depends on which parts are damaged, whether a tyre or wheel can be repaired or must be replaced, the price of parts for your car, and how much labour is involved.

Getting the damage properly diagnosed and written up also gives you the paperwork you need for a claim. If you are heading into winter, our guide to preparing your car for Kent’s winter roads is worth a read.

How we can help

We do not do tyres, suspension, alignment or exhaust work. What we can do is come out, diagnose the cause of a new vibration, pull or noise, and tell you clearly what it needs.

• We come to you across the Kent areas we cover, from Aylesham and Canterbury to Dover, Deal, Sandwich and Folkestone.
• Fault finding and warning light diagnostics.
• If your brakes were affected, we can check and replace brake pads and discs. See our brake pad warning signs guide.
• Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job. Parts are extra, and the price is agreed on WhatsApp first.

Frequently asked questions

Who do I report a pothole to in Kent?
Kent County Council for most roads. National Highways for motorways and major A roads.

Will the council pay for my pothole damage?
Not automatically. Kent County Council says most claims are unsuccessful because of its legal defence under the Highways Act 1980.

How long does a Kent pothole claim take?
The council says a decision can take up to 10 weeks after it receives your completed form.

Should I fix the car before claiming?
The council says to keep losses low by arranging repairs promptly. Keep all receipts. Over £500, it may want to inspect first.

Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.

Sources

• Kent County Council: Report a problem on the road
• Kent County Council: Claims for damage to your vehicle
• GOV.UK: Report a pothole
• RAC: Potholes advice