Compensation soars for pothole damage to tyres and other car parts
By Denna Bowman
Motorists have been warned to guard against the current ‘pothole epidemic’, after a sharp rise in the number of related claims.
There has been a sharp jump in the number of insurance claims for pothole-related damage to cars, including tyres, wheels and suspensions, according to AA Insurance.
While Mark Monteiro, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, added: “With the average repair cost for pothole damage amounting to £240 and some bills as high as £2,710, it is vital that drivers are increasingly vigilant on the roads and take the necessary precautions to avoid being left out in the cold financially.”
Pothole damage to cars is usually confined to tyres and wheels, steering and suspension.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, advise motorists to keep an eye on their tyres, as damage may not be immediately obvious immediately after hitting a pothole.
He warned: “Watch for development of tell-tale bulges on the tyre walls, indicating serious internal damage. If you see such a defect, change the tyre immediately as a bulge is likely to result in a blow-out which could be catastrophic if you’re travelling a speed.”
Cars with alloy wheels and low-profile tyres are particularly prone to damage.
In one recent case, a driver hit a serious pothole full of water that was concealed by the wet road surface. The strike punctured the front-near-side low-profile tyre of his BMW, distorted and cracked the aluminium wheel and damaged the steering. His estimated repair bill came to more than £2,200.
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
