MoneySupermarket identified the UK’s pothole hotspots after analysing Freedom of Information data. Cornwall (127,000 potholes) and Oxfordshire (110,000) make up the remaining top five.

The price comparison site found that Wiltshire spends the most on pothole repairs at £69m followed by Warwickshire at £51m, and Cheshire West and Chester at £39m.

Bolsover District Council recorded the fewest potholes (138), followed by Kensington and Chelsea (158) and the Isle of Anglesey (290). The London Borough of Wandsworth reported the lowest pothole spend (£13,000), followed by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (£24,000) and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (£31,000).

Sara Newell, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, said: “Potholes can be a real menace. Not only are they dangerous but they can also cause serious damage to your car, with wheels, suspension and even body work all at risk from some of the worst.

“The cost of these repairs can be high, so make sure you have comprehensive car insurance and check the small print to see exactly what’s covered in the event of a claim, particularly if you live in an area where potholes are common and road surfaces are in a state of disrepair.

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“If you’ve experienced pothole damage but don’t want to claim on your policy, you can also consider making a claim to the relevant authority responsible for maintaining the road where the damage occurred. For example, local authorities tend to be responsible for local roads and B roads, while Highways England is responsible for A roads and motorways. However, note that a claim is far more likely to be successful if the pothole has already been reported, and you’ll need to provide evidence of the damage and the incident, including photos, witnesses, and receipts for any repairs.”