You are here: Home - Insurance - News -

More than 1,600 pothole breakdowns a day in May as fake insurance claims rise

0
Written by: Rebecca Goodman
09/06/2023
There were 49,801 pothole breakdown incidents in May, more than 1,600 a day, as recorded by the AA.

This is a 4% drop on April’s figure of 52,070 but also the second-highest monthly figure recorded since 2017 when these records first began.

The AA said that although the numbers of pothole incidents are likely to drop as the weather improves, the “awful state of road surfaces” means there is now a greater risk to cyclists and those on motorbikes.

The problem is so bad that the AA is calling for 2023 to be named “The year of the pothole” with a 29% rise in pothole-related call outs in April.

In the first four months of 2023 pothole breakdowns also increased by 23% when compared to 2022.

In March, the AA said it could cost £14bn and take 11 years for a catch-up operation to repair UK roads from the damage caused by the weather this winter.

It is also pricey for drivers, with it costing an average of £90 to get a tyre fixed and £250 for alloy wheels.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “Such has been extent of damage to UK roads, caused by winter’s ravages and poor road maintenance over many years, that the May bank holiday road travellers ran the risk of major damage and repair bills – particularly if they ventured off the main roads into the country.

“The big concern is the extra risk posed for the increased number of cyclists and bikers on to the road. Yes, the drier weather might have made the potholes easier to spot, but the sheer number of potholes means the odds are stacked against road users.”

Fake pothole claims on the rise

It comes as local councils have been warned against a rise in fake pothole damage claims, amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The public sector insurer, Zurich Municipal, said that extreme weather conditions in 2022 had seen a rise in the number of road defects and these had lead to a rise in the criminals falsely blaming potholes for damage that already existed on their vehicles.

Overall, in 2022, the insurer detected 571 fraudulent claims made against councils, worth £16.2m. This represents an 18% increase on the previous year, with the value of detected frauds increasing by 68%.

Scott Clayton, Head of Claims Fraud at Zurich UK, said: “It’s vital that local authorities take the current heightened fraud risk seriously. While the cost of fraud against councils ultimately impacts the public purse, there are also significant social costs, including the funding of organised crime and costs to the judicial system.”

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Big flu jab price hikes this winter: Where’s cheapest if you can’t get a free vaccine?

Pharmacies, supermarkets and health retailers are starting to offer flu jabs ahead of the winter season, but t...

Is now the time to fix your energy deal?

Fixed energy tariffs all but disappeared during the energy crisis. But now they are back with an increasing nu...

Octopus steps in to buy Shell Energy – what customers need to know

The deal is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will take Octopus Energy’s retail supply ...

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

The best student bank accounts in 2023: Cash offers, tastecards and 0% overdrafts

A number of banks are luring in new student customers with cold hard cash this year – while others are compe...

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Money Tips of the Week