Insurance claim or road-authority claim?

Using your motor insurance

Comprehensive cover may pay for accidental damage sooner, subject to your policy excess and terms. Ask your insurer how the claim could affect your no-claims discount, renewal record and premium, and whether it will seek recovery from the authority.

Claiming from the road authority

You normally need to identify the responsible body and show the incident, causation and loss. Payment is not automatic merely because the road had a pothole, and an investigation can take time.

Questions to compare

• Is the repair cost materially higher than your policy excess?
• Is the car needed urgently and safe to drive?
• What evidence do you have of the precise defect and location?
• Could making an insurance claim affect your policy?
• Has the authority published a specific claim route?

Avoid double recovery

Tell the insurer and authority if another party has paid or is considering the same loss. You cannot recover the same repair cost twice. Keep a clear record of invoices, excess and any settlement.