Pothole damage set to surge as PM warns of a “winter of greater flooding”, says MotorEasy

Alloy wheel claims up 25% year-on-year as record road funding races against the weather

Posted on Oct 26, 2026

Car ownership expert MotorEasy has welcomed new Department for Transport (DfT) figures showing record investment in road maintenance. But it warns that drivers are still paying a rising price for pothole damage, with the costliest months yet to come. 

The DfT figures show nearly 7,000 miles of road will be resurfaced this year, up 10% on last year. Councils are spending £4.9 billion on road maintenance, and the government has released a further £220 million in performance-based funding. The figures also show that 94% of councils will carry out preventative roadworks this year, up from 76% last year. 

However, MotorEasy’s latest alloy wheel claims data shows they are rising in both number and cost. The number of claims rose 25% in October 2025-September 2026 compared with the previous year, while the average claim cost increased 8% and is now 27% higher than in 2021. 

BMW remains the most-claimed manufacturer, accounting for around 18% of claims. The BMW 1 Series has overtaken the Tesla Model Y as the most frequently claimed model, while claims for the Volvo XC60, now third, rose 76%. Volkswagen (up 56%) and Audi (up 25%) also saw claims grow well ahead of the market, while Tesla bucked the trend, with claims down 23%. 

Many EVs and premium vehicles are fitted with larger wheels and lower-profile tyres, which provide less cushioning against potholes. That combination of heavier vehicles, bigger wheels and poorer road surfaces is driving up both the frequency and cost of damage.  

Claims consistently peak in March, after months of wet winter weather have taken their toll on already weakened road surfaces and temporary pothole repairs crumble under repeated rainfall and traffic. This year, the warning signs are arriving early. With storms already bringing disruption across the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned the UK could face “a winter of greater flooding”, which MotorEasy fears could put even greater strain on the nation’s roads and drivers’ wallets. 

Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, the parent company of MotorEasy, said: “With the Prime Minister warning of a winter of greater flooding, the worst of the damage is still to come. Record funding is a good start, but it’s now a race against the weather. Preventative maintenance is urgently needed to stop the cycle of patch-and-repeat repairs. 

“But our claims data shows motorists are still bearing the cost, with claims up by a quarter in a year. Repair bills are rising and many cars, particularly EVs and premium models, are fitted with wheels that offer less protection against potholes. Sustained, long-term investment is the only way to give drivers roads they can rely on.” 

MotorEasy’s tips for drivers this winter:

• Slow down on damaged roads, and take extra care after heavy rain, when potholes can be hidden by standing water.
• Check tyre pressures regularly. Correctly inflated tyres give better protection against impact damage.
• Report potholes to your local council by visiting http://www.gov.uk/report-pothole . Repairs can’t be prioritised if councils don’t know about them.
• Check your wheels after a heavy impact, and if you lease your car, remember that damage can lead to charges when you return it.