The short version
- Get out of danger first
- Report the exact defect
- Identify the highway authority
- Keep photographs, receipts and damaged parts
Record the location safely
Do not stand in traffic to measure or photograph a defect. Record road name, direction, landmark or coordinates and take safe photographs showing context and the surface.
Photograph the bicycle, wheel, tyre, clothing and injuries. Keep damaged parts and obtain an assessment distinguishing impact damage from wear.
Find the responsible authority
Responsibility can sit with a local council, National Highways, Transport for London, a devolved roads body or a private landowner. Use the official government route to identify the body.
Report the defect as well as making any claim. Keep references, copies of forms and responses.
Why claims can be rejected
Highway authorities can have a statutory defence where they demonstrate a reasonable inspection and maintenance system. Proof that a pothole existed is not automatically proof of legal liability.
Set out the chronology, location and loss accurately. Injury or a substantial disputed claim needs qualified advice.
Check the current guidance
Rules, schemes and product ranges can change. These live links are the authoritative or independent starting points used for this guide.
