Northampton among UK's worst hotspots for pothole damage claims, insurer says
Northampton has been named one of the UK's worst places for pothole damage claims, according to new figures from Tesco Insurance.
The insurer's latest data ranks Northampton third in the country for pothole-related car insurance claims so far this year, behind only Peterborough and Tonbridge.
Tesco Insurance said pothole damage claims made between January and May 2026 nationally were already 25 per cent higher than those recorded during the first six months of 2025, despite covering one month less.
The cost of claims has also risen sharply, with the average successful payout increasing by 41 per cent, from £3,814 during the first half of 2025 to £5,380 this year.
According to the insurer, wheels accounted for the highest number of pothole damage claims, followed by suspension, engines, vehicle undersides, bumpers and body panels.