‘POTHOLE' INSURANCE CLAIMS

It was revealed at Full Council (25.3.09) that just 22 insurance claims in respect of vehicle damage as a result of potholes in roads have been agreed by the Council in the last three years.

From a total of 129 claims submitted, the 17 per cent which were agreed came to an average value of £873 each.

The figures came to light following a question by Cllr Clarence Barrett (Cranham, RA) who said: “Given the condition of our roads and the number of potholes, this is a surprisingly low number of agreed claims.

“The deteriorating state of our highways is a real concern to us and it is important that resources are maximised by ensuring an effective maintenance and inspection regime is in place”.

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The full question and answer is set out below:

Would the Cabinet Member provide information on insurance claims for vehicle damage as a result of potholes and other carriageway defects in the following format for each of the last three years (ie 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09 to date):

•  Number of claims per year

•  Number of claims refused per year

•  Number of claims agreed per year

•  Value of claims per year

 

	2006/007	2007/08	2008/09
Number of claims*	66	36	27
Number of claims refused	53	31	23
Number of claims agreed	13	5	4
Value of claims	£3,949	£7,962	£7,298

*to date

 

The value of claims shown represents amounts paid and estimates of claims still to be settled. If further outstanding claims are successfully defended the final value will be less.

 

1.4.09