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Motorists are spending an average of £500 on repairs due to pothole-induced damage, but a claims "loophole" has encouraged drivers to report vehicle harm caused by Britain's

deteriorating roads. Surprisingly, data reveals that 83% of those who have faced pothole damages end up covering repair costs out of their own pockets, reports Birmingham Live. Only a scant

6% have made claims through their insurance providers. Greg Wilson, Quotezone's CEO, recommends: "We encourage motorists to report any potholes in their local area, even if they

haven't had an accident, to help the council preemptively recognise the need for repairs in problem areas and hopefully prevent damage to vehicles." Wilson also cautioned that

drivers should consider policy terms carefully when considering this approach. He advised, "If drivers have tried to claim through the local council and been turned away, they can look

to their insurance provider for protection," adding "If the policy is fully comprehensive, then pothole damage is normally covered as standard." The situation show

England's roads worsening significantly, with a startling 40% upsurge in potholes compared to the previous year. RAC head of policy Simon Williams expressed his astonishment at

motorists' attitudes, remarking: "It is absolutely remarkable that, on average, drivers we surveyed are far more concerned about the state of their local roads this year than they

are about either the cost of motor insurance – which has been rocketing in recent years – or the cost of fuel which is still at an uncomfortably high level." "If this doesn't

underline the seriousness of the situation we now find ourselves in, we're not sure what does." Mr Williams commented: "The new government simply must do something

differently. Without a promise of far more funds for councils – something we will push hard for ahead of the autumn budget – its options are extremely limited. Put bluntly, the less we spend

as a nation on our roads now, the more it will cost us in the future." A representative from the Department for Transport remarked: "Rebuilding Britain means modernising our

transport infrastructure, and we are absolutely committed to tackling the poor state of our local roads. We will maintain and renew the network, including supporting local authorities to fix

up to 1m more potholes a year, to ensure our roads serve users, are safe, and tackle congestion."