Overview
- RAC FOI data show 53,015 claims in 2024, up 90% from 27,731 in 2021, although the total fell 6% from a 2023 peak of 56,655.
- Derbyshire saw the biggest rise in claims from 224 to 3,307, with Glasgow doubling to 2,794 and Oxfordshire climbing to 1,941.
- Only 26% of claims resulted in compensation last year, with average payments of £390 versus an estimated £590 typical repair bill.
- Derbyshire reports claims handled since May 2025 are down 72%, and Glasgow says this year’s total is substantially lower than 2024.
- The DfT cites £7.3bn over four years for maintenance and councils warn budgets are stretched, while several authorities rejected 99% of claims; figures reflect responses from 177 of 207 councils.