Horsham potholes: RAC issues 10 point action plan for damaged vehicles

The roadside assistance and breakdown recovery company has issued its ten point plan as the County Times continues to draw attention to the district’s damaged roads in its Pothole Watch campaign.

A spokesman for the RAC said drivers should first take notes of the location, depth, size and shape of a pothole after suffering damage.

He urged motorists to get details of witnesses ‘wherever possible’.

The spokesman added: “Make sure you get quotes for all repairs. Keep all quotes, bills and garage receipts safely in one place and make copies of them to support your claim.”

But he said drivers should ‘weigh up the pros and cons’ before claiming on insurance.

Motorists should be prepared for rejection, according to the spokesman.

He said: “Before going back to the authority to discuss the claim further, review the guidance provided on their website, check what the council is liable for and verify if they are carrying out a reasonable system of inspection and repair.”

But drivers should ‘seriously’ consider any offer made by the authority, he added.

The spokesman said drivers can consider small claims court, but could incur legal costs as a result.

He added: “Keep calm – always try to remain calm and professional when dealing with the highways authority.

“Keep copies of all the letters and emails you send and receive – if you do go to court, you will have to provide a record of all your correspondence.”