Halfords launches free ‘Pothole Damage Check’ service

Halfords has launched a completely free ‘Pothole Damage Check’ for all UK motorists.

The move is aimed at helping drivers check if their vehicle has been damaged if they drive through one of the estimated 11 million potholes currently plaguing UK roads.

It is hoped the initiative may also help drivers gain compensation when attempting to make claims for such damage, with just 18% currently successful.

Meanwhile, Karen Bellairs, Halfords’ managing director of garages, is also calling on the Labour government to step up its current pledge of filling in a million potholes a year. She said that even if the target is reached it will just paper over the cracks of what is a hugely damaging issue for motorists.

Halfords research has revealed that 27% of UK drivers said their vehicle has been damaged by a pothole in the previous 12 months alone, causing an average of £718 worth of damage. This equates to a UK-wide total of £7.5bn per year.

Pothole Damage Check

The Pothole Damage Check, which is available free from more than 600 UK locations, will comprise of a thorough safety inspection by a qualified Halfords expert, covering elements such as damage to the tyres, wheels, suspension and wheel alignment.

Customers will also be given a report outlining any damage noted on the vehicle, which they can then submit to councils as part of any claim.

Bellairs said: “The UK’s roads are in a shocking state and drivers are hitting potholes more and more frequently. But we know that most hard-pressed motorists are not in a position to book their car into a garage every time they drive through one. Our new service will allow them to check, for free, if any damage has been caused – in most instances hopefully giving them peace of mind, without it hitting them in the wallet. If there is any damage, the accompanying report of any work completed may be able to assist them in gaining compensation.

“As the UK’s leading motoring retailer, we are doing our part. We are now calling on the Government to do theirs. They have pledged to fill one million potholes a year – but with 11 million potholes on our roads, and more appearing every day, this is simply going to plaster over the cracks.”