Yorkshire-based GAP insurance provider ALA Insurance has expanded its product offering with the launch of a specialist Pothole Insurance policy, targeting one of the more persistent and costly problems facing UK motorists.
The new policy provides up to £2,000 of cover each year for eligible pothole-related damage, including tyres, alloy wheels, wheel alignment and balancing, suspension, bodywork and paintwork, and headlights. Cover is available across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Potholes have become an increasingly visible problem for motorists and local authorities, with the AA recording 613,638 pothole-related callouts in 2025. Most cause no lasting damage, but some can do serious harm to vehicles, with repair bills that can cost considerably more than expected.
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Repair costs vary considerably by vehicle, but a tyre replacement can cost around £100 to £200, alloy wheel repairs around £150 to £250, and suspension or steering work £300 to £500 or more.
For motorists, there is also the question of whether to claim on their main motor insurance. Doing so could affect their no claims discount or future premiums, depending on the policy. ALA’s new product is designed to cover pothole damage separately.
Simon England, founder and managing director of ALA Insurance, said: “As repair costs have gone up, we felt there was a need for something that covers pothole damage, without having to bring your main motor policy into it.”
Potholes are becoming a more persistent problem on UK roads, with this year’s periods of heavy rain, freezing temperatures and record levels of heat all contributing to the deterioration of road surfaces, while rising traffic levels accelerate the process further.
“It’s a common problem, and putting a relatively small repair through your main insurance can mean paying the excess and potentially affecting how you’re priced at renewal. The longer-term impact can end up being much greater than the damage itself,” he added.
The policy is priced at a maximum of £37.40 for annual cover.
ALA says the product is part of its wider approach of developing specialist insurance products around key areas of risk faced by motorists, with a focus on giving motorists a fairer way to insure against specific risks.
ALA Insurance is an online independent provider of specialised insurance products, such as GAP Insurance, Warranty, Cycle Insurance, and more.
