Can you claim for a tyre or wheel ruined by a pothole in Northern Ireland?
Yes, you can submit a claim to the Department for Infrastructure, but payment is not automatic.
Why this catches drivers out
Many drivers assume the local council pays for every pothole incident. On public roads maintained by the Department for Infrastructure, the relevant claim is generally handled through the DfI process. The department investigates the road defect and circumstances rather than paying every repair invoice on demand.
What the detail really means
Photographs, a precise location, repair receipts, damaged parts and evidence about the condition of the road can be important. A compensation claim is different from claiming under your own motor insurance, which may involve an excess or affect future premiums.
What to do in practice
Record the date, safe location details and damage as soon as possible. Use nidirect’s vehicle-damage compensation service, retain the failed wheel or tyre where practical and report the road defect separately.
