Before you start: Keep dated photos of the pothole, road signs and damage, your repair invoice or quote, and details of any witnesses. Report the defect separately. In Northern Ireland, public road maintenance claims are generally handled by DfI Roads; privately maintained roads may have a different responsible party. Liability is not automatic.

Prepare your pothole damage claim letter

Your full name *

Email (optional)

Your postal address *

Date of incident *

Vehicle registration / model (optional)

Road name and town *Exact location / direction / nearby landmark * What happened? *What was damaged? *

Repair cost or estimate (£, optional)

Who maintains the road? *

Evidence you have (optional)

A few more details for your claim

We already have your name, address and incident details. Only complete the additional information below that applies to you.

1. Your additional details

Your name, postal address and email entered above will automatically be used in your claim. No need to enter them again.

Title

Postcode

Date of birth

Telephone

Preferred contact method Are you the registered keeper of the vehicle?

2. Vehicle and road defect

Vehicle registration

Make

Model

Year

Vehicle tax expiry

Vehicle test certificate available?

Time of incident

Type of defect

Was this defect already reported? DfI defect report / W reference (if known) Were there roadworks at the location? Location sketch / map description

3. Photographs and repair evidence

Do you have defect photographs?

Defect photos taken on

Who took the defect photos?

Do you have damage photographs?

Damage photos taken on

Who took the damage photos?

Repair status

Repair evidence held

Who is responsible for paying for the repair?

The existing form records your amount and description. Keep receipts/estimates, vehicle documents and photographs to submit with the official claim. This version does not upload attachments.

4. Insurance, VAT and other expenses

VAT registered?

Was an insurance claim made? Did you need a hire or replacement vehicle? Was the incident reported to police?

Important: This tool prepares a supporting statement, not the completed DfI claim form. Check the official form's declaration and attach required evidence through DfI's submission route. Do not upload identity or vehicle documents here.

I confirm that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this generates a supporting claim letter and does not automatically submit a compensation claim to DfI Roads.

How to submit your claim

Your PureCar letter is ready. Choose how to send your compensation claim to DfI Roads.

1. Send by email

Complete the official DfI claim form. Attach it with your PureCar letter, repair evidence and relevant photographs.

Email your claim to claimsunit@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

2. Send by post

Send the official form, your claim letter and copies of your evidence to:

DfI Roads Claims Unit
James House
2–4 Cromac Avenue
Belfast
BT7 2JA

Download official claim form → Submit through nidirect →

Before sending: Include the documents DfI requires, such as vehicle records, damage photographs and repair receipts or estimates. Keep a copy of everything.

What happens next? DfI registers and investigates the claim, reviews the evidence and decides whether compensation is payable. Keep your claim reference when provided.

Your PureCar letter is supporting evidence, not a substitute for the official DfI claim form.

Pothole compensation questions in Northern Ireland

Can I claim compensation for pothole damage in Northern Ireland?

You can submit a vehicle damage compensation claim where you believe DfI is responsible. Compensation is not automatic. DfI investigates the circumstances and whether liability exists.

What evidence do I need for a pothole damage claim?

DfI requests relevant vehicle records, damage photographs and repair receipts or estimates. Photographs of the defect and its location can also help. Follow the evidence requirements on the official DfI claims service.

Where do I send my Northern Ireland pothole claim?

You can claim using the official nidirect online service or email the completed DfI vehicle damage claim form and supporting documents to claimsunit@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.

Does the PureCar letter replace the official DfI claim form?

No. PureCar generates a supporting claim letter. You must complete the official DfI claims process and provide the required evidence.

Prepare your pothole damage claim letter

A few more details for your claim

How to submit your claim

1. Send by email

2. Send by post

Pothole compensation questions in Northern Ireland

Can I claim compensation for pothole damage in Northern Ireland?

What evidence do I need for a pothole damage claim?

Where do I send my Northern Ireland pothole claim?

Does the PureCar letter replace the official DfI claim form?

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