You can make a claim to Devon County Council if you believe that our actions when maintaining the roads have been negligent and have resulted in:
- vehicle damage
- personal injury
- property damage.
Although we are responsible for maintaining most of Devon’s roads this does not make us liable for every incident which happens on them. We are not expected to be able to fill every pothole as soon as it develops, or remove debris immediately. We are also not normally held responsible for loss or damage caused by situations outside of our control – such as severe weather.
Making a claim is a long process as we have to thoroughly investigate every detail. If you are considering making a claim please be aware that XX% of claims are not successful, and that any money paid out comes from budgets used to maintain roads.
Process for making a claim
1. If the damage was caused by a fault, such as a pothole or faulty drain, make sure that it is reported. We will need the type of problem, the location and any other detail you can give us.
2. Fill in the online claim form. We will need to know:
- exactly where the incident took place
- what happened in as much detail as possible
- details of any witnesses
- if your vehicle tyres have been damaged – when they were fitted and how many miles you had driven on them.
3. Send the form back and email scans of:
- your vehicle registration document
- your insurance certificate
- MOT certificate
- proof of last service
- proof of valid road tax
- photos of any damage
- photos of the problem or fault if it is safe to take them – please do not walk into the road to take photos of potholes.
You will receive an automated response to let you know that we have received your claim. You will then be contacted within XX working days to discuss your claim.
In exceptional circumstances, such as periods of severe weather conditions, this process may take up to ten weeks.