Potholes are collectively costing British drivers and insurers at least £1m a month due to car repair bills, the AA estimates.
The organisation claims there will have been over 4,200 claims for pothole damage so far this year compared with just over 3,500 estimated claims across last year.
It said the UK’s pothole “epidemic” was a “national embarrassment”.
Janet Connor, the AA’s director of insurance said: “In most cases the damage caused by a pothole – a ruined tyre or even two tyres and perhaps a wheel rim – does not justify making an insurance claim given that it is likely to lead to the loss of your excess and no-claim bonus.
“So the claims we are seeing are clearly much worse than that.
“Drivers are hitting potholes and ruining their suspension, steering, the underbody of the car, breaking axles and occasionally being knocked off course and hitting other vehicles, kerbs or a lamp-post.
“This year we are seeing a growing number of pothole claims described as: ‘car severely damaged and un-driveable’ which didn’t happen at all last year.
“National disgrace”
“The pothole epidemic has become nothing short of a national disgrace.”
The Department for Transport has said the government was is “investing a record £23 billion on our roads to improve journeys”.
A spokesperson added: “We have listened to the concerns of road users and are already providing councils in England with over £6 billion to help improve the condition of our local highways.
“This funding includes a record £296 million through the pothole action fund – enough to fix around six million potholes.
“While it is for councils to identify where repairs should be undertaken, the department is looking at how innovative technology can help councils keep their roads in the best condition and save money.”
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