Highways insurance claims

Surrey County Council is only liable to pay for damage to vehicles if it can be proved that we have been negligent in the inspection and maintenance of our roads.

We carry out inspections of our roads at a frequency that is determined by the priority level of a road in our maintenance programme. Surrey County Council do not settle claims for compensation automatically but will investigate and assess each claim individually. We will defend claims if no legal liability exists or if we have a defence under Section 58 of the Highways Act.

Damage as a result of third party operations, such as utility companies, is the responsibility of that organisation and claims should be taken up directly with them.

In severe weather conditions such as ice and snow, the Highways Agency advice is always not to drive unless absolutely necessary and if you cannot avoid your journey, then please do take extra care.

Please read our frequently asked questions about insurance claims for more information.


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Personal injury

Submit your claim online

If your claim involves personal injury this should be submitted via our online insurance claim form. You will need to register to submit a claim. Due to the Coronavirus we can currently only accept claims via our online form.

You will need to provide us with details of:

  • the exact location of incident with reference to an adjacent building or landmark;
  • a full description of the defect with measurements;
  • the time, date and weather conditions;
  • direction of travel;
  • attach photographs of the alleged defect:
  • why you believe the highway authority is responsible for the accident;
  • details of the injury that you sustained;
  • your National Insurance number;
  • date of birth;
  • details of any treating NHS hospital;
  • details of your earnings if your claim involves loss of earnings.

Further information can be found on our webpage: Frequently asked questions about insurance claims.

If you have any issues regarding the online submission process please call 03456 009 009 and ask for the insurance team.

The Ministry Of Justice claims portal

For incidents occurring after 31 July 2013, third party solicitors, Claims Managers and other professional representatives are required to submit claims for injury via the Claims Portal, in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Low Value Personal Injury (Employers' Liability and Public Liability) Claims.

Surrey County Council is registered on the portal and we can be found by searching 'Surrey County Council' within the compensator details, or by entering our Portal ID: G00055.

For Highways PL claims, please ensure the defendant details are entered as above.


Vehicle or property damage

Submit your claim online

If your claim relates to vehicle or property damage, please also complete online insurance claim form. You will need to register to submit a claim. Due to the Coronavirus we can currently only accept claims via our online form.

You will need to provide us with:

  • the exact location of incident with reference to an adjacent building or landmark;
  • a full description of the defect with measurements;
  • the time, date and weather conditions;
  • direction of travel;
  • attach photograph(s) of the alleged cause of damage;
  • detail of damage plus two independent estimates for repair (unless repair was required immediately, eg. broken windscreen).;
  • why you believe the highway authority is responsible for the accident.
  • attach proof of vehicle ownership;
  • attach a copy of current MOT and insurance certificate;
  • provide details of last service;
  • any other relevant factors.

If you have any issues regarding the online submission process please call 03456 009 009 and ask for the insurance team.

What happens when we receive your claim

We will acknowledge receipt within 21 days, and then investigate and respond with a decision on liability within a further 90 days. This is the period specified for a response within the Civil Procedure Rules.

Please note; if the incident has occurred as a result of works carried out on the pavement or road by a utility company or contractor then your claim may be against them and not us.

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