If you suffer damage or injury that you consider to have been caused by a highway defect then you may be able to claim compensation. 

The Highways Act recognises that faults will arise on our roads and we have a duty to only settle claims where there is a clear legal liability.

Please think carefully before you make a claim, any compensation takes funds away from our important frontline services.

We have a duty to fully investigate each and every claim in order to protect public funds. The personal information you provide will be used by us and insurers for the purposes of insurance administration and claims handling. It might also be shared with other third parties, including the police, in relation to claims handling and fraud and crime prevention.

How to make a claim

Please email streetcare@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 336600 to report the accident and request a claim form.

Once you receive your form, please make sure you complete the form fully and enclose all the documentation requested, we won’t be able to process your claim without it.

We don’t accept forms by email, please send your completed forms to:

Highway Claims Team
Bolton Council
3rd Floor Paderborn House
Howell Croft North
Bolton BL1 1UA

For personal injury claims we will seek permission from you to access your medical records.

For vehicle damage claims you will need to provide two independent estimates for the repair, unless repairs were required to be completed immediately (example - a broken windscreen). Please note that we can only accept claims from the registered keeper or we will require written and signed authority from the legal owner confirming that they are happy for you to pursue a claim on their behalf.

What happens next?

We aim to acknowledge receipt of your claim within 21 days.

Personal injury or property damage claims - we will accept or reject your claim within 90 days via our external claim handler.

Vehicle damage claims are usually dealt with internally and in most cases we aim to provide you with a decision within 14 days.

Claims information for solicitors

Legally represented claims must be submitted through the Claims Portal.