Following the freezing temperatures which have blighted Britain this winter, the AA is warning motorists to avoid the increasing number of potholes which are cropping up on UK roads as a result of the big freeze if they want to avoid causing damage to their vehicles. The arctic weather conditions which hit the UK before Christmas are taking their toll on roads as the frozen temperatures have caused surfaces to crumble creating dangerous potholes. The UK experienced a similarly harsh winter last year, the effect of which was felt by insurance companies who reported receiving three times as many claims between January and March of 2010 for damage caused by potholes when compared to the same time period the previous year. Some of these car insurance claims have been for as much as £1,300. Problems which arise as a result of awkward collisions with potholes include damage to wheels, suspension, and exterior bodywork. Experts believe the problem of potholes may be further exacerbated this year due to the backlog of roads waiting to have potholes repaired as the UK has now experienced two successive years of freezing weather conditions. As a result, insurance companies are now bracing themselves for a flurry of car insurance claims relating to damage caused by potholes. The advice being given to motorists is to avoid driving through potholes if possible as the after effect of doing so could prove costly.