Being in a car accident is stressful enough without the added worry of figuring out insurance claims. When the accident wasn’t your fault, you might think the process will be straightforward. While it often is, there are still important steps you need to follow to protect yourself and get your car back on the road.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about making a claim after a non-fault accident in the UK.
What Is a Non-Fault Accident?
A non-fault accident is simply an incident where you were not responsible for what happened. This could include situations such as another driver running into the back of your car, someone pulling out in front of you at a junction, or a driver hitting your parked vehicle.
Even though you weren’t to blame, you still need to report the accident to your insurance company. This might seem odd, but failing to do so could actually invalidate your policy.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
The moments after an accident are crucial for building a strong claim. Here’s what you should do:
Check everyone is safe first. Move to a secure location if you’re on a busy road and call emergency services if anyone is injured.
Exchange details with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Note down their vehicle registration number too.
Gather evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved, the accident location, road markings, and any relevant road signs. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details.
Don’t admit fault. Even saying sorry can be taken as an admission of responsibility. Stick to the facts when speaking with anyone at the scene.
Your Options for Making a Claim
After a non-fault accident, you have several ways to handle the repairs and any other losses.
Option 1: Claim Through Your Own Insurer
If you have fully comprehensive insurance, you can ask your insurer to handle the repairs. They will pay for the work and then recover the costs from the other driver’s insurance company. You might need to pay your excess initially, but this should be refunded once your insurer recovers the money.
Option 2: Claim Directly from the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer
You can contact the other driver’s insurance company directly and make a third-party claim. This means you won’t need to involve your own insurer at all, which can help protect your premium from any potential increase.
Option 3: Use an Accident Management Company
An accident claim management service takes the entire process off your hands. These companies deal directly with the at-fault driver’s insurer, arrange repairs, provide a courtesy car, and manage all the paperwork. This option is often the least stressful route, particularly if you’re unsure about handling things yourself.
Understanding the Claims Timeline
The length of time a claim takes depends on several factors, including how clear-cut the fault is and how quickly evidence can be gathered. Here’s a typical breakdown:
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting | You notify your insurer and provide initial details | Within 24 hours |
| Investigation | Insurers review evidence and determine fault | 1-4 weeks |
| Repairs | Your vehicle is assessed and repaired | 1-3 weeks |
| Settlement | Costs are recovered and any excess refunded | 2-8 weeks |
More complex cases, such as those involving injuries or disputes over fault, can take considerably longer to resolve.
Will a Non-Fault Claim Affect Your Insurance?
This is one of the most common concerns drivers have. The good news is that a genuine non-fault claim should not affect your no-claims bonus, provided your insurer can recover all costs from the other driver’s insurance company.
However, your premiums could still increase at renewal. Insurers use claims history as one factor when calculating risk, and even non-fault accidents can signal to them that you might be more likely to claim again in future.
To minimise the impact on your insurance, consider using an accident claim management service that processes claims through the at-fault driver’s insurer rather than your own.
What You Can Claim For
A non-fault claim can cover more than just vehicle repairs. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Repair costs or the market value of your car if it’s written off
- Hire a car while your vehicle is being fixed
- Personal belongings were damaged in the accident
- Medical expenses if you sustained injuries
- Loss of earnings if you couldn’t work due to the accident
- Travel costs if you had to make alternative arrangements
Keep receipts and records of any expenses related to the accident, as you’ll need these to support your claim.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
Unfortunately, not everyone on the road has valid insurance. If you’re hit by an uninsured or untraced driver, you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This organisation helps victims of uninsured drivers receive compensation.
For more detailed guidance on your rights and options after a non-fault accident, Citizens Advice provides helpful information on handling vehicle insurance claims.
Tips for a Smooth Claims Process
Report the accident promptly. Most policies require you to notify your insurer within a certain timeframe.
Be thorough with documentation. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position.
Keep communication records. Save emails, note down phone calls, and keep copies of all correspondence.
Don’t accept early settlement offers without consideration. Make sure any offer covers all your losses before agreeing.
Ask questions. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your insurer or claims handler to explain.
Getting Professional Help
Dealing with insurance claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the disruption of being without your car. Professional accident management services exist specifically to handle these situations, taking the burden off your shoulders and ensuring you receive everything you’re entitled to.
A good accident management company will communicate with insurers on your behalf, arrange quality repairs, provide a replacement vehicle, and keep you informed throughout the process.
