Guide to non-fault accidents

A car accident is stressful, even if you did nothing wrong.

Many drivers are surprised to find that they still need to report an accident, even if someone else caused it. If you are new to the UK, words like ‘fault’, ‘liability’, and ‘non-fault claim’ can be confusing.

This guide explains what a non-fault accident is, how a non-fault claim works, and what it can mean for your cover in the UK.

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What is a non-fault accident?

A non-fault accident is an accident where you are not held responsible for what happened. Insurers usually call it ‘non-fault’ when they can recover all the costs from another driver or that driver’s insurer.

Typical examples include:

• Another car hits you from behind while you are stopped
• A driver pulls out and hits the side of your car
• Your parked car is damaged, and the other driver admits fault

‘Non-fault’ does not mean ‘nothing happened’. It means your insurer was able to pass the bill to someone else. The accident is still recorded on your insurance history.

For more on what to do after a crash, read our guide to making a car insurance claim.

What is a non-fault insurance claim?

A non-fault car insurance claim is when:

• Your insurer pays out for your repairs or other costs
• Then recovers that money from the at-fault driver’s insurer

To look into a non-fault claim, your insurer will usually ask for:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Your version of what happened
• The other driver’s details, registration number, and insurer
• Any photos, videos, or witness details you can provide

Even when the cost is recovered from the other side, the claim usually stays on your record as part of your accident history.

What is the process for a non-fault claim?

The exact steps can vary, but most non-fault claims follow a similar pattern:

• You report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can
• You exchange details with the other driver, if possible
• Your insurer gathers information and evidence from both sides
• The insurers decide who was at fault
• Your car is repaired or assessed and, if needed, declared a write-off
• Your insurer recovers the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurer

You may be asked for more information while the claim is being reviewed. Clear, simple answers and any evidence you have can help things move more smoothly.

While your car is being repaired, you may get a courtesy car to keep you on the road. Find out when you'll get a courtesy car with Marshmallow.

Will a non-fault accident affect my insurance?

Yes, it can. Even a non-fault accident can influence your future car insurance quotes.

Insurers look at your full accident history, not only who was responsible. From their point of view, any accident can slightly change how they view your overall risk.

What happens in practice:

• Some people see no change in price at renewal
• Others notice a small or moderate increase

This depends on the insurer, the details of the accident, and your overall risk profile as a driver.

How much will my insurance go up after a non-fault accident?

There is no fixed amount that a non-fault claim will add to the cost of your policy. In some cases, it may not change your price at all. In others, it may increase it.

When your quote is calculated, insurers look at things like:

• Your age and driving experience
• The type of car you drive
• Where you keep the car
• Your full claims history (fault and non-fault)

A single non-fault accident might have a small effect. Several incidents in a short period are more likely to change your quote.

Does a non-fault claim affect my No Claims Discount (NCD)?

In many cases, your No Claims Discount stays safe when:

• You were not to blame, and
• Your insurer recovers all costs from the other driver’s insurer

However, in real life, it can be more complicated. If the other driver’s insurer does not accept fault straight away:

• Your insurer may reduce your NCD at first, because they have already paid out
• Once the other side pays the full cost of the claim, your NCD is usually restored

If you have NCD protection, this can help keep your discount after certain claims. It’s still important to read the details to see exactly what is and isn’t protected.

Do I need to pay my excess if it is not my fault?

You may still have to pay your excess at the start of the claim, even if the accident was not your fault. Many insurers ask customers to pay the excess when:

• Repairs begin, or
• The claim is settled

If the other driver is found responsible and their insurer pays the full cost, your excess is often refunded. The timing depends on how quickly both insurers agree on who was at fault.

If liability is disputed, or the other insurer refuses to pay, your excess might not be returned. Your insurer may still treat the claim as non-fault if they can recover some or all of the cost another way.

What happens if my car is written off and it is not my fault?

If your car is damaged so badly that it is written off:

• Your insurer will usually pay you the market value of your car at the time of the accident
• This is based on what similar cars are selling for, not what you originally paid

After the payout, your insurer works to recover costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer. If the other side accepts full responsibility and pays in full, any excess you paid is normally refunded.

How Marshmallow can help

If your car insurance has gone up after a non-fault claim, we could help you with a cheap car insurance quote.

Whether you were born in the UK or moved here from abroad, we've got insurance plans and options to suit different budgets.

Get a quote today to see what you could save.