What Does a Non-Fault Claim Mean?

After an accident, people often find themselves inundated with unfamiliar legal terms and insurance jargon. One of these terms is “non-fault claim.” Understanding what a non-fault claim is can be crucial for those who have been involved in an accident but are not responsible for the accident.

Whether you’ve been involved in an accident or are looking to understand non-fault insurance claims better, keep reading. This article will explore what a non-fault claim is, how it differs from at-fault claims, and why fault matters when it comes to insurance claims.

Non-Fault Claim vs. At-Fault Claim

You can file a non-fault insurance claim when you are not at fault in a car accident. The driver who caused the collision, referred to as the liable party, may be held liable by your insurance company for the costs. In a non-fault claim, your insurance provider will recover the expenses from the other driver’s insurance, meaning you won’t be responsible for paying the damages.

In an at-fault insurance claim, you are liable for the damages. There are some instances when an accident may appear to be non-fault but is still determined as at-fault. This often will happen in the event of a hit-and-run where the responsible driver flees the scene and cannot be found or when an animal runs into the road. Since there is no one to make a claim against in these situations, you may be considered liable, resulting in an at-fault claim.

Determining Who Is at Fault in an Accident

Determining who’s at fault in a car accident requires a thorough investigation and collecting evidence. Some important things that can help your insurer determine who’s at fault include the following.

• Exchange Driver Information — Collect the names, contact information, and insurance information of everyone involved in the collision.
• Witness Statements — Get the contact information of witnesses who might have seen the incident. Their statements can offer important context to your claim.
• Dashcam Footage — If you have a dashcam, retrieve the footage of the accident. This footage can be crucial in demonstrating exactly what happened.
• Traffic Law Violations — Note any traffic laws that were broken, like speeding or running a red light. You can boost your claim by documenting these violations.
• Photographic Evidence — Take pictures of the scene of the accident and record details like skid marks, debris on the road, damage to all vehicles involved, and other environmental factors. This will help you understand the circumstances of the accident.
• Comments by the Other Driver — Pay close attention to what the other driver says at the scene. An apology or statement like “I didn’t see you” can be seen as an admission of guilt, which could impact liability.

After gathering and assessing all the evidence, the insurer will establish who is considered at fault. If you disagree with their decision, you can contest it by following the provider’s complaints process, which usually can be found on their website or in your policy documents.

Is It Worth Making a Claim?

Deciding whether or not you want to file a claim after a non-fault accident can be tricky, especially if the damage is minor or purely cosmetic. In these cases, you might decide to pay for the repairs yourself rather than going through your insurance. This allows you to avoid having the claim on your history, which could result in higher premiums when it comes time to renew your policy.

If you are found partially at fault or the other motorist is uninsured, your insurance company may not be able to recover all the costs. This could affect your no-claims bonus and means you won’t be reimbursed for any extra payments during the claim.

Even if you do not submit a claim, you should always notify your insurance company about any accidents, as it will show on your driving record. When weighing your options, take a look at the extent of the damage, how it will influence future premiums, and whether or not paying out of pocket is the best option.

Non-Fault Accident Repairs in Caversham and Abingdon

After a non-fault accident, navigating the aftermath can be difficult, but it’s important to know what your alternatives are. If you’ve been involved in an accident that was not your fault, you should avoid delaying repairs, regardless of how minor they are.

At Caversham Coachworks, we want to get you back on the road swiftly and safely. We have years of experience managing claims and insurance paperwork and even supply a replacement vehicle while yours is in the shop. From the newest hybrids and electric models to traditional petrol and diesel cars, our state-of-the-art Caversham and Abingdon locations can handle all kinds of vehicles.

Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.