Will a Non-Fault Accident Affect My No-Claims Bonus?

Having a no-claims bonus is one of the most valuable things a driver can have when it comes to car insurance. It’s a way for insurers to reward drivers who have been careful and responsible on the road by offering them lower premiums and discounts. But what happens if you’re involved in a non-fault accident? Does this affect your no-claims bonus?

The answer to this is, it depends. In this article, we’ll discuss what a non-fault accident is and explore whether a non-fault accident affects your no-claims bonus with your auto insurance.

What Is a Non-Fault Accident?

A ‘non-fault accident’ is caused by a driver other than the individual claiming on their insurance policy. Examples of non-fault accidents would be if you were driving your car and another driver ran a red light and crashed into you or if your car is parked and another car hits it while trying to park. 

In a non-fault accident, the driver who is not at fault will usually be able to file a non-fault claim on their own insurance policy to cover the costs of repairs without having to pay anything extra. The other driver’s insurance company will typically be responsible for covering the cost of the damage. 

Even in a non-fault accident, you should still exchange insurance information with the other driver and report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. This is because the other driver’s insurance may try to dispute liability, making it essential to have all the necessary information and documentation to support your claim. 

What Is a No Claims Bonus?

A no-claims bonus is a reward that car insurance companies offer drivers who have gone a certain amount of time without making a claim. It’s a way for insurers to incentivise safe driving and encourage drivers to avoid having accidents. The longer you go without making a claim, the bigger discount you can earn on your car insurance premium. 

Most insurers will calculate no-claims bonuses on a year-to-year basis. So, for example, if you go one year without making a claim, you may be able to get a 10% discount on your premium. Two years, a 20% discount, and so on. Some insurers may even offer a maximum discount of up to 70% after several years of no claims!

How Does a Non-fault Accident Affect a No Claims Bonus?

In most cases, a non-fault accident should not affect your no-claims bonus. Your insurance company will typically still honour your no-claims discount as long as you can prove that the accident was not your fault, though insurance companies and policy terms vary. This is why it is so important to accurately document the damages and get all insurance information before you file a claim.

Some insurance companies offer no-claims bonus protection as part of your policy. If your insurer offers this, you should still be covered in the event of a non-fault accident. 

That means that your no-claims bonus will remain intact, even if you need to make a claim for repairs to your vehicle. However, it’s worth noting that this protection typically comes at an additional cost, so you’ll have to weigh up whether it’s worth paying extra for this level of coverage.

Other insurance companies may still count a non-fault accident as a claim, which can increase your premium as a result. Even if you’re filing a non-fault claim for the accident, they might consider you to be at higher risk of being involved in an accident in the future. Make sure to review your policy terms and speak to your insurance company if you have any questions about how a non-fault accident may affect your premium.

You may be able to claim on the other driver’s insurance policy for any additional expenses, such as a rental car or personal injury compensation. This should not affect your no-claims bonus as it is a separate claim from the one made to cover any of your car’s damages.

Trust Caversham Coachworks With Repairs After a Non-Fault Accident

A non-fault accident should not affect your no-claims bonus, but an at-fault accident can cause you to lose some or all of your discount. If you have been involved in a non-fault accident, it is essential to take action and get your car repaired as soon as possible.

At Caversham Coachworks, we have your back, and your vehicle will be in good hands. We take care of our clients from Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire with qualified technicians that can handle everything from insurance, crash, and car body repairs to dent and scratch repairs, among other auto body services. Additionally, we know that dealing with insurance companies can often feel overwhelming, so we assist you with your insurance claims to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process. 

As the leading independent vehicle repair centre, we promise outstanding customer service to get you and your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely. Don’t ignore the damages if you have been involved in a non-fault incident. Talk to one of our accident repair experts today or use our free and easy estimator tool.