Car Insurance After an Accident in the UK: Full 2025 Guide
Accidents can happen to anyone, even careful drivers. But once it happens, the most common question is: “How does car insurance work after an accident in the UK?” Whether you were at fault or not, the right steps can save you time, money, and stress — and ensure your future insurance premiums don’t skyrocket.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting car insurance after an accident, handling fault vs non-fault claims, and finding affordable cover moving forward.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a collision, follow these steps immediately to stay safe and compliant with UK law:
- Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible
- Exchange details with the other driver(s) — name, address, insurance provider, and vehicle registration
- Collect witness information and take photos of the scene
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible (even if you don’t plan to claim)
- Contact the police if there’s injury, damage, or if someone refuses to share details
Failing to report an accident can lead to policy cancellations or penalties, even if you’re not at fault.
Understanding Fault vs Non-Fault Claims
Insurance companies classify every accident as either fault or non-fault. This determines who pays for repairs and how your premiums are affected.
Fault Accident
You’re considered “at fault” if your insurer has to cover the cost of damage — even if the accident wasn’t entirely your fault (for example, no other driver to claim from). This usually increases your future premium.
Non-Fault Accident
A “non-fault” claim means another party’s insurer covered the damages. However, even these can still slightly raise your premium because insurers see you as a potential risk for future incidents.
Always ask your insurer how they classify your accident before renewal time.
How an Accident Affects Your Future Premium
Even one accident can increase your insurance renewal price. UK insurers typically review your claims over the past five years.
- Minor non-fault accident: +5–10% increase
- Single fault accident: +20–30% increase
- Multiple fault accidents: +50–80% increase
If you lose your no-claims bonus (NCB), your price can double. However, some insurers offer no-claims protection as an add-on to shield you from one or two claims per period.
Can You Get Insurance After an Accident?
Yes — you can absolutely get insured after an accident. However, you may need to switch to a specialist provider who deals with high-risk car insurance or drivers with past claims. These insurers evaluate each case individually and often provide more flexible pricing.
Information You’ll Need When Reapplying:
- Details of all accidents in the past 5 years (dates, causes, costs)
- Whether you were at fault or non-fault
- Claim reference numbers (if available)
- Details of your vehicle, mileage, and parking location
Be honest — failing to declare past accidents can void your insurance instantly.
Tips to Lower Your Premium After an Accident
Once you’ve had an accident, your next renewal will likely be more expensive. But these strategies can help you save:
- Shop around — don’t accept your renewal quote; compare multiple providers.
- Switch to telematics insurance — prove safe driving habits and lower your rates.
- Increase your voluntary excess — higher excess means lower monthly payments.
- Take an advanced driving course — many insurers offer discounts for certified drivers.
- Park securely overnight — garages and driveways reduce theft and damage risk.
What If the Accident Was Your Fault?
Being at fault doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable insurance. In fact, many UK drivers with one or two fault claims still get reasonable quotes by switching to a specialist provider.
Fault claims impact premiums for up to five years. Keeping your record clean afterward is key to rebuilding your risk rating.
What Happens If You’re in an Accident Without Insurance?
Driving without valid insurance is illegal in the UK (offence code IN10). If you cause an accident uninsured, you’re personally liable for all costs — and future premiums can be extremely high.
To recover from this, you’ll need specialist convicted driver insurance when reapplying for cover.
Final Advice
After an accident, the key is to stay calm, report accurately, and plan your next insurance step strategically. Don’t stick with an insurer that penalises you excessively. Compare quotes from high-risk specialists who understand your situation — and work toward restoring your record over time.
Learn more about specialist cover in our main guide: High Risk Car Insurance UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance after a fault accident?
Yes. Specialist insurers offer fair cover even after fault accidents, although your premium may increase for up to five years.
Does a non-fault accident affect my car insurance?
Yes, slightly. Even non-fault accidents may increase premiums because insurers view you as a statistically higher risk driver.
Do I lose my no-claims bonus after an accident?
Only if your policy doesn’t include no-claims protection. Without it, any paid claim can reduce or reset your bonus.
How long does an accident affect your car insurance?
Most UK insurers review your last five years of claims history. Older incidents are usually ignored after that period.