How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance After an Accident in the UK
After an accident, one of the biggest worries for UK drivers is the cost of renewing or getting new car insurance. Whether you were at fault or not, insurers usually see you as a higher risk — which means higher premiums. But the good news is that with the right strategy, you can still get cheaper car insurance after an accident.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to reduce your premium, rebuild your no-claims bonus, and find fair quotes even with a recent accident on record.
Why Insurance Costs Increase After an Accident
Insurance companies in the UK use complex algorithms to predict future risk. When you’ve been involved in an accident — even a non-fault one — you’re statistically more likely to make another claim within three years. That’s why prices rise at renewal.
Typical increases include:
- Non-fault claim: 5–10% increase
- Single fault accident: 20–30% increase
- Multiple claims: 50% or more
However, you’re not powerless. The following strategies can help you minimise those increases and, in many cases, reduce your insurance costs below your previous rate.
1. Compare Specialist After-Accident Insurers
Standard comparison sites often exclude high-risk or post-accident drivers. Instead, use brokers or comparison tools that specialise in after accident car insurance. These providers understand your profile and may offer lower prices than traditional insurers.
Examples of specialist cover types:
- Insurance after a fault or non-fault accident
- Policies for drivers with multiple claims
- Black box insurance for proven safe driving
- Temporary insurance while a claim is processed
Start with our guide to compare high-risk car insurance in the UK and request multiple quotes.
2. Protect or Rebuild Your No-Claims Bonus
Your No-Claims Bonus (NCB) is one of the most powerful factors in lowering insurance premiums. If you make a claim, your NCB might be reduced or reset, but you can take steps to protect it in future:
- Add NCB protection to your next policy (usually allows 1–2 claims without losing your discount)
- Stay claim-free for the next 12–24 months to rebuild lost years
- Keep proof of your NCB from previous insurers for accurate transfer
Even a single year of no-claims can reduce your premium by up to 30%.
3. Choose a Telematics (Black Box) Policy
Telematics insurance monitors your driving habits using a device or mobile app. If you demonstrate consistent, safe driving over several months, insurers can offer large discounts — even after an accident.
For example, a driver with one minor fault claim could see premiums drop by up to 25% within the first renewal cycle using a black box policy.
Black box insurance is ideal for younger or high-risk drivers looking to prove improvement after an accident.
4. Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Raising your voluntary excess (the amount you agree to pay toward a claim) can lower your monthly premium. Just ensure it’s affordable if you do claim again. A typical range for high-risk drivers is £250–£500.
However, never set your excess unrealistically high — doing so can cause problems when claiming and may even invalidate coverage.
5. Pay Annually and Avoid Missed Payments
Paying for your insurance annually instead of monthly can save up to 20% on total costs. Insurers view monthly instalments as higher risk due to the finance involved, especially after an accident.
Additionally, missed payments can harm your credit score and raise future quotes. Always keep direct debits active and renew early to avoid lapses.
6. Take an Advanced Driving Course
Courses like Pass Plus or IAM RoadSmart teach advanced driving techniques and demonstrate responsibility. Some UK insurers offer discounts of up to 15% to drivers who complete these certifications after a claim.
7. Avoid Modifying Your Vehicle
After an accident, keep your car as close to factory standard as possible. Modifications (even cosmetic) can raise repair costs and insurance prices. Avoid performance upgrades, tinted windows, or suspension changes.
8. Choose a Smaller or Safer Vehicle
If your current vehicle is expensive to insure, consider switching to a smaller, lower group model. Cars in insurance groups 1–10 are cheaper to cover and may help offset post-accident price hikes.
9. Maintain a Clean Record
After an accident, your next 12 months are crucial. Avoid further claims, speeding tickets, or penalty points. Insurers reward clean records quickly, and you’ll see price drops within 1–2 renewals.
Final Thoughts
Getting cheaper car insurance after an accident isn’t impossible — it just requires strategy. Use specialist insurers, rebuild your NCB, and show that you’re a safer driver. Over time, your premiums will stabilise and your risk rating will return to normal.
Need expert help? Explore our full guide on After Accident Car Insurance UK or compare top insurers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cheap insurance after a fault accident?
Yes. Use specialist insurers who evaluate your history manually. Safe driving after your claim helps lower future premiums.
Will my premium increase even if I wasn’t at fault?
It might. Non-fault claims can still affect prices because insurers see you as statistically more likely to make another claim.
Does a telematics policy help after an accident?
Yes. Black box insurance tracks safe driving and can reduce costs by up to 25% within 12 months, even with a previous claim.
How long will my accident affect insurance quotes?
Most insurers check your last five years of accident history. After that period, old claims usually stop affecting prices.