A A non-fault accident occurs when the other driver admits responsibility. Our insurance company collects evidence, such as accident videos, vehicle photographs, witness statements, CCTV footage, and police reports. After reviewing the evidence, the company determines who is responsible for the accident.
An accident can occur from a collision with an animal or a hit-and-run, from which no other party can recover costs. In such cases, you will be liable for the accident, which will be considered a fault accident, meaning your insurance cannot recover any losses.
Many people contact their insurance company after a non-fault accident to inform them of the road traffic incident. It is essential to keep your insurer updated to protect your claim.
When reporting the accident to your insurance company, they will process the claim against your insurance policy, which may affect your insurance.
If you do not want your insurance to be affected, the best option is to contact an accident management company immediately after the accident. Please provide them with all the details and evidence.
Types of Insurance Coverage
There are different types of insurance coverage, and in the case of a non-fault accident, your insurance coverage may not affect your pay-outs.
- Third-Party Cover
You can directly claim from the at-fault party’s insurance if you have third-party insurance coverage. The at-fault driver and their insurance company agree they are responsible and should cover your costs, including repairs, hire vehicles, and other compensation. In this case, there is no need to involve your insurance, but you should still stay informed and updated.
- Comprehensive Cover
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you will claim through your insurance company but may have to pay your policy excess.
- Uninsured and Untraced Claims
If the vehicle involved in the road traffic accident was not insured, the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) will handle your claim for vehicle repairs, injuries, and financial losses.
The MIB also handles claims when the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene (hit-and-run). If a foreign vehicle is involved in an accident in the UK, these claims will be referred to the MIB. These claims may take longer to settle than standard claims.
- Insurance Premium
Contacting your insurance company after a road traffic accident can affect your insurance premium, even if you are not responsible for the accident. Your insurance premium after a non-fault accident can vary based on several factors, such as your insurer’s policies and your previous driving history.
If you have a long history of safe driving and this is your first non-fault accident in years, your insurance company may offer some leniency.
- Insurance Excess
When you pay the excess after a non-fault vehicle accident, you can claim this back from the at-fault driver’s insurance company when the claim is settled. Contact a legal advisor for guidance if the insurance company refuses to pay for your compensation or other costs. They may issue court proceedings, and the judge will decide on your compensation after reviewing the evidence.
- No-Claims Bonus
If the other party admits responsibility for the accident and your insurance company does not pay anything to the involved parties, or if you have a comprehensive policy for your vehicle’s damage and your insurance company recovers all losses from the at-fault party’s insurance company, your No-Claims Discount should not be affected.
- Car Insurance Increase
Even if the other party admits liability, your car insurance might increase. The claim will be added to your claim history and records. A non-fault accident will stay on your vehicle insurance record for 3 to 5 years.
What an Accident Management Company Does
If an accident management company is your first point of contact after a road traffic accident, you should discuss the circumstances of the accident with an experienced handler and inform them that the accident was not your fault.
The handler will manage your claim professionally, from submission to settlement, and ensure you receive your compensation. If your vehicle is not drivable, the accident management company will provide you with a replacement vehicle within 24 hours while your car is repaired.
Accident Management Company vs. Insurance Company
We can compare the services of an accident management company with an insurance company:
- Replacement Vehicle
An accident management company will provide you with a like-for-like vehicle based on your requirements, while your insurance company will typically offer a standard vehicle if your policy covers it.
Claims Bonus
If you contact an accident management company to file a claim, your claims bonus will not be affected. However, if you report the accident to your insurance company, it may affect your claims bonus.
- Claim Handling
Accident management companies handle all aspects of the claim, including accident reporting, vehicle recovery, storage, hire vehicles, and the entire claims process. With your insurance company, you will need to handle recovery, storage, and other overheads related to the claim.
- Protection of Financial Risks
An accident management company will handle all claims and recover the losses. They will handle all details, such as vehicle damage, recovery, or any legal claims.
How to Know if You Were at Fault
To determine if you were at fault, gather information from the accident scene. Some common scenarios where you might be liable include:
- Hitting the rear of another vehicle
- Failing to check the right way
- Not stopping your vehicle at a red light.
- Making a wrong turn
- Applying the brakes or stopping suddenly
Conclusion
Non-fault accidents may not directly affect your insurance, but it’s essential to handle the situation carefully. By documenting the accident, reporting it to your insurance, and seeking legal advice, you can protect your interests and ensure a smoother claims process. smooth and simplified claims process.
