Do I lose my no claims bonus if someone hits me?
Asked by: Willie Wisoky | Last update: January 2, 2026Score: 5/5 (12 votes)
What makes you lose no claims bonus?
If you make two claims during the period you're insured for, you'd lose four years' bonus, and if you made three or more claims during the period you're insured for, you'd lose them all.
Do I lose my excess if someone hits me?
Paying excess for a car accident that isn't your fault
If your insurance company have dealt with the claim, they should claim the excess back for you. If you have a no fault accident, a credit hire company can also make a claim on your behalf.
Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?
If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.
Do I lose my no claims if the accident wasn't my fault?
When you make a non-fault claim, your no-claims bonus could be affected while your insurance provider investigates who's at fault. However, if they confirm that you're not liable and they're able to fully recover their losses from the other provider, your full no-claims bonus should be reinstated.
The Person Who Hit Me Doesn't Have Insurance! What now?
Should you file a claim if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my fault?
Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.
Will my insurance go high if someone hits me?
It may seem unfair, but accidents that aren't your fault may still increase your rate depending on your state and insurer. Not-at-fault accidents can indicate a higher likelihood of future accidents.
Does my insurance get involved if someone hits me?
Certain states, including California and Oklahoma, legally prohibit insurance companies from raising customer rates after no-fault claims.
Will my insurance go up if someone hits me without insurance?
But, as a California personal injury attorney I can assure you that your insurance company should not raise your rates for making an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist claim on your policy. In fact, in most cases, doing so may violate long-standing California legal statutes.
How to keep no-claims bonus without a car?
How do I keep my no-claims bonus without a car? If you've stopped driving for a while or you no longer own your car, you should still be able to use your no-claims bonus – it will last for two years after you stop driving. After this, it will expire, and you have to start building it again.
What happens if someone files a claim against your car insurance?
Unfortunately, your insurance premiums will almost certainly increase when a claim is made against you. You'll also lose your no-claims bonus if it's the first claim you've been on the receiving end of a claim. The amount by which your insurance rates increase may vary a great deal.
What happens if insurance cannot determine fault?
50/50 fault: If it's too difficult to determine fault, particularly if no witnesses saw the accident take place, some insurance companies will decide to split the costs equally between the two drivers.
Is no-claims bonus protected?
No-claims bonus protection is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy. With this protection, you can make claims without affecting your no-claims bonus. Having no-claims bonus protection doesn't guarantee your car insurance premium won't increase after a claim.
How do I remove an accident from my insurance record?
While some insurance companies will offer a promotional program called "accident forgiveness" in situations where drivers are not found at fault, you cannot remove an accident occurred from a driving record. Your driving abstract is not like a criminal record that can be sealed or expunged.
Do I pay excess if not at fault?
You pay the excess in the event of any claim made on your insurance policy regardless of who is to blame. However, if it's proved the accident was the other person's fault and the full cost is recovered from their insurer, you may be able to recover this amount.
Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.
Do I get paid if someone hits my car?
If you can prove that a specific vehicle/person was responsible for the crash, and they have insurance, or money for damages, yes.
What happens if I hit a car but no damage?
* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.
How does car insurance work if someone hits you?
Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.
Why does insurance go up when it's not your fault?
If your driving record is laden with traffic violations or accidents, you might see an increase in your insurance rates after a no-fault claim, as insurance providers perceive drivers with a history of accidents or violations as high-risk and impose higher rates to mitigate the associated risk.
Should I go through my insurance or the person who hit me?
If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.
How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record?
In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?
If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.
What is accident forgiveness?
What is Accident Forgiveness? Available in select states, Accident Forgiveness is an auto insurance coverage option that potentially helps you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Others on your policy can also benefit from Accident Forgiveness. But it can only be used once per policy.