Do you have to pay excess if you are not at fault UK?

Asked by: Miss Lue Swaniawski DVM  |  Last update: October 13, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

If you're found not to be at fault, your insurer claims the excess back from the at-fault party's insurer, along with other costs. Assume you'll have to pay your excess first to get your claim started.

Do you pay an excess on a non fault claim?

Do I pay excess if accident is not my fault? – typically yes. Your insurer should recover the money from the insurer of the at-fault driver – eventually, then they will pay it back to you. Your annual no-claims bonus however – is probably gone.

Will my premium go up if I am not at fault UK?

Unfortunately, yes it does. In many cases, your premiums will go up after you've declared a non-fault claim to your insurance provider. This is because certain circumstances surrounding the accident, even if it wasn't your fault, may lead to more accidents in the future.

Do I have to pay my excess?

When do you pay excess on car insurance? You pay the excess in the event of any claim made on your insurance policy regardless of who's 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.

What's compulsory excess?

An excess is the sum of money that you will be required to pay should you make a claim against your insurance. A compulsory excess is the sum that your insurer sets and is non-negotiable. This amount depends upon different factors including your age, the type of claim and your car type.

Do you pay excess if not at fault?

38 related questions found

What if my claim is less than the excess?

A reward for not claiming

One of the benefits of not making a claim when the cost of your repairs is less than your excess, is that you get to keep your No Claim Bonus. A No Claim Bonus is a discount you could earn on your insurance premium for being claim free.

What to do after an accident that is not your fault?

A. STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so.
  1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Call the police. ...
  3. Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
  4. Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.

Do I have to declare an accident if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, you must declare any accident that you're involved in, even if it is not your fault. Most insurers have clauses in their policies requiring you to let them know about any accidents you've been involved in for the past five years.

How does car insurance work when you are not at fault?

If you are involved in an accident and found not to be at fault, the insurance of the responsible party will cover your costs. When you buy a motor insurance policy from an insurance company, you will get an insurance disc and a certificate of insurance.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me UK?

The short answer unfortunately is yes. Regardless of whose fault it was, making a claim will almost always lead to an increase in your car insurance premium.

Should I tell my insurance company about a minor accident UK?

Always notify your insurers if you are involved in an accident, however minor it may be and regardless of whether there is any damage. If you are involved in an accident and do not wish to make a claim on your policy you can simply advise your insurers about the accident 'For notification purposes only'.

Do you have to report a minor car accident to police UK?

You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you do not give your details at the time of the accident. You must also report the accident to your insurance company, even if you're not planning to make a claim.

How do I claim if someone hits my car?

Steps to take at the scene
  1. Call the police. An officer will document the incident and create an official accident report, which you will typically need to have when filing your claim with your insurance company, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). ...
  2. Document the accident. ...
  3. Notify your insurer.

What happens when someone hits your car?

Call the police

If someone hits your vehicle, notify the police even if you think it was a minor accident. They'll write up a police report, which can then be used for your insurance claim. Police also act as an objective arbitrator if disagreements arise between you and the other driver.

Why does my insurance go up when someone hits me?

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me? After an accident caused by another driver, you may have concerns about the impact on your auto coverage premium rates. Your auto insurance company will decide whether to raise your rates or not based on the circumstances of the accident.

Do I need to tell my insurance company if someone hits me?

Do I have to tell my car insurance company about an accident? Yes, you do. You must declare all accidents to your insurer, even if you didn't make a claim.

Do you have to go through insurance after minor accident?

Drivers must have valid insurance which covers you in the event of damage or injury. But when it comes to a minor scratch or prang, motorists may decide it's not worth going through the insurance companies. Instead of claiming through the insurer, the parties could agree to handle the issue privately.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

What do you do in a minor car accident with no damage?

Essential Steps in Any Car Accident
  • Stay Calm and Clear the Road.
  • Exchange Contact and Insurance Information.
  • Take Photos of the Accident.
  • Call the Police and Report the Accident.
  • Stay At the Accident Scene Until a Police Officer Arrives and a Files a Police Report.
  • Double Check for Damage.
  • Inform Your Insurance Company.

How can I settle my car accident privately?

How to settle without insurance
  1. Always exchange contact information with the other drivers. ...
  2. Get a record of the damage. ...
  3. Obtain a police report. ...
  4. Get quotes from more than one mechanic for damages. ...
  5. Keep a paper trail. ...
  6. Draft a legally binding agreement when you settle.

Who is liable to pay insurance excess?

A car insurance excess is the first amount payable by you the client if you're in an accident. It is the uninsured portion of your loss which is payable by you when you make a claim on a loss. Normally the excess is paid to the garage fixing the automobile once the repairs are completed.

Can I claim my excess back?

Can you claim your excess back? In some situations, yes, you should be able to claim back your excess, but not always, which is where Excess Recovery insurance can plug that gap and save you money.

Who is liable for insurance excess?

The basic principle of excess payments in sectional title schemes is that if a claim is submitted for damage on common property, the body corporate pays the excess. Generally, the owner who submits the claim will be responsible for the excess payment, but there are some circumstances where this may differ.

Should I talk to the other insurance company after an accident UK?

Generally speaking, you shouldn't talk to the other insurance company when there is the potential for anyone involved in the accident (you, the other driver, a passenger) making a claim for serious personal injuries.