Do you pay excess if not your fault?

Asked by: Beverly Turner  |  Last update: February 5, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (44 votes)

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.

Do you have to pay an excess?

If the other driver has admitted fault and has already told their insurer, your excess might be waived. But usually you'll have to pay it – so make sure you can afford it. When your insurer is certain you're not at fault, you'll get it back.

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.

Can you claim back excess?

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.

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.

Do you pay excess if not at fault?

18 related questions found

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 be affected if someone hits me?

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.

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 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.

Will a non fault accident affect my insurance UK?

Does declaring a non-fault claim affect my insurance? Unfortunately, yes it does. In many cases, your premiums will go up after you've declared a non-fault claim to your insurance provider.

How does excess in insurance work?

An excess is a payment you'll need to make if and when you make a claim on your Car Insurance, and your insurer accepts that claim. This amount is confirmed when you take up or renew your policy, and the money goes towards the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

What is an excess fee?

Insurance excess is the amount you have to pay towards the overall cost of an insurance claim. It's usually a pre-agreed amount. Your insurer will then contribute the rest – up to the limit of the cover. You'll see insurance excess on insurance products like travel, motor, home and health.

What should I do if someone hit my car UK?

Whether you can catch the culprit or not, you should call the police. Hit and runs are against the law, so you need to record the crime. The police might also be able to help you reach the other motorist, so they could help you get the compensation you need.

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.

What to do if someone has hit your car and drove off?

hit and run accident
  1. Stop your car somewhere safe, preferably to the side of the road and not in the way of other cars. ...
  2. If you can, get the driver's number plate as well as the make and model of the car. ...
  3. If someone's hurt, call the emergency services.
  4. If no one is hurt, call the police, who'll give you a crime number.

Is it worth claiming on car insurance for a dent?

In a nutshell, small dents/scratches on your car's surface does not require a car insurance claim. In fact, it is best to refrain from raising a claim in such a scenario, as you may otherwise lose a lot of money.

What should I not tell insurance?

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident
  • It was my fault. This may be common knowledge for many, but it's worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. ...
  • I think. ...
  • I'm fine. ...
  • Names. ...
  • Recorded statements. ...
  • Unnecessary details. ...
  • I don't have an attorney. ...
  • I accept.

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.

Do I need to notify my insurance company if I have an accident?

Should you tell your insurer about an accident? Yes - if you've been in an accident, you do have to tell your insurer. You should send your insurer a letter telling them what's happened. But make it crystal clear that this is for 'information only' and you don't wish to make a claim.

How much does car insurance go up after a claim?

If you have claimed on your car insurance, you can expect to pay 20% to 50% more for cover in the future. However, the amount varies depending on who is to blame for the claim, the severity and expense of the accident, and your overall driving record.

Do I lose my no claims if not my fault?

A no claims bonus (NCB), or more correctly a no claims discount, is awarded if you don't claim in the latest policy year. Even if you have an accident that wasn't your fault – you're hit by an uninsured driver, or your car gets stolen – you could lose your NCB, and your premium could even go up at renewal.

How does a 50/50 Claim work?

50% / 50% Liability is reached on a 50/50 basis when both parties agree they are equally responsible for an accident. The overall value of your claim will be worked out as normal (based on your injuries and losses), but you will only receive 50% of this amount from the other side's insurance company.

Do I need to report a minor car accident to the police?

You don't need to leave your insurance details unless someone is injured, but it can speed up the claims process if you do. If you didn't exchange details at the scene, you should report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

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.