How long does no claims last without a car?

Asked by: Alison Ortiz  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 5/5 (24 votes)

Your no-claims bonus (usually) lasts for 2 years
If you haven't had your own car insurance for a little while (maybe you sold your car, stopped driving or moved overseas), most car insurance companies will honour your old no-claims discount when you take out new cover.

Do I lose my no claims bonus if I don't have a car?

Does my no claims bonus build up if I don't have a car? Your no claims bonus is only usually valid for two years after your policy comes to an end. So if you don't drive for a few years, you may well find you have to build up a new no claims bonus from scratch.

How long do no claims last if not driving?

Most insurers will allow you to use a no claim discount if you've been absent from driving for 2 years or less – though some may extend this to 3 years.

Do you lose your NCB after 2 years?

The expiry period for an unused no claims bonus is two years after you've cancelled your last policy. So if you have taken a break from driving but you don't want to lose your NCB, you'll have to take out a new policy within two years to carry on where you left off.

Can you lie about no claims bonus?

Lying about who's the main driver

Not only is it illegal, it also means you're not earning your No Claims Discount, which can represent HUGE savings in the long run. You want to start working on that as soon as possible, not delay it a whole year to save a bit short-term.

No-Claims Bonus - Things to look out for

25 related questions found

How long can you be without car insurance?

So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

Is 9 years the maximum no claims bonus?

Our maximum No Claims Bonus (also known as No Claims Discount) level is 9 years, so it will automatically be displayed as such on your renewal notice.

Do I lose my no claims if I cancel my insurance?

Will I save money if I cancel my car insurance policy early? While you'll get some money back or avoid paying further instalments, which will be more than you'll pay in cancellation charges, you'll lose your no claims discount (NCD) for that year if you cancel early. That said, any previous years NCD will remain.

Is it worth protecting no claims discount?

If you have five years' no claims discount, it will significantly cut the cost of your car insurance. You could lose all that for just one accident. ... By protecting your no claims discount, you'll be locking in that discount. You'll continue to pay less on your premium even if you have an accident.

Can you protect 1 year NCB?

Once you've built up a few years' no claim bonus, you can “protect” it with an optional extra fee. This means your no claim bonus will be safe-guarded, even if you make an at-fault claim.

Will my insurance go up if I have protected no claims?

If you've protected your no claims discount, then making a claim shouldn't affect the number of years that contribute to your NCD. However, if you've had an accident, the basic cost of your premium is likely to go up.

Do I lose my no claims if someone hits me?

Many insurers offer NCB protection for a small fee. This means that if you make a claim for something like damage caused by a storm, if your car is stolen, or hit by an uninsured driver then you won't lose your NCB.

What is 1 year no claims discount?

A no claim discount is a reduction in the cost of your car insurance if you don't make a claim. You usually earn one year of no claim discount for every claim-free year of motoring. So, if you don't make a claim for five years, you'll have five years of no claim discount applied to the basic cost of your car insurance.

Can I end my car insurance early?

Most car insurance policies state that you can cancel your policy at any time. You only need to send a written notice with the effective date of cancellation. It is always a good idea (and in most cases a requirement) to notify your old insurer when you switch to a new insurer.

Can I use NCD on 2 cars?

Unfortunately, you can only use one set of no claim discount on one vehicle at any time. To earn multiple sets of no claim discount you need to insure multiple vehicles at the same time.

What happens if you use no claims bonus on 2 cars?

Unfortunately you cannot use your no claims discount twice. You can only use your no claims discount on one vehicle at any one time. However, you will be able to start earning another no claim discount if you take out a policy on a second car.

Can you build up no claims as a named driver?

Named drivers can't usually build up a no claims discount, although they can accumulate their own if they're insured as the main driver on their own car. Some insurance providers may give a named driver a discount – provided they take out their own policy at a later date.

Can I drive car without insurance?

The law says that you must normally have at least third party motor insurance if you drive or own a vehicle. You must also have insurance if you leave it parked on the street, on your driveway or in your garage. The police can check on the spot if your vehicle is insured using the Motor Insurance Database.

Can I drive a new car without insurance?

Can I drive a new car without insurance? Even if only driving your new car back from the dealership, you need insurance for the trip. ... Bridging the gap with temporary car insurance means you'll be able to take your car off the lot and home before you take that step.

What happens if you don't have insurance for your car?

Potential consequences of driving without insurance include a costly ticket, license suspension, a lack of financial protection in the event of an accident, and even denial of insurance coverage if you're involved in a wreck and deemed not-at-fault.

What happens to NCD after maturity?

They cannot be converted into equity or stocks. NCDs have a fixed maturity date and the interest can be paid along with the principal amount either monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the fixed tenure specified.

What happen to my NCD if I sell my car?

If you sell your old vehicle and decide to purchase a new one, the NCD from the old vehicle can be transferred to the new vehicle. If, however, you do not acquire a new vehicle and your NCD remains unused after one year, it will be reversed .

How will NCD be affected?

Your NCD may not be affected if you are found totally not at fault in an accident involving another vehicle. In all other cases, your NCD may be affected. If there is a claim made under the policy, your NCD will be reduced as follows. If you make more than one claim in a year, your NCD will be reduced to 0%.

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'.