Car accident claim time
limit in the UK
You’re staring at a scraped bumper and a full day’s work ahead. The next thought: Am I about to miss the deadline to claim? The garage can wait. Your timeline can’t. You want a clear rule, told in plain English, and a simple plan you can act on today.
Good news
the core rule is simpler than most blogs suggest. In a single week—photos, insurer notice, CCTV requests, a calendar reminder—you can protect your position and lower stress, even if you’re not ready to argue liability yet.
Quick facts (with sources)
In England & Wales, claims for vehicle/property damage are generally 6 years to start court action. In Scotland, many damage claims prescribe after 5 years. Tell your insurer ASAP—that’s a policy duty, not the court clock.
Source:
Short answer:
In England & Wales, you generally have 6 years to start court proceedings for vehicle damage. In Scotland, many damage claims prescribe after 5 years. Notify your insurer as soon as possible—policy duties are separate from court deadlines.
The 20-second version vs the
detail you actually need
England & Wales at a glance
Damage-only: 6 years from the accident (or when the cause of action accrued) to issue court proceedings—Limitation Act 1980 s.2 Legislation.gov.uk
Scotland at a glance
Many damage claims prescribe at 5 years (Prescription & Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973) — . Recent commentary explains refinements to prescription rules — Legislation.gov.ukTLT
Insurer notification vs legal limitation
Your policy usually says tell your insurer as soon as possible. That’s about cover, not the court deadline—Citizens Advice explains the difference: Citizens Advice
When does the clock start?
For damage, generally from the accident date. For PI, it can run from your date of knowledge—see s.11: Legislation.gov.uk
Important scope note:
Accident Assist Network coordinates vehicle-damage support only. We don’t provide personal-injury services—if you need PI advice, speak to an independent solicitor.
Your one-week plan
Day 1–2: Photograph damage and location; save dashcam clips; collect witness contacts.
Day 1–3: Tell your insurer—policy duty is as soon as possible (CAB guidance:Citizens Advice
Day 3–5: Ask shops/transport hubs to save CCTV (many systems overwrite in days).
Day 3–7: Book an independent damage assessment; decide on safe recovery/storage if the car shouldn’t be driven.
Any time: If you have symptoms, book medicals and keep a diary.
Special scenarios to read
before you wait
Hit-and-run or uninsured drivers
Take a breath—you still have a route. The MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement (2017) covers property when the at-fault driver is unknown. Time limits align with general law (E&W limitation or Scotland’s prescription). Keep evidence tight (dashcam, CCTV requests, incident notes). Agreement and notes MIB |
Hire cars, taxis/PHVs, company vehicles
You might have contractual notice requirements on top of the legal clock. Keep a tidy paper trail (work bookings, plate/PHV records, shift logs). If mobility is critical, explore a like-for-like replacement while liability is sorted (AAN can coordinate this where appropriate—see Replacement Vehicles on our site).
Repairs vs limitation (don’t mix them up)
A garage timeline doesn’t pause the legal clock. If a deadline looms, speak to a professional about issuing proceedings to protect time.
Evidence and timing: what
matters most in week one
Move now, sleep better later
Evidence is perishable: CCTV cycles overwrite, dashcams loop, and chipped paint looks less obvious next month. A few disciplined actions make the difference between a smooth settlement and an argument about “minor scuffs.”
Focus on these essentials:
Proof you can trust: timestamped photos, dashcam video (keep raw files), quick sketch of road layout, weather conditions.
Paper trail: insurer claim/reference number; emails to garages; booking confirmations for estimates.
CCTV sprint: ask premises for footage immediately; many systems overwrite within days.
Calendar pins: set reminders for 3y/5y/6y limits as relevant, plus a 3-month check-in to review progress and evidence gaps.
Need practical help in
England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
Mandatory Disclaimer
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with
