Non-fault accident claim UK
What to do right now ?
You didn’t cause the crash, yet you’re juggling phone calls, forms, and the fear of paying an excess or losing your no-claims bonus. If you drive for work—especially taxi/PHV—every hour off the road is lost income. Accident Assist understands that pressure and keeps the path simple and safe.
relief starts with clarity
Accident Assist keeps decisions practical. Capture strong evidence, then choose a route that protects your wallet, time and licence. We’ll map your safe options and flag traps—so you can act calmly and confidently.
why it matters
Crashes are common. In 2024 Great Britain recorded 1,633 fatalities, 29,537 KSI, and 128,375 total casualties. Clear steps after a collision can prevent costly mistakes (DfT provisional results, 29 May 2025)
60 seconds to safer decisions
After a non-fault crash in the UK, collect evidence, tell your insurer, then choose a route: your insurer, the other driver’s insurer, credit hire/repair (only if liability is very clear), or MIB for uninsured/untraced cases. The safest choice reduces excess risk, protects NCB, and avoids storage costs (Citizens Advice)
What “non-fault” really
means (and what it doesn’t)
with Accident Assist clarity
Non-fault means another party caused the crash and, in principle, their insurer should pay your reasonable losses. It doesn’t mean you’ll avoid admin, timing stress, or temporary costs while liability is confirmed (Citizens Advice vehicle insurance overview: Citizens Advice
Excess reality
If you claim through your policy, you may pay your excess now, then reclaim once liability is established. That’s how many policies work—check your documents (MoneyHelper) MaPS
No-claims bonus (NCB) clarity
NCB varies by insurer; a non-fault claim can still affect renewal unless the full cost is recovered or you have NCB protection .ABI
Time limits
For property damage: 6 years in England & Wales (Limitation Act 1980 s.2: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58/section/2) and typically 5 years in Scotland (1973 Act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1973/52). Accident Assist operates in England; note clocks if a crash happens elsewhere in the UK.
Your four route options
(Accident Assist guide)
1. Your insurer (first-party path).
Why choose it: familiar process, managed repairs, and a formal complaints route if things go wrong.
Watch-outs: you might pay an excess initially and see a temporary NCB impact until recovery completes. Check your policy for specifics MaPSABI
Taxi/PHV note: ask in writing about courtesy vehicle timelines. Keep a record of bookings and licence conditions.
2. The other driver’s insurer (third-party direct).
Why choose it: often no excess to pay; can be quick when liability is admitted.
Watch-outs: “third-party capture” tactics can narrow your options. Get everything in writing—what’s included, vehicle type, delivery/collection, what happens if liability later changes. Citizens Advice
Taxi/PHV note: confirm like-for-like suitability (plated, ULEZ-compliant) and who pays if the story changes.
3) Credit hire / credit repair (via an accident management company).
Why choose it: rapid like-for-like mobility while costs are pursued from the at-fault insurer—useful when liability is clear.
Watch-outs: if liability is disputed or delayed, you could face exposure to hire/storage charges per your contract. The Financial Ombudsman Service sees complaints here—read terms carefully (FOS consumer page: Financial Ombudsman
GTA context: a voluntary General Terms of Agreement (GTA) can reduce disputes on hire rates; non-GTA cases see more friction (GTA 2025 PDF: Citizens Advice
4) MIB (uninsured or untraced driver).
Why choose it: provides a path when no insurer is available (hit-and-run, uninsured).
Watch-outs: expect stricter evidence and longer timelines; follow the scheme rules MIB+1
How Accident Assist Network fits (without pressure)
When mobility and logistics are the bottleneck, Accident Assist can coordinate recovery, secure storage, and like-for-like replacement—including taxi-plated vehicles—so you stay working while you choose the claims route that suits your risk appetite.
Your first 24-hour checklist
the Accident Assist evidence
plan
Capture the scene
Take photos of both vehicles, close-ups of damage, wide shots, road layout, signage, weather and any skid marks. Save dash-cam clips immediately with the correct date/time.
Get key details
Swap names, phone numbers, insurer and policy number, vehicle reg and model; note the location and time. If police attend, record the reference number.
Find witnesses
Ask for names and contact details. Even one independent statement can resolve a stalemate.
Tell your insurer quickly
Even if you plan to claim via the other driver or a credit-hire route, most policies require prompt notification. Citizens Advice
Taxi/PHV continuity.
If your plate or bookings depend on a like-for-like vehicle, write that need down and keep proof. It supports necessity if questioned later.
Need practical help in
England ?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
(Română) Ai avut un accident? Sună un prieten de încredere.
(اردو) حادثہ ہو گیا؟ قابلِ اعتماد دوست کو کال کریں۔
(தமிழ்) விபத்து நடந்ததா? நம்பத்தகுந்த நண்பரை அழைக்கவும்.
(हिंदी) दुर्घटना हो गई? एक भरोसेमंद दोस्त को कॉल करें।
For more details visit:
Arrange recovery & secure storage → https://www.accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-and-secure-storage/
Request like-for-like replacement hire → https://www.accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/like-for-like-replacement-hire/
Understand repairs & settlement options → https://www.accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/manufacturer-standard-repairs-and-settlement/
Time limits and why acting
early saves money — an
Accident Assist reminder
The legal clock for property damage claims is generally 6 years in England & Wales and 5 years in Scotland. Long deadlines don’t mean you should wait. Early action speeds liability confirmation and reduces storage fees risk (E&W: Legislation.gov.uk+1
If your vehicle sits in storage, clarify who is paying and how long it will remain. Prolonged storage is a common flashpoint—keep decisions moving, document everything, and confirm next steps in writing (FOS credit-hire guidance: Financial Ombudsman
When in doubt, write it down. Emails or texts create a simple paper trail and reduce misunderstanding later.
Common traps—and calm
ways to avoid them (Accident
Assist playbook)
Third-party capture.
When the other insurer calls to “handle everything,” ask for the scope in writing: repairs, replacement vehicle type, delivery/collection, and what happens if liability later changes. Compare with your policy rights.Citizens Advice
NCB myths.
There’s no universal rule on NCB after non-fault claims; it varies by insurer and recovery outcome. Ask your insurer to confirm your position in writing . ABI
Credit-hire exposure.
Credit hire helps when liability is crystal clear and terms are understood. It can backfire if disputes arise—read contracts carefully and keep evidence tidy . Financial Ombudsman
Uninsured or untraced driver.
Use MIB routes and expect stricter evidence and patience (MIB overview: https://www.mib.org.uk/making-a-claim/what-we-do/
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.