You’re scared you’ve left it too late
You’re replaying the Road Accident in your head and worrying the window has closed. Friends say it’s 3 years. Forums say 6. Meanwhile your car sits unrepaired, and every day you wait feels like money slipping away. You want calm, clear accident claims advice—without legal jargon or sales talk.
You’re not alone. Most car accident claims pages online mix injury rules with vehicle-damage rules. That’s why people delay—and sometimes miss car accident insurance claim obligations set by their own policy. Today, let’s separate myths from facts and give you a simple plan you can start now.
Here’s a fact to steady your nerves: for vehicle damage you usually have 6 years in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland to start court proceedings. But there are shorter reporting rules with your insurer and, for untraced drivers, the MIB—so you should still act promptly. (Limitation Act 1980; NI Order 1989; Prescription & Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973; MIB 2017).
Legislation.gov.uk+2Legislation.gov.uk+2
What's the Car Accident
Claim time limit?
For vehicle-damage claims, the car accident claim time limit is 6 years in England & Wales and Northern Ireland and 5 years in Scotland to start court action. Separately, most policies require you to notify your insurer quickly (often within 24–48 hours), and MIB hit-and-run routes expect prompt police reporting. Legislation.gov.uk+2ABIMIB
The three clocks most drivers
confuse
When people ask “how long can you claim after a car accident?”, they usually get one answer—but you’re actually dealing with three different timers. Knowing which is which keeps you safe.
Statutory limitation (the court deadline)
England & Wales: generally 6 years for property/vehicle damage.
Northern Ireland: generally 6 years.
Scotland: 5-year negative prescription.
Policy notification (your car accident insurance claim duty)
Most policies require you to tell your insurer as soon as possible—often within 24–48 hours or within a short set window (sometimes 2–14 days)—even if you’re not claiming yet.
Failing to notify can cause problems later.
Read guidance here: ABI and MoneyHelper. ABIMaPS
MIB reporting (untraced driver / hit-and-run)
For damage-only “untraced” cases, prompt police reporting is expected; get an incident number quickly to preserve eligibility.
See the current MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement (2017). MIB
England & Wales vs Scotland
vs Northern Ireland what
actually changes
It’s the same Road Accident, but the timer can differ by country. Keep this simple split in mind:
England & Wales (damage-only)
Most car accident claims for vehicle damage fall under the Limitation Act 1980—commonly six years from when the cause of action accrued. Legislation.gov.uk
Scotland (damage-only)
Scotland uses negative prescription. Many damage obligations extinguish after five years under section 6 of the 1973 Act, as explained in the Act and later notes. Legislation.gov.uk+1
Northern Ireland (damage-only)
The Limitation (NI) Order 1989 provides the framework; for property damage, the limit generally mirrors six years. Legislation.gov.uk
Practical cross-check: Several UK public bodies summarise these positions in plain English (e.g., Surrey and Sutton councils: 6 years for property; 3 years for personal injury). surreycc.gov.uksutton.gov.uk
Hit-and-run or untraced
driver: stay eligible with MIB
Being struck and left without details is frightening—and it’s where car crash compensation gets confusing. The MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement (2017) covers these scenarios. What to do now:
Act quickly—preserve the trail
Report to the police as soon as possible and keep the incident number.
Save CCTV/dashcam immediately; many systems overwrite within days.
Collect repair quotes/receipts and a short account of events.
Why it matters: The MIB expects prompt reporting and evidence that you did what a reasonable person would do after the incident. Read the Agreement. https://www.mib.org.uk/media/355104/amended-2017-untraced-drivers-agreement-england-scotland-and-wales_v10.pdf MIB
Your car accident insurance
claim duties (even if you’re
not claiming yet)
A common mistake is waiting until you’re “ready” to claim. Your policy is a contract—and most require early notification even if you’ll recover costs later from the at-fault insurer.
Notify now, claim later
Call your insurer and log the incident; get an email or reference number.
Keep the description factual; don’t admit fault.
If you used a broker/agent, ask them to confirm notification too.
(See ABI and Citizens Advice for practical steps.) ABICitizens Advice
Why “notify” is different from “claim”
Notifying preserves options and satisfies policy duties.
You can still pursue non fault accident claim routes against the at-fault insurer later.
MoneyHelper explains why reporting as soon as possible is wise. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/car-insurance/how-to-make-a-car-insurance-claim MaPS
Evidence that strengthens a
“late” damage claim
If the crash was months ago, don’t panic. Build a clean vehicle accident claim file now.
Gather these items
Photos/video of all vehicles, scene, and conditions.
Witness details and short statements if available.
Repair quotes/invoices; storage/recovery receipts.
Diary/timeline of bookings missed (for taxis/PHV/vans) and key dates.
Insurer notifications with dates/references; police incident number if relevant.
Why each item matters
Photos tie damage to a specific Road Accident.
Witnesses corroborate how the collision happened.
Quotes and invoices make the car crash claim amounts traceable.
Timelines show loss of use.
Notifications prove you met car accident insurance claim duties.
Public-body checklists & advice: GOV.UK, ABI, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice.
GOV.UKABIMaPSCitizens Advice
For working drivers (Taxi/
PHV, vans, riders)
practicalities that save your
week
If your vehicle earns your living, small delays become big costs. Keep it tight and compliant.
Like-for-like matters (and compliance)
If you’re a Taxi Driver or PHV, ensure replacements meet licensing/ULEZ/EV requirements.
Keep booking logs and journeys missed to support non fault accident compensation and reasonable hire durations.
If the car is off the road
Arrange recovery quickly and secure storage to prevent secondary damage.
Organise manufacturer-standard repairs or document quotes if you prefer cash-in-lieu on a total loss.
If you need help coordinating recovery, storage, repairs or like-for-like hire, see our London taxi guidance page for practical info:
licensed taxi replacements in London
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.
Need practical help in England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
FAQS
For vehicle damage, it’s 6 years in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland to start court action. This is separate from policy reporting (often 24–48 hours) and MIB expectations for hit-and-run.
“No win no fee” usually relates to personal injury funding. Vehicle-damage claims are different and typically proceed against the at-fault insurer. AAN is damage-only and does not provide PI advice.
Not necessarily, but late notice can cause problems. Notify immediately, log reference numbers, and keep evidence.
Yes, the limitation and notification principles are the same. Working drivers should also track loss of use and ensure any replacement vehicle is like-for-like and compliant. Public guidance above applies.
No—that 3 years is a personal injury rule found on many PI pages. Vehicle-damage is commonly 6 years E&W/NI or 5 years Scotland.
