How do I claim for non-fault vehicle damage and get a hire car in London & across England?
If you are a non-fault driver in England, you can claim for vehicle damage without using your own insurer. Accident Assist Network coordinates everything for you: 24h recovery, manufacturer-standard repairs, and a like-for-like replacement hire vehicle delivered within 24 hours. There is no upfront cost, as our fee is deducted only after the at-fault insurer's settlement. Start your claim by calling our 24/7 hotline or messaging us on WhatsApp.
Q: How fast do I get a replacement vehicle?
A: We aim to deliver a like-for-like replacement vehicle, including plated taxis or vans, within 24 hours of starting your claim.
Q: Do I have to pay an excess or upfront fee?
A: No. There are no upfront costs or excess to pay. Our service fee is pre-agreed and deducted only after the at-fault insurer settles the claim.
Q: Is this service available for my taxi or van?
A: Yes. We specialise in providing compliant, work-ready replacement vehicles, including TfL-plated taxis and ULEZ-compliant vans.
Had an Accident? Why Claiming on Car Insurance for Accidental Damage Might Be a Mistake
It’s a sound you feel in your stomach: the crunch of metal or the sickening scrape of a bollard along your door. In that moment, your heart pounds, and your first instinct is to pull over, sigh, and think, "I need to call my insurance."
But stop. That one phone call, which feels like the only responsible thing to do, could lock you into a path that costs you hundreds of pounds and endless hassle. You're already worried about the repair, but the real pain comes from the things you can't see: your policy excess, the loss of your No Claims Bonus (NCB), and the inevitable hike in your premium next year.
The truth about claiming on car insurance for accidental damage is that not all claims are created equal. Before you dial your insurer, you must answer one critical question that changes everything.
Table of Contents
The Most Important Question: Who Was At Fault?
You’ve had an accident. You’re stressed, and you just want the car fixed. But the process for claiming insurance for car damage is a fork in the road. The path you take next depends entirely on whether you were "at-fault" or "non-fault."
- At-Fault Claim: This is an incident where you are liable. This could mean hitting a stationary object (like a wall or post), scraping your car in a car park, or being deemed responsible for a collision with another vehicle.
- Non-Fault Claim: This is an incident where another identified and insured driver is 100% liable for the damage. This includes being hit from behind, being hit while legally parked, or another driver pulling out on you.
Most people don't know this, but the process for these two scenarios is completely different. One path is unavoidable; the other path has a hidden, smarter option.
Path 1: The At-Fault Process for Claiming on Car Insurance for Accidental Damage
Let's be clear: if the accident was your fault, your only path is to go through your own insurance policy. This is what you pay your premium for. As a "trustworthy friend," our best advice is to be honest and prepared for the process.
| Scenario: At-Fault | Claiming on Your Insurance | Paying for the Repair Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Repair Cost | £700 | £700 |
| Your Excess | You pay £300 (compulsory + voluntary) | You pay the full £700 |
| NCB Impact | You lose 2-3 years of your NCB. | Your NCB is unaffected. |
| Premium Impact | Your premium will likely rise significantly at renewal. | Your premium is not affected by this incident. |
| Best For... | Catastrophic damage where repair cost is thousands. | Minor damage (like car scratches covered by insurance) where the repair is less than your excess + future premium hike. |
Are car scratches covered by insurance if I am at-fault?
Yes, if you have a comprehensive policy, car scratches covered by insurance are a valid car damage claim. However, you must be strategic.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average compulsory excess on a new policy can be over £250. If the scratch costs £300 to repair, paying your £250 excess to save £50 is a bad financial decision. You will lose your NCB and face premium hikes for years, costing you far more in the long run.
The 4-Step Action Plan for an At-Fault Car Damage Claim
- Ensure Safety: Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check yourself and any passengers. (Note: Accident Assist Network only handles vehicle damage, not personal injury).
- Document Everything: Take clear photos of the damage to your car and any third-party property or vehicles. Get contact and insurance details if another party is involved.
- Contact Your Insurer: Call the claims line on your policy. They will take a report, confirm your level of cover, and explain your excess.
- Pay Your Excess & Arrange Repairs: Your insurer will direct you to one of their "approved" repairers. You must pay your policy excess (often directly to the garage) before you can get your car back.
This process is the unavoidable reality of an at-fault incident.
Path 2: The "Non-Fault" Trap – The Mistake in Claiming on Car Insurance for Accidental Damage
This is the core of the problem. This is the mistake that costs UK drivers millions.
You are 100% non-fault. Someone drives into the back of you. You swap details. You're shaken, but you know it's not your fault. So, you call your insurer to report it, thinking they will "handle it."
This is the trap.
The Problem: Your Insurer Is Not Your Only Option
When you call your insurer for a non-fault accident, they will often open a claim on your policy. They will say, "Don't worry, we'll claim your excess back from the other insurer." This sounds helpful, but it's a process that is good for them, not for you.
The Hidden Costs & Headaches of This "Easy" Route
Claiming on car insurance for accidental damage when you're non-fault leads to three major headaches.
- The Excess Trap: Your insurer will often make you pay your policy excess upfront to start the repairs. You are now £250-£500 out of pocket for an accident you didn't even cause. They promise to refund it, but this can take months of chasing.
- The "Courtesy Car" Nightmare: This is the biggest pain point for our professional clients. Your insurer’s policy likely offers a "small courtesy car" (if it offers one at all). If you are a London taxi driver, this 1.0-litre hatchback is useless—it's not TfL-plated, so you can't work. If you're a van driver, you can't carry tools or parcels. You are effectively off the road and out of work, all because you were non-fault.
- The NCB & Premium Risk: Even if the claim is settled as "non-fault," it stays on your record. As Citizen's Advice warns, insurers may still use this as a reason to increase your premium at renewal. They see you as being "higher risk," even if you did nothing wrong.
Path 3: The Smart Solution for Vehicle Damage Claims
This is the path that savvy drivers, taxi drivers, and fleet managers use. Instead of getting trapped by your insurer, you use an independent non-fault accident coordinator.
This is what we do.
"1 Call, We Sort It All": How a Non-Fault Coordinator Works
Think of Accident Assist Network as your "trustworthy friend". We are not an insurer; we are an independent service coordinator.
When you call us after a non-fault accident, we manage the entire car damage claim for you. We handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the logistics. We coordinate everything and claim the costs directly from the at-fault driver's insurer on your behalf. Your insurer is not involved. No claim is made on your policy.
What We Coordinate for You (At No Upfront Cost)
When you make one call to us, we get to work to sort out all your practical vehicle damage claims.
- 24h Recovery & Secure Storage: If your car isn't drivable, we'll arrange to have it recovered from the roadside and taken to a secure storage facility.
- A True Like-for-Like Replacement: This is the most critical part. We don't give you a "courtesy car." We arrange a true like-for-like hire vehicle. That means a TfL-plated taxi if you're a London cabbie, a ULEZ-compliant van if you're a courier, or your equivalent prestige model. We aim to deliver it within 24 hours.
- Independent Vehicle Damage Assessment: We arrange for an independent engineer to assess the damage to your vehicle, ensuring nothing is missed.
- Manufacturer-Standard Repairs: We coordinate repairs at a reputable, manufacturer-approved garage. If your vehicle is a total loss, we manage the "cash-in-lieu" settlement process.
How This Protects Your Finances and Peace of Mind
This is the smart way of claiming insurance for car damage when you're not at fault. Because we claim directly from the at-fault insurer, the benefits are clear.
| Feature | Path 2: Claiming on Your Own Insurance (Non-Fault) | Path 3: Using Accident Assist Network (Non-Fault) |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Payment | You pay your excess upfront (e.g., £250+) | £0 Excess to Pay. |
| Your NCB | A non-fault claim is logged on your policy. | Your NCB is protected as no claim is made. |
| Replacement Car | Small "courtesy car" (if you're lucky). | Like-for-like vehicle (e.g., Plated Taxi, Van). |
| Repairs | Insurer's "approved" (cheapest) network. | Manufacturer-standard repairs. |
| Hassle | You still have to do the chasing. | We handle it all for you. "1 Call, we sort it all". |
| Language | Call-centre English. | We guide you in 5 languages (English, Romanian, Urdu, Tamil, Hindi). |
Service Note & 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?
Or Visit https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/
Conclusion: Stop, Think, and Make the Right Call on Your Car Damage Claim
That feeling of panic after an accident is real. But panic can lead to knee-jerk reactions and costly mistakes. Now you know that when it comes to "accidental damage," you are at a fork in the road.
If you were at fault, your path is clear: contact your insurer and prepare for the process. But if you're in England and the accident wasn't your fault, you have a better, smarter, and more secure choice. Don't let claiming on car insurance for accidental damage cost you money you don't need to spend.
"Had an accident? Call a trustworthy friend." We'll handle the hassle so you can get back on the road.
FAQs on Car Damage Claims and Insurance
Are car scratches covered by insurance?
Yes, on a comprehensive policy, car scratches covered by insurance are a valid claim. However, if you are at-fault, you must weigh the repair cost against your policy excess and the loss of your No Claims Bonus. It is often cheaper to pay for minor scratches privately.
What is the process for claiming insurance for car damage if it wasn't my fault?
You have two choices. 1. The Trap: Call your insurer, pay your excess, and let them try to claim it back. 2. The Smart Path: Call a non-fault coordinator like Accident Assist Network. We handle everything, claim from the at-fault insurer, and you pay no excess and protect your NCB.
What's the difference between a car damage claim and a vehicle damage claim?
They are often used to mean the same thing, but vehicle damage claims is a broader term that also covers vans, motorbikes, and courier bikes. We are specialists in handling vehicle damage claims for all these types of non-fault accidents.
Will I get a like-for-like car for a non-fault car damage claim?
If you go through your own insurer, you will likely only get a small "courtesy car." If you use our service, we coordinate a true "like-for-like" replacement, such as a TfL-plated taxi, a ULEZ-compliant van, or your specific prestige model.
Will claiming on car insurance for accidental damage affect my premium if I'm non-fault?
It can. Even if you are 100% non-fault, logging a claim with your insurer can still be used to justify an increase in your premium at renewal. Insurers may see you as "higher risk" simply for being in the "wrong place at the wrong time." The safest way to protect your premium and NCB is to not involve your insurer at all by using a non-fault service.
How do I start my non-fault vehicle damage claim?
It's simple. "1 Call, we sort it all". Just call our 24/7 hotline or message us on WhatsApp with your details, the at-fault party's details, and photos of the incident. We handle the rest.
What if the car scratches covered by insurance cost less than my excess?
If you are at-fault and the repair cost is less than your policy excess, you cannot claim. You must pay for it yourself. If you are non-fault, the cost doesn't matter—you shouldn't be paying anything. A non-fault coordinator can manage the repair, however small, at no cost to you.
