Most drivers worry about two things after someone else hits them: the repair, and what it does to their insurance. Here is a straight explanation of how a non-fault accident is recorded and what usually happens to your premium.
Every accident gets recorded
Insurers ask about accidents, not just claims. Even when the other driver is clearly liable, the incident is normally recorded on your policy history and on the industry claims database.
That is not a punishment, it is simply how the industry tracks risk. Being open about it protects you, because a non-disclosed incident can affect a future claim.
↑ Back to contentsHow this works in the UK specifically
UK insurers share incident data through the Claims and Underwriting Exchange, so an accident is visible to other insurers whether or not you claimed. Declaring it honestly at renewal is always the safer route.
Most UK policies ask about accidents in the last five years. A confirmed non-fault incident is generally viewed far more favourably than a fault claim, but it can still nudge a quote because statistically it raises your exposure risk.
- Non-fault, costs fully recovered: usually the smallest impact at renewal.
- Liability still open at renewal: often treated as a fault claim until settled, then reviewable.
- Split liability: normally treated as partly at fault.
Your no-claims discount
A no-claims discount can be temporarily stepped back while a claim is open, then reinstated once the other side settles. Protected no-claims usually shields the discount but not necessarily the premium itself.
↑ Back to contentsFrequently asked questions
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The insurance questions drivers ask us most
Straight answers on premiums, excess, write-offs and replacement vehicles, written by our Bristol repair team.
- Non-fault accident: what it means and what to do (UK guide)A plain-English UK guide to non-fault accidents: how liability is decided, your repair and replacement vehicle options, and the mistakes that cost drivers money.
- What to do after a car accident that wasn’t your faultThe exact steps to take at the scene, in the first 24 hours and in the first week after someone else hits your car in the UK.
- Do I have to pay my insurance excess?When an excess applies after a non-fault accident, and the practical routes that can avoid paying one up front.
- What happens if my car is written off?Write-off categories explained, how valuations work and what you can do if the offer feels too low.
Your next steps
Based on what you have just read, these are the pages most drivers go to next.
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SAR Group is a repair-led accident support and bodyshop business, and your first point of contact after a non-fault accident. We are not an FCA-authorised claims management company: every non-fault case is handled through our authorised and regulated partner network.