Non-Fault Car Accidents: What You Need To Know About Making A Claim

If you’ve been in an accident you didn’t cause, it’s well-known that you should be able to claim against the other party any costs for damage and injury. Yet while some non-fault car accident claims are straightforward, others are a little less clear.

In the case of a non-fault accident, it’s important you know what your rights are, how you make a claim and how you ensure you get compensated for all your losses, not just damage to your vehicle.

What Is A Non-Fault Claim?

A non-fault claim is where you were in an accident, but it was the fault of a third party, such as another driver or an animal. In the case of another driver causing the collision, you should be able to claim from them (essentially their insurer) for the cost of repairs to your vehicle, a courtesy car while they’re being carried out and any loss of earnings or other financial loss too. Your insurer will typically recoup all the costs from the third-party insurer.

If they don’t stop, don’t have insurance, or it was an animal that caused the accident, you can still claim through your insurer, but you’ll be liable – your insurer will have to pay the costs of repair, as there is no one else to recoup them from.

Reporting An Accident

If you have an accident involving damage or injury to people or property, it’s vital you report it promptly to your insurer, even if you’re not at fault or not planning to make a claim. It’s a legal requirement to do so, and if you don’t,  you could have your insurance invalidated. You must also report it to the police within 24 hours if the police didn’t attend.

Prompt reporting ensures you meet all your policy requirements and helps facilitate the claims process.

How Do I Know Who Is At Fault?

Your insurer will usually determine who is at fault. In some cases, it’s obvious, in others it requires further investigation. They will look at any CCTV or dashcam footage, any evidence you have gathered such as photos or videos, the street scene, position of vehicles, location of damage, road conditions, witness statements and police report (if applicable). Using all that information, they will decide who is at fault.

Choosing A Repair Service

While insurers do have a list of recommended repairers, you’re not bound by it, and you can choose an independent repairer instead. Some accident management companies offer comprehensive services which include recovery, repair and courtesy car loan under one roof.

At EvolveArc, for example, we can arrange to collect your car from the accident site or your home and deliver it back to you once repairs are complete. You have one single point of contact who will keep you up to date with our progress and ensure you get your car back in great condition.

Provision Of Courtesy Cars

In a non-fault car accident claim, you’re usually entitled to a courtesy car for the duration of the repair. Accident repair companies often provide a car as part of their service to minimise disruption to your daily routine.

Impact On Insurance Premiums

Naturally, after a car accident, especially one that wasn’t your fault, you don’t want to be left out of pocket. Unfortunately, even if you didn’t cause it, insurers take a different view. They base their premiums on risk, and once you’ve been involved in an accident, regardless of fault, you’re statistically more likely to have another.

Your no-claims discount may also be reduced or wiped out entirely despite the accident not being your fault, so it’s worth protecting it each time you renew.

Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!

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