Car Insurance After an Accident (UK) – Compare Options

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, finding insurance afterwards can feel uncertain.

In the UK, insurers take accident history into account, but having a claim does not automatically mean you cannot get cover.

What matters most is understanding how insurers assess risk and comparing options based on your individual circumstances.

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Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team

Who This Page Is For

This page is for UK drivers who:

  • have recently been involved in a road traffic accident
  • need to arrange insurance after making a claim
  • are renewing a policy following an accident
  • are concerned about how a recent incident may affect their premium

Whether the accident was your fault or not, insurers will usually consider the details when calculating a quote.

How Insurers View Accidents

When you apply for car insurance after an accident, insurers may look at:

  • whether the accident was at fault or non-fault
  • how recent the incident was
  • the type of claim made
  • the cost of repairs or payout
  • your overall driving and claims history (including any totting-up disqualifications)

A single accident does not automatically make you uninsurable, but it can influence pricing and available options.

Does a Non-Fault Accident Affect Insurance?

In some cases, yes.

Even if an accident was not your fault, insurers may still consider it when assessing risk. Each provider uses different criteria, which is why prices can vary significantly between insurers.

Comparing quotes allows you to see how different insurers treat the same accident history.

What Else Affects Insurance After an Accident?

In addition to the accident itself, insurers often consider:

How long you have held your licence

Your no claims bonus status

The type of vehicle you drive

Where you live and park the car

How the vehicle is used

Being accurate and honest with these details is essential when comparing quotes.

Practical Steps That May Help Reduce Costs

1. Compare multiple insurers rather than relying on a single quote

Different providers assess accident history differently, so prices can vary.

2. Check whether protected no claims bonus applies

If you have NCB protection, it may limit the impact on your discount.

3. Review excess amounts carefully

Adjusting your voluntary excess can affect the premium, but choose an amount you could afford.

4. Avoid unnecessary policy changes mid-term

Making changes during a policy can sometimes incur fees.

5. Consider whether annual or monthly payment works better

Monthly payments often include interest, so annual may be cheaper overall if affordable. See pay monthly options.

Focusing on the overall value of cover is usually more helpful than looking only at the headline price.

Related Car Insurance Topics

You may also find it useful to read about:

These pages cover related situations that can affect insurance availability and cost.

FAQs: Car Insurance After an Accident (UK)

Can I get car insurance after an accident?
Yes. Many drivers are able to get cover after an accident, though pricing and options vary.
Does an at-fault accident increase insurance costs?
It can. At-fault accidents are often considered higher risk, but the impact depends on the insurer and your overall history.
How long do accidents affect insurance?
Accidents are usually considered for several years, depending on the provider.
Do I need to declare all accidents?
Yes. You must declare accidents and claims when asked, even if they were non-fault.
Will protecting my no claims bonus help?
It may reduce the impact of a claim, but it does not guarantee premiums will stay the same.

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How We Created This Page (Transparency)

This page was written to explain how car insurance works after an accident and what UK drivers should consider when comparing options. It is reviewed regularly to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Important Information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and does not constitute financial advice.

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