Having a claim on your record doesn't mean you can't find car insurance. It does mean that insurers will factor your claims history into their assessment, though how they do so varies considerably.
This page explains what to expect when shopping for cover with claims on record and what information you'll typically need to provide.
Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team
This page is for UK drivers who have made one or more insurance claims and are now looking to renew, switch, or find new cover. Whether your claim was for an accident, theft, vandalism, fire damage, or even a windscreen replacement, insurers will ask about it.
If you're wondering how your claims history will affect your options, or what questions you'll face during the quote process, the information below should help you prepare. For broader guidance on car insurance in the UK, our main hub covers the fundamentals.
When you apply for car insurance, providers ask about previous claims to help them assess risk. A driver with recent claims may be viewed differently from someone with a clean record, though the weight given to claims history varies between insurers.
Some providers specialise in drivers with claims on record, while others may be more cautious. This is why comparing quotes is particularly useful if you have claims history. The same claim might result in very different quotes from different providers.
Claims don't stay relevant forever. Insurers typically focus on the past three to five years, with more recent claims often carrying greater weight. However, you should always answer questions honestly and completely when asked.
Not all claims are treated equally. The type of claim, how it was settled, and whether you were at fault can all influence how insurers assess your application.
Fault claims, where you were found responsible for the incident, are generally viewed as higher risk. Non-fault claims, where another party was responsible, may carry less weight with some providers, though they're still typically recorded on your history.
Windscreen claims are often treated differently from accident claims, as they may not indicate driving risk. Similarly, theft or fire claims might be considered separately from collision damage. However, this varies by insurer, and you should always declare all claims when asked.
If you've been involved in an incident that resulted in a claim, our page on car insurance after an accident covers that specific scenario in more detail.
Beyond the claim itself, several factors influence how your claims history affects quotes. These include the time since your last claim, the total number of claims in recent years, and the costs involved in settling those claims.
Your no claims bonus can also play a role. If you have protected no claims bonus, making a claim may not reduce your bonus years, though this doesn't mean your premium will stay the same. The underlying risk assessment may still change.
Vehicle choice matters too. Higher insurance group cars or those with expensive parts can amplify the impact of a claim on future quotes. Usage patterns, such as high mileage or business use, may also be considered alongside your claims history.
Insurers often distinguish between fault and non-fault claims when assessing risk. A non-fault claim, where another party was responsible, may be viewed more favourably by some providers. However, even non-fault claims appear on your record and must be declared. The distinction matters, but it's not a guarantee of lower pricing.
Your no claims bonus reflects years without a claim affecting your policy. Some policies offer protected NCB, which may allow a claim without losing bonus years. It's worth understanding what protection you have, though remember that protected NCB doesn't freeze your premium. Insurers can still adjust pricing based on the claim itself.
Recent claims typically carry more weight than older ones. Insurers often focus on the past three to five years when assessing risk. As time passes without further claims, the impact on quotes may lessen. This doesn't mean old claims are irrelevant, but their influence often diminishes.
The financial size of a claim can influence how insurers view it. Large repair bills or significant third-party payouts may be treated differently from smaller claims. This is one reason why the same type of incident can affect different drivers in different ways, depending on the costs involved.
The car you drive and how you use it can amplify or reduce the impact of claims history. Higher insurance group vehicles, cars with expensive parts, or those used for high mileage or business purposes may see more pronounced effects from a claim. Considering your vehicle choice alongside claims history can be useful.
When completing a quote, you'll be asked about claims from recent years. It's important to answer these questions accurately and completely. Failing to disclose relevant claims can result in a policy being voided or claims being rejected.
Keep records of previous claims if you can, including dates, claim types, and whether they were settled as fault or non-fault. Having this information to hand makes the quote process smoother and reduces the risk of errors.
If you're unsure about a past claim or how to describe it, it's usually better to mention it than to omit it. Insurers can access industry databases that record claims history, so discrepancies may be identified.
Having claims on record doesn't mean limited options. Start a quote to see what's available based on your circumstances.
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This page was created to help UK drivers understand how claims history affects car insurance options. Our editorial team reviews and updates this content periodically to keep it accurate and useful. We aim to explain what to expect without making promises about specific outcomes or pricing.
MySupermarketCompare is a comparison website and acts as an introducer. We are not an insurance provider. The information on this page is general guidance and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always check policy terms and disclose information accurately when applying.
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