Will my car insurance go up after a claim?
If you’ve ever wondered, Will my car insurance go up after a claim, the short answer is yes — in most cases, it will. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, insurers typically increase your premium at renewal.
The amount your price rises depends on several factors, including the type of claim, your insurer’s pricing model, and whether you have a protected or standard no-claims discount (NCD).
Why your premium rises after a claim
How insurers assess risk
Insurance pricing is largely based on risk. If you’ve made a claim in the past five years, insurers see you as more likely to make another one in the future.
Even if the incident wasn’t your fault, this statistical approach still applies across most providers.
Why the increase varies
Your renewal price isn’t just a flat increase — it’s recalculated based on your full risk profile, including:
- Your claims history
- Your driving record
- Your vehicle and location
Some insurers apply heavier increases than others. Typically, the biggest jump happens at your first renewal after the claim, then gradually reduces over time.
How much does a claim increase your premium?
There’s no fixed number — it varies widely. However, here’s a general guide:
| Claim type | Typical increase at renewal |
|---|---|
| At-fault accident with injury | 20–40% |
| At-fault accident (no injury) | 10–25% |
| Non-fault claim | 5–15% |
| Windscreen claim | Often no increase |
| Theft or fire | Varies significantly |
Multiple claims can have a much bigger impact. Two claims in a short period can significantly raise your premium.
The no-claims discount explained
How claims affect your NCD
Your no-claims discount is one of the biggest factors in reducing your premium. Many UK drivers build up to a 60–70% discount over time.
An at-fault claim usually reduces your NCD by two years. For example:
- 5 years NCD → reduced to 3 years
- This can cause a noticeable price increase
Protected no-claims discount
You can protect your NCD as an add-on. This allows you to make one or two claims without losing your discount level.
However, it’s important to note:
- It protects your discount tier
- It does not stop your base premium from increasing
Should you claim for minor damage?
When it might not be worth it
Before making a claim, consider the cost. If repairs are only slightly higher than your excess, paying yourself could be cheaper long-term.
For example:
- £400 repair
- £300 excess
- Claiming may cost more over time due to premium increases
As a rough rule, if the cost is under £500–£600, it’s often cheaper not to claim.
Important reminder
Even if you don’t claim, you must report the incident if another driver is involved. Not doing so could invalidate your policy.
Do non-fault claims still increase premiums?
Yes — although usually by less.
Insurers argue that drivers involved in non-fault incidents are statistically more likely to be involved in future accidents. This could relate to:
- Driving location
- Traffic exposure
- Driving patterns
The increase is generally smaller, but it’s still worth comparing quotes at renewal.
What to do at renewal after a claim
Shop around
Don’t automatically accept your renewal quote. Other insurers may offer better prices for your updated profile.
Be honest
Always declare claims accurately. Failing to disclose them can void your policy under UK law.
Consider behaviour-based insurance
Some insurers now use real driving data rather than just historical claims. If you’ve been driving safely, this can lead to lower premiums.
FAQs
Will my insurance go up if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Usually yes, but the increase is typically smaller than an at-fault claim.
How long does a claim stay on my record?
Most insurers consider claims from the past five years.
Does a windscreen claim affect no-claims?
Usually not — these are often treated separately.
Should I report a minor incident if I’m not claiming?
Yes, especially if another driver is involved.
Can I protect my no-claims discount?
Yes, as an optional add-on — but it won’t stop your premium from increasing.
Final thoughts – Will my car insurance go up after a claim
So, Will my car insurance go up after a claim? In most cases, yes — but understanding how insurers calculate risk can help you minimise the impact.
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