Understanding Excess and No-Claim Bonuses for Not-At-Fault Accidents

What Is an Excess?

Your excess is the amount you pay when making a claim on your own insurance. It's your contribution to the claim.

Types of Excess

• Basic excess – the standard amount set by your policy
• Age excess – additional amount for younger drivers
• Voluntary excess – extra amount you've chosen to reduce premiums

Not-At-Fault Excess Rules

Most insurers have a "not-at-fault" or "no excess" benefit:

You may not have to pay excess if:

• You can identify the at-fault driver (name and address)
• You can provide their registration number
• Fault is clear and accepted

You may still have to pay excess if:

• You can't identify the at-fault driver
• Fault is disputed
• The other driver is uninsured and recovery fails

Always check your policy wording – conditions vary between insurers.

What Is a No-Claim Bonus?

Your no-claim bonus (NCB) is a discount on your premium for claim-free driving. The more years without claims, the bigger the discount – sometimes up to 65% or more.

How NCB Works

• Each claim-free year increases your bonus
• Making a claim typically reduces your bonus
• Many policies have "NCB protection" as an add-on

Not-At-Fault and Your NCB

Good news: Most insurers won't affect your NCB for not-at-fault claims, provided:

• Fault is established as the other driver's
• Your insurer can recover costs from the other party

However:

• Your NCB may be temporarily affected until recovery
• Check your policy for specific conditions
• "NCB protection" may provide extra security

Going Through Your Insurer vs. Not-At-Fault Recovery

Claiming on Your Own Insurance

Pros:

• Your insurer handles everything
• Repairs arranged quickly
• You have a contract with them

Cons:

• May need to pay excess upfront
• May affect NCB until recovery
• Repairs through their approved repairer (may or may not be your choice)

Not-At-Fault Recovery (Direct or via Accident Management)

Pros:

• No impact on your policy
• Choice of repairer may be possible
• May include replacement vehicle costs

Cons:

• Depends on fault being accepted
• Can take longer
• Recovery isn't guaranteed

Our Recommendation

Consider your priorities:

• Need your car fixed fast? Your own insurance may be quickest
• Don't want any impact on your policy? Not-at-fault recovery may suit you
• Unsure of fault? Talk to your insurer first

We're happy to discuss your specific situation and explain the options.

Key Takeaways

Check your policy for not-at-fault benefits

Always collect the other driver's details

Understand how your excess and NCB work

Consider all options before deciding how to proceed

Check your eligibility or contact us to discuss your options.