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Do I have to pay an excess if the accident was not my fault?

You have a choice in how to manage a non-fault accident claim. That choice could affect whether you pay an excess.

We do not charge you an excess

When claiming with an accident management company, you don’t pay an excess. This is one of the many reasons why thousands of drivers every year choose Auto Claims Assist.

Your insurer will charge you an excess

Some people think they need to call their own insurance company after a non-fault accident. This isn’t the case. If you claim with your own insurer, you’ll be required to pay your insurance policy excess to start your claim.

‘Do I have to pay an excess’ explained

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Explained by Stuart Penwarden, Senior Technical Recoveries Negotiator

Paying your excess

Why your insurer charges you an excess

Non-fault liability has not yet been determined

At the start of your claim, it hasn’t officially been established who was at fault. As far as your insurer is concerned, you could still be at fault for the accident. So, they require you to pay your policy excess as a precaution. However, as you weren’t at fault, this is an unfair and avoidable expense.

They’re initially claiming against your own policy

As liability hasn’t yet been determined, the precaution that your insurer takes is to initiate the claim against your own policy. This creates a ‘pending claim’ on your policy and is why you pay your excess. This can affect your upcoming insurance renewal.

To deter certain types of claims

Excess fees are in place to deter claims that are:

For minimal amounts/damage
Fraudulent

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An insurance ‘excess’ is used to deter certain types of claims

Insurance companies use the excess payment as a tool to discourage people from starting claims that are for minimal amounts. They also use it as as a way of discouraging fraudulent insurance claims.

Deterring claims for minimal amounts

What are minimal amount claims?

A claim is usually considered a ‘minimal amount claim’ if the cost of the damage is less than your excess payment. For example, claiming for a repairable £100 dent with a £300 excess.

In regards to damage, these usually consist of examples such as scratches, minor dents, and cracked lights.

More significant damage involving structural components or theft of the car would not be considered minimal.

Why an excess is used to deter minimal amount claims?

Administrative costs

Every claim, no matter how small, creates administrative costs for an insurance company. This includes processing paperwork, assigning claims adjusters, verifying information, and potentially negotiating settlements.

If the claim amount is minimal, an insurer might end up spending more on processing it than they'd pay out in the settlement. In other words, the operational cost to process a minimal value claim will usually outweigh the worth that the claimant is receiving.

The excess ensures that the insurer isn't losing money on processing very small claims.

So, they use the excess as a ‘threshold’

The excess essentially acts as a financial threshold. If a policyholder knows their car insurance excess is £300, they're far less likely to file a claim for a £100 dent. This way, the excess directly deters small, potentially unnecessary claims.

Reducing claims frequency

As a result of deterring minimal amount claims, the excess works as a tool to reduce minimal claims frequency.

Due to the impractical administrative and operational costs of a minimal claim, processing them in high quantities would be financially unfeasible for insurance companies.

The excess reduces the number of low-value claims they need to process, which cuts down on operational costs significantly.

This helps to make premiums more affordable

By lowering the administrative burden and reducing the overall claims payouts, insurers can keep premiums more affordable for everyone. The excess helps make insurance accessible to a wider pool of people.

Allows insurers to focus on significant loss

Primarily, insurers are in place to protect against major, unpredictable losses.

The reduction of minimal value claims allows insurance companies to focus their resources on more financially significant claims.

Auto Claims Assist don’t charge an excess

As an accident management company, we claim directly through the third-party insurance company. This avoids your own policy entirely, which avoids having to pay your own excess fee to make a non-fault claim.

Still got questions about your non-fault accident excess?

Speak to our team now on 0330 128 1407 or start your claim online here

Deterring fraudulent claims

What is a fraudulent claim?

A fraudulent claim, in the context of car insurance, is when someone makes a false or exaggerated claim to their insurance company. Common examples include:

Staged accidents: This involves deliberately causing or manipulating an accident to make it look like someone else is at fault.
Exaggerated damage: Inflating the extent of the damage to a vehicle to receive a larger payout from the insurance company.
Filing a claim for a pre-existing condition: This could involve claiming damage that existed before the car was insured, or claiming that existing damage was caused by a recent incident.
Fake theft: Reporting a car theft that never actually happened in order to collect on the insurance payout.

These actions are illegal and can have serious consequences, including criminal charges, policy cancellation, and difficulty obtaining car insurance in the future.

How an excess is used to deter fraudulent claims?

The excess makes fraud claims more risky

By enforcing an excess payment before making a claim, insurers create financial risk for fraudsters.

Loss of investment

If a fraudulent claim fails, the fraudster loses the amount they paid as the excess. This creates a direct financial disincentive and increases the potential consequences.

Insurers have highly experienced fraud departments

Insurers have highly experienced fraud departments, staffed by specialists with expertise in investigation, law, claims analysis, and data analytics.

They use advanced tools and techniques to detect suspicious activity.

Reduced reward

Even if the fraudster's claim succeeds, the excess significantly reduces the payout amount. This undermines the potential profit and makes the risky behaviour less attractive.

How much will my excess be?

Understand how the excess is calculated after a non-fault accident

Read More ↗

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How much will my excess be if I claim with my own insurer after a non-fault accident?

Contacting and claiming with your own insurance company after a non-fault accident can result in having to pay your policies total excess.

Calculating your total excess

It’s important to remember that that your total excess is made up of:

Your policy compulsory excess
Your policy voluntary excess

Compulsory and voluntary excess amounts can be different for everyone.

To claim, your insurer will require you to pay the total excess

To make a non-fault claim, insurers require non-fault drivers to pay their total policy excess.

This total amount, combining your compulsory and voluntary excess, can be an unexpected financial burden.

Knowing that the accident wasn’t your fault, this is frustrating. It’s also an unnecessary expense.

Remember: For non-fault drivers, claiming with your own insurer isn’t the most beneficial option. Some people don’t realise this. You can save money on your excess by processing your claim through an accident management company.

Speak to our team now on 0330 128 1407 or start your claim online here

What is a compulsory excess?

A non-negotiable fee

This is the fixed amount you must pay towards any claim you make on your car insurance policy.

Typically higher for riskier drivers

Younger drivers, those with limited claims-free driving history, or those with high-performance cars may have higher compulsory excesses.

Set by your insurer

Your insurer determines the compulsory excess, usually based on factors like your age, driving experience, make and model of car, and location. They do this at the start of your policy. They also review this at each renewal of your policy.

What is the voluntary excess?

An optional amount you agree to pay

This is an amount that you choose to contribute towards the cost of a claim, should you have an accident. This is in addition to the compulsory excess and is also decided at the start or renewal of the policy.

Reduces your insurance premiums

The main reason for taking on a voluntary excess is to lower the overall cost of your insurance policy. The higher the voluntary excess you choose, the cheaper your insurance payments (premiums) are likely to be.

Auto Claims Assist do not charge an excess

Using Auto Claims Assist after a non-fault accident means you won't have to pay out-of-pocket costs to make a claim.

Having to pay your excess, when an accident wasn't your fault, simply isn't fair. This is just one of the key benefits of choosing an Accident Management Company.

Still got questions about your non-fault accident excess?

Speak to our team now on 0330 128 1407 or start your claim online here

No excess to pay

Why we DON’T charge you an excess?

We claim directly against the at-fault party

Instead of claiming on your own insurance policy, we claim directly against the other driver’s insurance. This avoids having to pay your excess and claiming against your own policy.

Do i have to pay my excess if not my fault

We assess liability before initiating a claim

Before we move forward with your claim, we analyse the accident circumstances and evidence. By handling only non-fault claims, the other driver’s insurance is liable to cover all costs. This means you avoid the financial burden of paying your own policy excess.

Assessing liability before starting a claim

We secure your non-fault accident rights and entitlements

In the UK, you have a legal right to compensation if another party is found to be negligent, resulting in damage or injury. In the case of road traffic accidents, this means breaching the Highway Code or committing specific offences under the Road Traffic Act.

The Credit Hire Organisation (CHO) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have guidelines and agreements. These agreements are in place to to minimise the impact on your day-to-day life, after being inconvenienced by a non-fault accident.

Accident Management VS Insurer

Auto Claims Assist are committed to providing you with everything that you’re entitled to.

An excess-free claim solution.

With Auto Claims Assist, there is no excess to pay when making a non-fault claim.

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Your non-fault accident rights and entitlements

An excess-free claim solution

If you have a non-fault accident, it’s your right to make an excess-free non-fault claim.

If you claim with your insurer, they’ll require you to pay your own policy excess.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist, there is no excess to pay.

When you claim with your insurer

Your insurer will require you to pay your own policy excess

If you make a claim through your own insurance company, their process requires you to pay your own policy excess. This is the case, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Your claim initially goes against your own policy

They charge you your policy excess because they initiate the claim against your own policy. They do this because liability of the accident hasn’t yet been determined. Until liability has been determined, there’s a risk that you could be liable for accident costs. However, this can affect your own insurance as a result.

You’re left unnecessarily out-of-pocket

The total cost of your compulsory excess and voluntary excess can be a financial burden. Given that the accident was not your fault, it’s not fair that you’re left out-of-pocket.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist

We claim against the third-party driver’s insurer directly

If you claim with us, we don’t involve your own insurance policy. As the accident was not your fault, there is no need to. Instead, we claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

We leave your own policy and excess unaffected

It’s unnecessary in a non-fault accident to initiate a claim on the non-fault driver’s policy. By claiming against the at-fault driver’s policy directly, your own insurance is unaffected. This includes your policy excess.

There’s no cost to you to make a non-fault claim

We claim all of the accident costs back from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. There’s no excess to pay when claiming against the other driver’s insurance. This means there’s no cost to you for our service.

Start your claim with us today

Still got questions about insurance excess? Our team are here to answer any questions that you have. We provide you with a replacement vehicle and manage your claim from start-to-finish, expertly handling everything for you.

Call us on 0330 128 1407 | Start your non-fault claim now >

Protected no claims bonus.

Your No Claims Bonus (NCB) is left unaffected when you make a claim.

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Your non-fault accident rights and entitlements

Protecting your No Claims Bonus (NCB)

If you have a non-fault accident, it’s your right for your No Claims Bonus to be left unaffected.

If you claim with your insurer, they put your No Claims Bonus at risk.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist, our process protects your No Claims Bonus.

When you claim with your insurer

Insurers may reduce or remove your no claims bonus

When you claim through your own insurer, you initiate a pending claim against your own policy. Even in a non-fault accident, some insurers reduce your no-claims bonus initially as a result of this.

They do this until liability is won

Until liability has been resolved with the third-party insurer, the pending claim stays on your policy. This is a precautionary measure, in case they are unable to establish fault with the other party. If liability isn’t established, the claim could be processed through your own policy. This, then, would no longer be a non-fault claim.

A pending claim can affect the cost of your next renewal

If your policy renewal date comes around while the claim is still pending, you could face higher premiums. This is due to the loss or reduction of your No Claims Discount. This is because your insurer may increase your risk profile until the liability for the accident is determined.

You may have to fight for your NCB

Insurance companies don't specialise in non-fault claims. Their focus is on processing a high volume of claims quickly. This means you may have to actively push to prove you were not at fault in the accident.

Even after liability is established, you might still need to fight to have your no-claims bonus reinstated.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist

Auto Claims Assist claim directly against the third-party insurer

As an accident management company, we initially gather all of the accident details and evidence. We put together your non-fault case and take it directly to the other driver’s insurance company.

Your own policy remains unaffected

By claiming directly from the at-fault driver's insurance, your own policy is left unaffected. As a result, your no claims bonus is protected.

We fight for liability on your behalf

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist, we assign a dedicated claims handler to your case. Your handler applies their expertise to establish non-fault liability and protect your interests.

Start your claim with us today

Still got questions about your non-fault claim and No Claims Bonus? Our team are here to answer any questions that you have. We manage your claim from start-to-finish, expertly handling everything for you.

Call us on 0330 128 1407 | Start your non-fault claim now >

Manufacturer approved parts and paint.

Our BSI Kitemark Accredited repair network use only manufacturer-approved parts and paint.

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Your non-fault accident rights and entitlements

Manufacturer-approved parts and paint

If you have a non-fault accident, it’s your right for your vehicle to be repaired back to it’s pre-accident condition.

If you claim with your insurer, their insurer-approved garages use ‘insurer-approved’ parts.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist, our repair network use manufacturer-approved parts.

When you claim with your insurer

Insurer’s use their own Insurer-approved repair networks

When claiming through your own insurer, your vehicle will be repaired through their ‘insurer-approved’ repair network. The repair centres within these networks focus on keeping costs down for the insurance company.

A repair that compromises the quality of your vehicle

When your vehicle is being repaired by the insurer-approved network, you have limited control over the decisions made and quality of your repair. To cut costs, they focus on using ‘insurer-approved’ parts and paint, instead of ‘manufacturer-approved’ parts and paint. This can include used parts.

A negative impact on your vehicle

Using ‘insurer-approved’ parts during repair can result in discrepancies, such as: mismatched colours, lower-quality components, fitment issues, and more.

These issues can negatively impact your car's value and long-term performance. If your vehicle is still under it’s manufacturers warranty, the use of incorrect parts could void this warranty.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist

BSI Kitemark Accredited repair network

Since 2009, we’ve developed a nationwide BSI Kitemark Accredited repair network.

Unlike ‘insurer-approved’ repair networks, that often prioritise cost-savings, our accident repair centres comply with the strict BSI Kitemark standards.

We only use Manufacturer-approved parts and paint

Our BSI Kitemark Accredited repair network use only ‘manufacturer-approved’ parts and paint. We ensure a superior standard of repair. Our commitment is to restore your vehicle as close as possible to its pre-accident condition.

Protecting your vehicle’s integrity

By choosing Auto Claims Assist, your car's value, safety, warranty, and long-term reliability are protected. After a non-fault accident, you shouldn't have to compromise the integrity of your vehicle.

Start your claim with us today

Still got questions about your vehicle’s repair? Our team are here to answer any questions that you have. We manage your claim from start-to-finish, expertly handling everything for you.

Call us on 0330 128 1407 | Start your non-fault claim now >

Comparable Vehicle Replacement.

You’ll have a vehicle comparable in size & specification to yours while it’s off the road.

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Your non-fault accident rights and entitlements

Comparable Vehicle Replacement

If you have a non-fault accident, it’s your right to have a vehicle comparable to your own.

If you claim with your insurer, they’ll leave you inconvenienced or without.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist, you won’t be left without the spec of vehicle you need.

When you claim with your insurer

Your insurer will only provide a basic courtesy car

If you make a claim through your own insurance company, their focus is on cost savings. Even though the accident wasn’t your fault, insurers will still only provide you with a budget-friendly courtesy car option. These car’s rarely match the specification of vehicle that you need from your own vehicle.

They might leave you without a courtesy car altogether

Availability of courtesy cars is also a consequence of insurance companies cost-saving priorities. You might initially be left without a replacement vehicle while you wait for one to become available to you. You also aren’t guaranteed one for the entire time your vehicles off the road. If circumstances delay the process, you might find yourself stuck without a car later down the line.

You’re left inconvenienced after a non-fault accident

You’ve been given an unsuitable vehicle, incomparable to your own. You may yet be left without a courtesy car entirely. These are unacceptable inconveniences to your day-to-day life. Especially when it’s all been caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault.

When you claim with Auto Claims Assist

We provide a replacement that’s comparable to your own

When you claim with us, we guarantee you a replacement hire vehicle that’s comparable to your own. By matching the size and specification, your daily routine continues without disruption. You have a vehicle that’s suitable for what you need.

A comparable vehicle for the full duration yours is off the road

From within 4 hours of starting your claim with us, your dedicated claims handler dispatches your replacement vehicle. This is delivered directly to your door. We ensure that you have a comparable vehicle for the entire time your vehicle is off the road.

Our objective is to minimise the impact on your day-to-day life

As an Accident Management Company, our purpose is to take away the inconvenience, stress and disruption caused by a non-fault accident. Every year, for thousands of people, we minimise the impact an accident has on their daily lives. We are trusted, independent and on your side.

There’s no cost to you for a better replacement vehicle

As the non-fault driver, your life has been inconvenienced by an incident that wasn’t your fault. You drive a vehicle that was purchased to meet your needs. Now, this incident has left you without your vehicle. But this doesn’t mean you should go without.

You’re entitled to a comparable replacement and all costs are claimed back from the other driver’s insurance. There’s no cost to you.

Start your claim with us today

Still got questions about our comparable replacement vehicles? Our team are here to answer any questions that you have. We provide you with a replacement vehicle and manage your claim from start-to-finish, expertly handling everything for you.

Call us on 0330 128 1407 | Start your non-fault claim now >

Full support from Auto Claims Assist

Why claim with Auto Claims Assist

Our purpose is to take away the inconvenience, stress and disruption caused by a non-fault accident. As a leading accident management company, we provide a start-to-finish service covering every aspect of claims management.

EXCELLENT on Trustpilot

Trusted by thousands of customers throughout the UK.

FCA regulated

Operating under strict standards, regulated by the FCA.

No excess fee

Avoid paying your insurance excess for a non-fault claim.

Protected no claims bonus

Your no claims bonus remains unaffected in a non-fault accident.

Dedicated handler

Offering a personal claims handling service.

24/7 Recovery & storage

Offering round-the-clock recovery and secure storage nationwide.

Comparable vehicle

Providing a vehicle that matches your own in size and specification.

Manufacturer approved

Quality repairs with manufacturer approved parts and paint.

Ready to start your non-fault claim?

If you’d like to speak to someone about a non-fault accident, call us on 0330 128 1407.

Start my claim online Request a callback

Choosing Auto Claims Assist,

Your Trusted Claims Management Company

“Excellent assistance at the roadside. Very kind, caring and knowledgable. If I ever had an accident again, Auto Claims Assist would be my first call.”

15+

Years of expertise

1,000+

36,000+

Successful cases

What our customers say

Don’t just take our word for it. Our customers rate us ‘EXCELLENT’ on Trustpilot. See what they have to say about their experiences with Auto Claims Assist after a non-fault accident:

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