Car accident claims for non-fault drivers
Hit by another driver? We can help with your car, your costs and, if you were hurt, an injury claim.
If you were driving a car and another driver caused the accident, you can usually claim from their insurer instead of your own. That can cover repairs or the value of a written-off car, a replacement car, out-of-pocket costs such as your excess and, if you were injured, compensation through solicitors at NJS Law.
Written by Jack Scott · Reviewed by [SOLICITOR NAME], NJS Law · Last reviewed [DATE]
How we can help car drivers
Everything after a non-fault accident, handled in one place.
Car repairs
Repairs at a garage you're happy with, with the cost recovered from the at-fault insurer.
Car repairs →A replacement car
A comparable car while yours is off the road, if you need one.
Replacement vehicles →Car written off
A fair pre-accident value for your car, plus your other losses.
Total loss claims →Injury claims
Hurt in the accident? Solicitors at NJS Law can look at an injury claim.
Injury claims →Out-of-pocket costs
Your excess, recovery and storage, travel and lost earnings.
Uninsured losses →Uninsured drivers
Hit by a driver with no insurance, or one who drove off? You may still be able to claim.
Uninsured driver claims →Common non-fault car accidents
Some of the situations we help drivers with most often.
Rear-end collisions
Hit from behind in traffic or at lights. The driver behind is usually found to be at fault.
Junction accidents
A driver pulls out of a side road or turns across your path.
Roundabout collisions
Another driver changes lanes or fails to give way on a roundabout.
Lane changes
A vehicle moves into your lane on a motorway or dual carriageway.
Car park bumps
Reversing or manoeuvring accidents in car parks and driveways.
Hit while parked
Your car was damaged while parked and empty, including by a driver who didn't leave details.
What to do after a car accident
- 1
Stop and stay safe
Put your hazard lights on, move to safety and call 999 if anyone is hurt.
- 2
Swap details
Names, addresses, registrations and insurance details with the other driver.
- 3
Take photos
Vehicles, number plates, damage and the road layout. Save any dashcam footage.
- 4
Tell your insurer, then us
You must tell your insurer, but you don't have to claim on your own policy.
What helps a car accident claim?
Don't worry if you don't have everything. Any of these will help.
- The other driver's name, registration and insurer
- Photos of both cars and the scene
- Dashcam footage
- Witness names and phone numbers
- A police reference number, if police attended
- A note of what happened, written while it's fresh
Car accident FAQs
Do I have to claim through my own insurer after a car accident?
No. You must tell your insurer about the accident, but if it wasn't your fault you can claim from the other driver's insurer instead of your own policy.
Will a non-fault car accident affect my no-claims bonus?
If all your losses are recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer, your no-claims bonus shouldn't normally be affected. Your insurer may still ask about the accident at renewal.
What if the other driver says it was my fault?
Evidence such as dashcam footage, photos and witness details becomes more important. If liability is disputed, we'll explain your options before anything goes ahead.
Can I claim for whiplash after a car accident?
Yes, if another driver caused the accident. Lower-value whiplash claims for adult drivers usually go through the Official Injury Claim service, and injury claims are handled by solicitors at NJS Law.
What if my car was hit while it was parked?
You can usually still claim. If the driver left without leaving their details, report it to the police and we'll look at whether a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau is possible.
Had a car accident that wasn't your fault?
Tell us what happened and we'll explain your options. There's no obligation to go ahead.
Every claim is different. Repairs and replacement vehicles are provided by independent companies we work with, and we'll tell you about any arrangement with them before you agree to anything.