Uninsured loss recovery after a non-fault accident
Get back the costs the accident left you with, from your excess to your lost earnings.
Uninsured losses are costs your own insurance doesn't cover, such as your policy excess, recovery and storage charges, travel costs and lost earnings. If the accident wasn't your fault, you may be able to recover them from the at-fault driver's insurer.
- Policy excess✓
- Recovery and storage✓
- Travel costs✓
- Lost earnings✓
Written by Jack Scott · Reviewed by [SOLICITOR NAME], NJS Law · Last reviewed [DATE]
Costs you may be able to recover
If the accident wasn't your fault, these costs can usually be claimed from the at-fault driver's insurer.
Your policy excess
If you claimed on your own policy, your excess is your loss and can be claimed back.
Recovery and storage
Towing your car from the scene and storing it at a garage.
Travel costs
Taxis, trains or buses while you were without a car.
Loss of earnings
Time off work, lost shifts or lost business, including if you're self-employed.
Loss of use
Being without your car if you didn't hire a replacement.
Damaged belongings
Child seats, phones, tools and clothing damaged in the accident.
Loss of value
If a repaired car is worth noticeably less than before, usually newer or higher-value cars.
Legal expenses cover
Check your policy. Motor legal protection may help pay for recovering your losses.
How uninsured loss recovery works
- 1
List your costs
Tell us everything the accident has cost you so far.
- 2
Gather the proof
Receipts, invoices, payslips and your insurer's letters.
- 3
We make the claim
We claim your losses from the at-fault driver's insurer.
- 4
You're paid back
Once agreed, your losses are repaid. Already claimed on your policy? Your no-claims bonus is usually reinstated once costs are recovered.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep a simple record of everything the accident has cost you.
Time limits apply: usually six years for vehicle damage and financial losses, and three years for injury claims.
- Receipts and invoices
- Your insurer's letters showing any excess paid
- Payslips or proof of lost income
- Dates you were without a vehicle
- Photos of damaged belongings
- Mileage to medical appointments
Uninsured loss FAQs
Can I claim if I didn't hire a replacement car?
Yes. If you were without your car and didn't hire one, you may be able to claim for loss of use for the time it was off the road.
Can I claim for my car being worth less after repairs?
Sometimes. If a repaired car is worth noticeably less than before because of the accident, usually a newer or higher-value car, you may be able to claim the difference.
I'm self-employed. Can I claim lost income?
Yes. You'll usually need to show what you would have earned, for example with accounts, invoices or tax returns.
Will recovering uninsured losses affect my premium?
Recovering your losses from the at-fault driver's insurer shouldn't count as a claim on your own policy. Insurers can treat accidents differently at renewal, so it's worth checking with yours.
Do I have to pay anything to recover my losses?
We'll explain how your claim would be funded, and any costs, before you agree to go ahead.
Get back what the accident cost you
Tell us what you've paid out and we'll explain what you could recover.
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.