Cheap Car Insurance After Accident UK: A Guide to Affordable Options
Thursday, 17th October 2024
Cheap Car Insurance After Accident UK: A Guide to Affordable Options
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience, and to make matters worse, it often leads to increased insurance premiums. Finding cheap car insurance after an accident in the UK might seem impossible, but with the right approach, you can still secure an affordable policy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to find the best insurance deals after an accident, answer common questions, and help you navigate the often confusing world of car insurance with claims.
Why Does Car Insurance Increase After an Accident?
After an accident, especially if you’re at fault, insurers will typically raise your premiums. This is because they see you as a higher-risk driver, increasing the likelihood that you'll make another claim in the future. Insurers consider factors like:
- Severity of the accident: A minor fender bender might not impact your premium as much as a serious collision.
- At-fault or non-fault: Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, your premiums can still rise because insurers see any accident as an increased risk.
- Driving history: If this is your first accident and you have a clean driving record, the increase might be smaller compared to a driver with a history of claims.
Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident in the UK?
Absolutely! While premiums are likely to increase, there are several strategies you can use to find cheap car insurance after an accident in the UK:
- Shop around: Don't settle for your renewal quote. Use comparison websites to find insurers offering competitive rates for drivers with claims.
- Increase your voluntary excess: By agreeing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, you can reduce your monthly premium.
- Consider telematics insurance: A black box policy can monitor your driving habits, rewarding you with discounts if you drive safely after an accident.
- Look for specialist insurers: Some providers cater specifically to drivers who’ve had accidents or claims, offering more affordable options than traditional insurers.
What Are Your Options for Car Insurance with Claims?
Securing car insurance with claims on your record doesn’t have to be a headache. Many insurers offer tailored solutions for drivers with claims, including:
- No-claims discount protection: If you had no-claims bonus protection before your accident, you might still retain part of your discount, depending on your insurer’s terms.
- Specialist providers: Some insurers specialise in offering cover to drivers with a history of accidents. These policies may have higher premiums but offer necessary cover without excessive costs.
- Third-party insurance: While comprehensive cover might seem too expensive post-accident, switching to a third-party policy can save money, though it offers less protection.
Incorporating these strategies into your search can help you avoid overpaying and still get the coverage you need.
How Much Will My Premiums Increase After an Accident?
The extent to which your premiums increase after an accident depends on several factors:
- At-fault accidents: If you were responsible for the accident, your premiums could rise by anywhere from 20% to 40%, depending on the severity
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- Non-fault accidents: Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you might still see an increase of around 5% to 15%
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- Claim history: Insurers will also consider your broader claims history. If this was your first claim, the increase might be moderate, but repeated claims can result in more significant hikes
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Regardless of the increase, shopping around and comparing policies can help you mitigate these rises and still find cheap car insurance after an accident in the UK.
Cheap Car Insurance After Accident UK: Is It Still Possible?
Yes, finding cheap car insurance after an accident in the UK is still achievable, especially if you follow these tips:
- Compare quotes regularly: Use comparison tools to find competitive quotes tailored to drivers with accidents on their record.
- Reduce your cover: If comprehensive insurance seems too expensive, consider switching to third-party, fire, and theft cover. While it provides less protection, it can significantly reduce your premium.
- Bundle policies: If you have other types of insurance, such as home or life insurance, bundling them with the same provider could earn you a discount.
Does a Claim Affect My No-Claims Bonus?
A no-claims bonus (NCB) is a reward insurers offer for each year you don’t make a claim. However, after an accident, you may lose part or all of your bonus unless you have NCB protection. This protection allows you to keep your discount even after making a claim, though it typically only covers a set number of claims
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If you don’t have NCB protection, expect your discount to decrease, leading to higher premiums. But not all is lost—many insurers offer discounts or flexible options for drivers rebuilding their no-claims status.
Practical Tips for Finding Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident
Here are some practical steps to keep your premiums low after an accident:
- Install a dashcam: Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who use dashcams as they help prove fault in the event of an accident.
- Improve your driving habits: Consider enrolling in advanced driving courses. Many insurers recognise these courses and may offer discounts to safe drivers.
- Drive a smaller car: Premiums tend to be lower for smaller, safer cars with good safety ratings. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choosing one with lower insurance groups could help reduce your premium
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Conclusion: Take Action to Find Cheap Car Insurance Today
Finding cheap car insurance after an accident in the UK is possible if you take the right steps. Whether you're comparing quotes, adjusting your cover, or looking for specialist providers, there are ways to reduce your premiums even with a claims history. Don’t be discouraged by your initial renewal quote—there are always options available to keep your costs down.
Ready to get started? Contact your insurer, compare quotes online, and take control of your car insurance today.
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