Fault vs. No-Fault Accidents: What Every Driver Should Know | GVE London – Blog

Accidents happen. No one plans on them. Those at fault and those that aren’t. The word literally means an unfortunate event that occurred unexpectedly and unintentionally. However, colloquially, an accident refers to a car crash, and usually, the very first question after ensuring all parties involved are safe is, “Who’s at fault?”

The answer to that question matters a lot. It can determine who pays for repairs, how your insurance is affected, and whether you’re entitled to a non-fault accident claim. Every individual, with or without a driving licence, ought to know the differences between fault and non-fault accidents, what they mean for you, and how to claim a non-fault accident.

What’s the Difference Between a Fault and Non-Fault Accident?

A fault accident refers to one wherein you are responsible or your insurance is for covering the damages. Even if you weren’t entirely to blame, your insurance provider may classify it as a fault claim if they can’t recover costs from another party.

Now, on the flip side, a non-fault accident refers to one wherein the other driver is fully responsible. Their insurer must now pay for all the damages to restore the vehicle to its original condition.

Sounds fairly straightforward, but in reality, things hardly ever go that smoothly.

How to Claim a Non-Fault Accident

To make the process go smoothly, follow these steps as soon as an accident occurs:

• Call your insurance ASAP, even if you don’t intend to claim through them.
• Evidence is key. Take photos, videos, recordings, and eyewitness accounts, and have all relevant details ready. This includes the other driver’s contact and insurance information.

Read Also: Top 5 Things to Consider When Filing an Accident Insurance Claim

Will a Non-Fault Claim Affect Your Insurance?

Many drivers assume that if an accident wasn’t their fault, their insurance won’t be impacted. Now, yes, that is true for the most part, but keep in mind that premiums might still go up as many insurance companies see an accident, fault or not, as an increased risk. So, a single non-fault car accident claim may not affect your premiums, but multiple claims could.

If you’re worried about your no-claims discount, your NCD should remain intact if your insurer successfully recovers costs from the at-fault party. You might have to pay excess fees upfront, but they should be reimbursed once the insurer recovers the money.

Watch Out for ‘Crash for Cash’ Scams

Not all accidents are genuine. Fraudsters sometimes stage collisions to make false insurance claims, often targeting expensive cars. Signs of a potential scam include:

• A driver suddenly braking for no reason in front of you
• Passengers in the other car exaggerating injuries
• A suspiciously prepared ‘witness’ who backs the other driver’s version of events

If you suspect foul play, report it to your insurer and the police. A dash cam can also provide crucial evidence to prove what really happened.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between fault and non-fault accidents can save you from unnecessary stress, expenses, and insurance headaches. If you ever need to make a non-fault car accident claim, make sure you follow the right steps and choose a trusted repair centre like GVE London to restore your car to perfection. We can even help you with filing the claim. If you’d rather avoid dealing with insurers directly, we will handle the entire claim on your behalf, including arranging repairs, servicing and courtesy cars. Contact us today!