Whether an accident was your fault changes everything about your claim. Here's how fault is decided and what a non-fault claim means for you.
The single biggest factor in any motor claim is who was at fault. It decides who pays, whether you keep your no-claims bonus, and whether you get your excess back.
What does non-fault mean?
A non-fault accident is one that wasn't caused by you — another driver was responsible. In that case their insurer should cover your losses, which is why you can claim without using your own policy, paying your excess, or losing your no-claims discount.
How is fault decided?
Liability is decided on the evidence — not on what's said at the scene. That's why photos, dashcam footage, witness details and the police report matter so much. Some situations are almost always non-fault, such as being hit from behind.
What about split liability?
Sometimes both drivers share blame — for example 50/50 or 75/25. You can still claim, but compensation is reduced in line with your share of responsibility.
Why it pays to get advice
Insurers don't always offer a fair view of liability. We assess the evidence, argue your case and make sure a non-fault accident is treated as exactly that. Call us for a free assessment.
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About this guide. Written and reviewed by Swift Assist's claims specialists, who handle non-fault motor accident claims for UK drivers every day. Figures are taken from official UK sources and checked on publication. It is general information, not legal or financial advice. See our sourced UK statistics.