How long does an accident stay on your insurance?
Accidents usually stay on your car insurance record for five years in the UK—regardless of fault or whether a claim was made.
That means when you get a quote—whether you’re switching providers or renewing—insurers will typically ask about any accidents or incidents within the last five years. This includes collisions where you weren’t at fault, as well as any minor bumps you chose not to claim for.
The reason is simple: insurers assess your risk based on recent driving history, and even a non-fault accident might suggest you’re more likely to be involved in another. This five-year window is standard across most major UK insurers, and it also aligns with how long your data is retained on industry-wide claims databases.
Do all accidents stay on your record for five years?
Yes—most UK insurers require you to declare all accidents, fault or non-fault, for five years.
Even if you didn’t make a claim, or the accident wasn’t your fault, it’s still likely to be considered during quote calculations. That’s because insurers use your driving history, combined with data from the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE), to build a risk profile.
However, some niche insurers or brokers may only ask for a three-year accident history—but this is the exception, not the rule. Always check what your insurer specifically asks when filling out a quote form.
Keeping full and accurate records of any past incidents can help streamline the process and avoid unintentional non-disclosure, which could invalidate your policy later.
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Get QuotesWhat counts as an accident on your insurance?
An “accident” includes any incident involving your vehicle that leads to damage, injury, or a claim—regardless of who was at fault or whether a payout occurred.
This covers a wide range of situations:
- A minor scrape in a car park
- A collision where the other driver was entirely at fault
- An accident where no other vehicle was involved
- Incidents you chose not to claim for (but still reported)
- Accidents involving injuries, pedestrians, or property damage
Even if you covered the costs yourself, insurers still expect these to be disclosed if asked. That’s because even non-claim incidents can suggest patterns of risk from their perspective. If in doubt, it’s safer to mention the event than to omit it.
Does an accident affect your no-claims bonus?
Yes—an at-fault accident can reduce or remove your no-claims bonus (NCB), unless it’s protected.
Your no-claims bonus is a reward for every consecutive year you drive without making a claim. It can significantly reduce your premium, especially once you’ve built up several years. But if you’re involved in an accident and your insurer pays out—whether partially or in full—you’ll usually lose part (or all) of your NCB.
Here’s how it typically works:
| NCB Status | Impact of At-Fault Claim |
|---|---|
| Unprotected | Usually drops by 2–3 years per claim |
| Protected (Optional Extra) | Keeps NCB intact, but may increase premium |
| Non-Fault Claim | NCB may still be affected if costs can’t be recovered |
Even with protected NCB, you’re not immune to price hikes. Insurers may still view you as a higher risk and adjust your premium accordingly. That’s why it pays to drive cautiously—and to shop around each year.
Related Read: What is a no claims bonus and how does it work?
Do you have to tell your insurer about an accident?
Yes—you must report any accident to your insurer, even if you don’t intend to claim.
This is a common misunderstanding. Some drivers assume that if they pay for minor damage themselves or the incident wasn’t their fault, there’s no need to notify their insurer. But most policies include a clause requiring disclosure of any incidents.
Failing to report an accident—even a seemingly minor one—can:
- Invalidate your insurance
- Jeopardise future claims
- Lead to accusations of non-disclosure
Reporting doesn’t mean your premium will automatically increase or that you must make a claim. It’s simply about keeping your insurer informed, so they can assess the situation accurately. If a third party makes a delayed claim against you, your insurer is already in the loop.
Can you remove an accident from your insurance record?
No—you can’t remove an accident from your insurance history, but it will no longer affect your quotes after a certain period (usually 5 years).
Insurers maintain records of incidents you’ve reported, even if no claim was made. These records are shared via industry databases like the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE). You can’t erase these entries, but their influence fades with time.
Typical timelines:
- 1–2 years: Still heavily weighted in premium calculations
- 3–4 years: Risk level begins to normalise if no further incidents
- 5+ years: Most insurers ignore accidents this old unless there’s a pattern
If you believe an accident was logged incorrectly, you can contact your insurer or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to correct errors. But in most cases, time and clean driving are the only remedies.
Final thoughts
Accidents don’t linger on your insurance record forever—but they can affect premiums, your no-claims bonus, and your overall risk profile for up to five years. Even minor incidents can make a dent, especially if your insurer has to pay out.
The best way to minimise the long-term impact is to be upfront with your insurer, avoid repeat claims, and compare quotes when your policy is up for renewal. You might be surprised how much you can save by shopping around—particularly if your no-claims history is starting to build again.
If you’re looking for affordable cover after an accident, or simply want to compare deals with your current insurer, take a look at our car insurance and temporary car insurance pages to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Most insurers ask for details of any accidents or claims in the past five years when you apply for a policy.
It can. Even if you weren’t to blame, being involved in an accident may still lead to higher premiums.
Only if you make a claim and don’t have no-claims protection. If protected, your discount may stay intact—even after a claim.
Yes. Any incident involving damage or potential claims—no matter how small—should be reported to your insurer.
Yes. They access national databases like CUE to see reported incidents and past claims, even if you don’t declare them.
No. Most insurers disregard accidents after five years, although some may ask about them beyond that in high-risk cases.
Yes. You’re free to switch insurance company at renewal time—but you must disclose any accidents to the new provider when applying.
Not usually. While your price may rise, the increase depends on the claim amount, fault, and your past driving history.