How to get proof of your no claims bonus
You can get proof of your no claims bonus (NCB) by requesting a renewal letter, closing statement, or official confirmation from your insurer, which must show your claim-free years and policy details.
Proof of NCB is essential when switching insurers or applying your discount to a new policy. Without it, insurers won’t honour the discount, and you risk losing savings that often reach 60% after five claim-free years. Most insurers ask for proof within 7 to 28 days of your new policy starting, and documents generally must be dated within the last one or two years.
The process is straightforward: your insurer provides the letter or statement free of charge, and many now accept scanned copies or emails. But not all documents qualify—driving licences or proposal forms, for example, won’t be accepted. Keeping valid proof ready avoids delays, prevents premium increases, and ensures your hard-earned bonus continues to reduce your costs.
This article explains what counts as proof, how to request it, why difficulties arise, and what to do if you can’t provide it on time.
What is proof of a no claims bonus?
Proof of a no claims bonus is an official document from your insurer that confirms the number of claim-free years you’ve earned.
In the UK, the most common forms of proof are:
- Renewal invitations or letters showing your NCB years and policy details.
- Closing statements or cancellation notices issued when your policy ends.
- Insurance schedules or official emails from your previous insurer.
To be accepted, these documents must include your name, the period of cover, the number of NCB years, and the insurer’s contact details. Many insurers now accept digital copies such as scans or photos, but they must be clear and legible.
It’s important to note that not every document qualifies. Driving licences, application forms, or policy proposals don’t contain the right information and will not be accepted as proof. If you submit the wrong paperwork, your insurer may withdraw your discount until valid evidence is provided.
This proof isn’t just a formality—it prevents fraud, ensures insurers apply the right discount, and helps you carry your no claims bonus between policies smoothly.
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Get QuotesHow do you request proof of your no claims bonus?
You can request proof of your no claims bonus by contacting your current or previous insurer, who must provide it free of charge.
The process is straightforward. Most insurers automatically issue a renewal letter showing your NCB years, but if you need proof at another time—such as when switching providers—you can ask for a dedicated confirmation letter. Insurers are obliged to supply this, usually within a few working days.
Proof can often be sent by post, email, or uploaded to your online account. Increasingly, insurers allow you to download it directly as a PDF. Once you’ve taken out a new policy, you may be asked to upload a copy or email it to your new insurer within a set timeframe, often between 7 and 28 days.
It’s worth requesting proof at the end of every policy, even if you’re renewing with the same provider. Having it ready avoids delays and ensures you won’t lose your discount if you later decide to switch. If you misplace the document, simply contact your insurer’s customer service team and ask for another copy.
Do all insurers accept the same proof of NCB?
Most UK insurers accept renewal letters, closing statements, or official confirmation as proof of NCB, but requirements can vary.
In many cases, a renewal invitation is enough, but some insurers ask for a closing statement that explicitly lists your claim-free years. Others may prefer direct confirmation from your previous insurer, particularly if there are discrepancies in dates or policy details.
Electronic checks are becoming more common. Some insurers verify NCB automatically using central databases such as the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE), reducing the need for paperwork. However, not every insurer uses these systems, so keeping your own proof is still essential.
Foreign no claims bonuses are treated differently. While some UK insurers accept them with a translation or certified letter, others won’t recognise them at all, or may reduce the discount applied. Similarly, NCB earned on company car policies may require additional documentation from an employer before being accepted.
In short, while most insurers look for the same basic evidence, the exact requirements differ. Always check what your new insurer will accept before cancelling an old policy.
Why might it be difficult to get proof of NCB?
Delays, missing paperwork, or unusual policy types can make it harder to get proof of your no claims bonus.
One common problem is timing. If you switch insurers before your renewal date, you may not yet have a renewal notice to hand. In this case, you’ll need to ask your old insurer for a closing statement. Insurer delays can also cause issues, especially if you need proof within 7–28 days of starting a new policy.
Company car policies often complicate matters. If you’ve been driving a vehicle insured by your employer, you may not receive a renewal letter in your own name. Instead, you might need a letter from your employer confirming that you were the insured driver and how long you were claim-free.
Foreign policies are another sticking point. Not all UK insurers accept no claims bonus proof from abroad, and those that do often require certified translations or additional verification.
Finally, gaps in cover are a major reason for difficulties. If your last insurance ended more than two years ago, your NCB is likely to have expired, and proof from that policy may no longer be valid.
What should you do if you can’t provide proof?
If you can’t provide proof of your no claims bonus, you should request a confirmation letter from your previous insurer or ask your new insurer to check central databases.
Start by contacting your old insurer directly. They are obliged to provide a statement confirming your claim-free history, and most will issue it quickly once requested. If you’re short on time, ask for it to be emailed rather than posted.
If your previous policy was managed by an employer or fleet provider, request a letter from them confirming your driving record. For policies held abroad, check whether your new UK insurer accepts foreign proof and whether translations are required.
Some insurers can cross-check your details using the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE), but this isn’t universal. If your insurer can’t verify your NCB, they may temporarily remove the discount and charge you a higher premium. If proof is provided later, they might adjust your premium, but there’s no guarantee.
The best safeguard is to keep documentation safe at the end of every policy. That way, you’re not left scrambling for evidence and risking higher premiums when switching insurers.
How long is proof of NCB valid?
Proof of a no claims bonus is usually valid for up to two years after your last policy ends.
Insurers require documents to be recent, typically dated within one to two years of your new policy start date. If your proof is older, it’s often rejected, meaning you’ll lose the discount and have to start building a new bonus from scratch.
The exact rules vary between providers. Some are strict, cutting off NCB after a fixed 24-month gap, while others allow more flexibility if you can show a clear driving history. Foreign or company car NCBs are especially vulnerable to expiry, as insurers may not recognise them after a break in cover.
This timeframe is why it’s vital to keep all documents safe and request proof at the end of every policy. Even if you don’t need it immediately, having a letter dated within the last two years ensures you won’t miss out on the discount when switching later.
In short, NCB proof has a shelf life, and once it lapses, insurers are under no obligation to honour it.
Final thoughts
Proof of your no claims bonus is the key to securing lower car insurance premiums, and getting it is usually straightforward if you plan ahead.
Whether it’s a renewal notice, a closing statement, or a simple email from your insurer, valid proof is required to carry your discount to a new policy. Without it, insurers may remove the discount and increase your premium until you supply evidence.
The process is free, quick, and something your insurer cannot refuse to provide. The main risks come from leaving it too late, misplacing documents, or having gaps in cover longer than two years.
By requesting proof at the end of every policy, keeping it safe, and checking what your new insurer will accept, you can avoid unnecessary delays and make sure your no claims bonus continues to work in your favour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Accepted proof includes renewal letters, closing statements, cancellation notices, or official emails from your insurer showing your claim-free years.
Most do, via renewal notices. If not, you can request it directly from your insurer free of charge.
Insurers usually issue it within a few working days, though some may take up to a week.
Yes, as long as it comes from your insurer and clearly states your name, policy period, and NCB years.
Not always. It’s mainly needed when switching insurers, but keeping it annually helps avoid issues later.
Yes. Insurers must provide proof when your policy ends, whether it’s a renewal or cancellation.
Some do, but many require certified translations, and others may not accept it at all.
Your insurer may remove the discount and charge a higher premium until valid proof is supplied.