How To Get Proof Of Your No-Claims Bonus
You get proof of your no-claims bonus (NCB) by requesting a renewal letter, closing statement, or official confirmation from your current or previous insurer. This document is free and most insurers issue it within a few working days.
Without valid proof, your new insurer won’t apply your NCB discount. That can mean paying hundreds of pounds more per year for exactly the same cover.
Most people only think about proof when they’re already switching providers and a deadline is looming. This guide covers what counts, how to request it, and what to do if things go wrong.
Your no-claims bonus is worthless without proof, and most new insurers give you just 7 to 28 days to produce it. Request your confirmation letter before you cancel your old policy, not after, because chasing a previous insurer under a deadline is how people lose discounts worth hundreds of pounds.
Have your NCB proof ready before you compare car insurance quotes so the prices you see reflect what you’ll actually pay.
- What counts as proof of a no-claims bonus?
- How do you request proof from your insurer?
- How long do you have to provide proof to your new insurer?
- Do all UK insurers accept the same documents?
- What should you do if you can’t get proof?
- How long does NCB proof stay valid?
- Can you use NCB proof from abroad or a company car?
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What counts as proof of a no-claims bonus?
Accepted proof is any official document from your insurer that confirms your name, policy dates, and the number of claim-free years you’ve built up.
Which documents do insurers accept?
| Accepted as proof | Not accepted |
| Renewal invitation or letter | Driving licence |
| Closing or cancellation statement | Policy proposal or application form |
| Insurance schedule | Quote confirmation |
| Official email from your insurer | Bank statement showing premium payments |
| PDF download from your online account | Screenshots of comparison site results |
The key is that the document comes directly from your insurer and clearly states your claim-free years. Many insurers now accept scanned copies or emailed PDFs.
Does a renewal letter count?
Yes, a renewal letter is the most common form of proof. It’s issued automatically each year and shows your current NCB level alongside the new premium.
How do you request proof from your insurer?
Contact your current or previous insurer by phone, email, or online chat and ask for a confirmation of your no-claims bonus. They must provide it free of charge.
What is the quickest way to get proof?
Phone your insurer and ask them to email the confirmation. Most will send it the same day or within two to three working days.
If you’re cancelling your car insurance to switch, request the proof letter before your policy ends. That way you’ll have it ready when your new insurer asks.
Can you download proof online?
Some insurers let you download a PDF statement from your online account. Check your documents or policy section first before calling.
Related: How to Cancel Your Car Insurance in the UK
How long do you have to provide proof to your new insurer?
Most UK insurers give you between 7 and 28 days from the start of your new policy to submit your NCB proof.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Your insurer will remove the NCB discount and recalculate your premium at the full undiscounted rate. Some charge the difference as a lump sum.
If you provide proof after the deadline, some insurers will reinstate the discount and refund the difference. Others won’t, so it’s worth checking their policy before you commit.
For more on how no-claims bonuses work, see our guide on what a no-claims bonus is and how it works.
Do all UK insurers accept the same documents?
Most accept renewal letters and closing statements, but the exact requirements vary between providers.
Do any insurers verify NCB electronically?
Some insurers check your NCB automatically through the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) database. The Association of British Insurers oversees this system, which records claims history across UK motor policies.
If your new insurer uses CUE, they may not need paper proof at all. However, not every insurer has access, so don’t rely on this as your only option.
Do insurers accept digital proof?
Yes, scanned copies, emailed PDFs, and photos of letters are widely accepted as long as the text is clear and legible. Some insurers also accept screenshots from your online account.
What should you do if you can’t get proof?
Contact your previous insurer directly and ask for a confirmation letter. They are legally required to provide one, and most will issue it within a few working days.
What if your previous insurer has closed down?
If the insurer no longer exists, contact the FCA or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to find out who holds the records. Alternatively, ask your new insurer to run a CUE check.
Can you use a subject access request?
Yes, under UK GDPR you have the right to request all personal data an insurer holds about you through a subject access request, which must be answered within 30 days and is free of charge.
This is a useful fallback if you’ve lost other car documents or your insurer is being slow to respond.
Related: How to Replace Lost Car Documents in the UK
How long does NCB proof stay valid?
Most insurers accept NCB proof for up to two years after your previous policy ended. After that, your bonus typically expires and you’ll need to start building it again from scratch.
Does the validity period vary between insurers?
Yes, some insurers are stricter and only accept proof dated within 12 months, while a few will honour up to three years. Always check with your new provider before assuming your proof is still valid.
How should you store your proof?
Keep a digital copy saved to email or cloud storage, and hold onto the original letter. Request fresh proof at the end of every policy year, even if you’re renewing with the same insurer.
Can you use NCB proof from abroad or a company car?
Some UK insurers accept foreign or company car NCB, but the rules vary widely and you’ll often need extra documentation.
What do you need for a foreign no-claims bonus?
You’ll need a letter from your overseas insurer confirming your claim-free years. Some UK insurers require a certified translation if the letter isn’t in English.
Not all UK insurers recognise foreign NCB, and those that do may cap the discount or apply fewer years than you’ve actually earned.
What about NCB earned on a company car?
If your employer insured the vehicle, you’ll need a letter from them confirming you were the named driver and how many claim-free years you accumulated. Some insurers also ask for a fault and non-fault claims breakdown.
Related: What to Do After a Car Accident
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. Your insurer must provide proof of your NCB free of charge, whether you request it by phone, email, or online.
Some insurers accept screenshots from your online account, but most prefer an official letter, PDF, or email directly from your insurer.
Most insurers recognise up to five years, though some accept up to nine. Your proof document will state the exact number of claim-free years.
Yes, your NCB is tied to the policy, not the vehicle. When you change cars, the bonus transfers to your new policy automatically.
No, named drivers don’t build their own NCB on the policyholder’s policy. Only the main policyholder earns the bonus.
They are legally required to. If they refuse, submit a formal complaint and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if necessary.
Yes. Your insurer must issue a closing statement confirming your claim-free years up to the cancellation date.