Can I get car insurance with previous claims?
Yes. Previous claims don't stop you getting cover, though they can affect the price. Insurers weigh how recent, how serious and whether the claim was your fault.
How past claims affect your cover
You must declare claims from recent years — typically the last five — even non-fault ones, when asked. Withholding them can invalidate your policy.
How much a claim affects your quote depends on:
- Whether you were at fault
- How recent the claim was
- The cost and type of claim
- How many claims you've had
Non-fault claims, such as being hit while parked, usually have less impact than fault claims. Because insurers assess this differently, prices vary widely — so it's well worth comparing quotes from several brokers rather than accepting the first figure you're given.
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Do I have to declare a non-fault claim?
Yes, if asked. Even claims that weren't your fault must be declared honestly — insurers still factor them into your risk profile.
How long do claims affect my premium?
Usually around five years, though the impact typically fades over time as the claim becomes less recent and you build claim-free years.
Will a windscreen claim count against me?
Glass-only claims often don't affect your no claims bonus and tend to have little impact on price, but you should still declare them when asked.