What happens if someone makes a car insurance claim against me?
While usually you’ll be aware of any impending car insurance claims made against your policy, sometimes they can be a surprise - here’s what you need to know.
Key takeaways
Someone may claim on your insurance policy if they change their mind after an incident where you both say you won’t claim, if someone gets your details after a hit-and-run, or if you’re the victim of a false claim
Your insurance provider will usually get in touch with you to get your side of the story before paying out and counting it against your policy
Legitimate claims against your car insurance policy will generally result in your premiums going up when it’s time to renew
It’s always better to inform your insurer yourself about any incidents you’re involved in when driving
Can someone claim on my car insurance without me knowing?
Generally speaking it’s unlikely that someone will make a claim on your car insurance without your knowledge. They will need to have certain details including your name, address, car registration number and car insurance policy - which they would normally get when you exchange information with them at the scene of the incident. But there are still certain situations in which a third-party claim on your policy could come as a surprise:
If you exchange details but agree with the other driver not to make a claim, perhaps because it was just a minor incident, they could change their mind later on and contact your provider anyways. This is why it’s important to always tell your insurer about any incidents big or small that happen when you’re driving.
If you’re involved in an incident and leave the scene without exchanging details, they could take your number plate and use the Motor Insurance Database to find your policy details and claim that way. Your provider will the contact you about the claim, and it’s likely they’ll invalidate your policy to start with. The police may also charge you with a driving conviction, put points on your licence or put you in jail.
If someone clones your car registration plate and puts it on the same make and model car, any convictions they get will be directed to you. Your insurance provider will let you know of the claim, and if you don’t recognise it you’ll need to report this to the police.
What do I do if someone has made a false claim against me?
If someone has made a false claim on your car insurance policy, you should inform your insurer that the claim is false - then compile evidence to support this and show that you weren’t involved.
If you’ve already reported the incident to your insurer, or they contact you and you tell them the claim is false, then they’ll investigate themselves and come to their own conclusion.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car in the UK
If someone falsely claims you hit their car, you should inform your insurer and gather evidence - for example, witness statements or photos and videos that show you weren’t there at the time of the incident.
You’ll need to get information about the claim from your insurer, like the exact place and time, whether there is any evidence of the incident or damage, and whether there are any witnesses. It’s also worth asking how they got your insurance details, and if they can describe who was supposedly driving the other car involved in the incident.
What do I need to do if someone makes a legitimate claim on my car insurance?
If someone legitimately claims on your car insurance, then it will depend on whether you’ve agreed on who was at fault. If you both agree you were at fault, it’ll need to be reported to your insurer - who will handle the claim as usual and pay out. You shouldn't need to do anything else.
Do I have to pay any excess if someone claims against me?
You won’t need to pay any excess fees on a claim by another person - only if you claim yourself for repairs to your own vehicle or property.
Should I tell my insurer about incidents I’m not planning to claim against?
Yes, you should always tell your insurance provider about incidents that occur when you’re driving, even if you don’t plan to make a claim and you don’t think the other driver will either. It’s important to keep your insurer fully informed - and many will invalidate your coverage if you don’t. Additionally, it can help support you if someone makes a false claim on your policy.
Will my insurance go up if a claim is made against me?
If someone makes a claim against you on your car insurance policy - known as a third-party claim - then your premiums are likely to go up as a result. Even if the claim and subsequent payout is minor, it will still more often than not count against you when your premiums are recalculated. It shouldn’t affect your current premiums though, just when it comes to renewal.
However it may also affect your no-claims bonus, even if the blame is shared between you and the other person.
Can I dispute a car insurance claim against me?
Yes, you can dispute a car insurance claim against you - your insurer will generally give you the chance to do this before paying out, unless they decide it’s minor enough that it isn’t worth it. You’ll need to provide evidence to show your side of the dispute, and your insurer will investigate to come to a final decision.