Being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault can be frustrating, especially when it comes to sorting out repairs. The good news is that you shouldn’t have to pay for the damage yourself—but the process of getting your vehicle fixed can depend on several factors, including who the at-fault driver is insured with and whether you have comprehensive cover.
In this guide, let’s break down who is responsible for paying for repairs after a non-fault accident in the UK, your options for getting your car fixed, and what to do if the at-fault driver is uninsured or untraceable.

Who Covers the Cost of Repairs?
If another driver is responsible for the accident, their insurance company is generally liable for the repair costs. However, the route you take to get your car fixed can vary. Here are the main options:
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Pays Directly
- If the at-fault driver admits liability, their insurer should cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle.
- You may need to get quotes from approved repairers, but the process should be straightforward. Click on the link for repair options after a no-fault crash.
- You should also be entitled to a courtesy car while your vehicle is being repaired.
- Claiming Through Your Own Insurance (If You Have Comprehensive Cover)
- If the other driver disputes fault or their insurer is slow to respond, you may prefer to claim through your own insurer.
- Your insurer will cover the repair costs and then recover the money from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- This process is known as a “non-fault claim,” but you may have to pay your excess upfront, which should be refunded once the other insurer settles.
- Using a Credit Hire or Accident Management Company
- These companies handle everything on your behalf, including repairs and providing a like-for-like courtesy car.
- They recover the costs directly from the at-fault party’s insurer, meaning you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
- Be cautious—some companies charge hidden fees, so always check the terms before agreeing.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Can’t Be Found?
If the other driver is uninsured or it was a hit-and-run, you still have options:
- Claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) – The MIB is a government-backed organisation that compensates victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers.
- Use your own insurance – If you have comprehensive cover, your insurer will pay for the repairs, but you may lose your no-claims bonus unless they recover the cost from the MIB.
To make an MIB claim, you’ll need a police report and as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements and dashcam footage.
Will a Non-Fault Claim Affect My Insurance?
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, making a claim can sometimes impact your policy. Here’s what to expect:
- No-claims bonus – If your insurer recovers all costs from the at-fault driver, your no-claims bonus should remain intact.
- Premium increase – Some insurers may still increase your renewal price, as statistically, drivers involved in accidents are considered a higher risk.
- Excess payments – If you claim through your insurer, you may have to pay your excess initially, but this should be refunded once liability is settled.
In a Minor Crash – Can I Drive Away?
Imagine the scenario when you have a little bump with another vehicle. While there are some dents and scratches, nobody is hurt. Are you able to leave the scene and simply drive away? There are some people that think about doing this. They don’t see the crash as a huge deal, and no one is injured. However, what you don’t want to do is drive away in this scenario. This is something that’s not allowed in the UK, and it can result in you getting into trouble. For example, you can get an expensive fine or points on your licence. You could even face prosecution.
Therefore, even in a minor crash, you don’t want to drive away. Here are some of the things you should do.
Pull Over to the Side
If you’re able to move your car, you should pull over to the side of the road. This is going to be safer for you and the other driver. What’s more, you won’t block the road and cause problems. Just ensure that nobody is injured in the car before it’s moved. You should also assess the damage to the vehicle to see whether moving it would jeopardise your situation.
Give Your Details
Next, you need to exchange details with the other driver. This is for insurance purposes and so that claims can proceed. Even if you think that it’s just a minor crash, the person who’s at fault will have to deal with the damages. So, you want to exchange your name, address and insurance details with the other party.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in a non-fault accident, the responsibility for repairs should fall on the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, the process can sometimes be complicated, especially if there are delays or disputes. Knowing your rights and the different claim options available can help ensure you’re not left out of pocket.

Founder Dinis Guarda
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