How Much Will a Claim Raise Your Premium?
Updated Sep 26, 2026 · Daniel Moreau · 6 min read
Fault, claim size, and your no-claims status all matter.
What this article covers
Making a claim often leads to higher premiums at renewal. How much depends on several factors.
Even non-fault claims can affect prices with some insurers.
Fault vs non-fault
At-fault claims usually have the biggest impact. Non-fault claims, where costs are recovered from another driver’s insurer, may have less impact.
Other factors
- Number of claims in recent years
- Size of the claim
- Whether no-claims discount is protected
- Your insurer’s pricing policies
Must you declare claims?
Insurers usually ask about claims and incidents in recent years, whether or not you claimed. Answer honestly.
Shop around
After a claim, your current insurer may not be cheapest. See our claim or pay yourself guide.
Small claims and excess
For minor damage, compare the repair cost with your excess and the likely premium increase over the next few years. Sometimes paying for a small repair yourself works out cheaper. But you should still tell your insurer about any incident if your policy requires it, even if you do not claim — failing to do so could cause problems later, especially if the other driver makes a claim against you.
This is general insurance information, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your specific policy, insurer, and jurisdiction. Read your policy documents and speak with a licensed insurance agent or broker before making decisions.