How Long Do Insurance Claims Stay on Record?
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Whether you've had a minor bump or a more serious accident, one of the most common questions drivers ask is: How long does an insurance claim stay on your record?
The answer depends on the type of claim, your insurer, and how insurers assess risk. In most cases, claims remain relevant for 3 to 5 years, but they can affect your premiums for different lengths of time.
If you're comparing car insurance, understanding how claims are treated could help you find a better deal.
How long do insurance companies ask about previous claims?
Most UK insurers ask about claims made within the last 5 years when you request a quote.
This includes:
Fault claims
Non-fault claims
Fire or theft claims
Windscreen claims (some insurers ask separately)
Vandalism claims
Even if the accident wasn't your fault, insurers often still want to know about it.
How long will a claim affect my insurance premium?
While insurers usually ask about claims from the previous five years, the impact on your premium often reduces over time.
A typical pattern looks like this:
Years Since Claim | Likely Impact |
First year | Highest increase |
2–3 years | Moderate impact |
4–5 years | Smaller impact |
After 5 years | Usually no longer declared |
Every insurer uses its own pricing model, so the effect can vary significantly.
Do I have to declare non-fault claims?
Yes.
Many drivers are surprised to learn that non-fault claims usually still need to be declared if the insurer asks about previous claims.
Although another driver may have paid for the damage, insurers have found that drivers who've made previous claims are statistically more likely to claim again, regardless of fault.
Failing to declare a claim could invalidate your insurance.
What about windscreen claims?
Windscreen claims are often treated differently.
Many insurers:
Don't reduce your No Claims Discount.
Apply a much smaller excess.
May have little or no impact on your premium.
However, you should still answer the insurer's questions honestly if they ask about previous windscreen claims.
Does my No Claims Discount reset after a claim?
Not always.
If you make a fault claim and don't have protected No Claims Discount, you could lose some or all of your accumulated discount.
If you have protected No Claims Discount, you'll usually keep your discount, although your premium may still increase because insurers consider more than just your discount.
Can I reduce my premium after making a claim?
Yes. If you've recently made a claim, there are still ways to keep your costs down:
Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Increase your voluntary excess if appropriate.
Limit your annual mileage if accurate.
Park somewhere more secure overnight.
Review optional extras you may not need.
Ensure your job title is entered correctly.
Shopping around is often the biggest money saver, as insurers assess previous claims differently.
Will a claim disappear automatically?
After the insurer's requested disclosure period (usually five years), you generally won't need to declare that claim when obtaining new quotes.
However, if an insurer specifically asks about claims over a different period, always answer truthfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do car insurance claims stay on record in the UK?
Most insurers ask about claims made during the last five years, although some may use a shorter period.
Do non-fault claims increase insurance?
They can. Although the increase is often smaller than for fault claims, some insurers still take non-fault claims into account.
Will protected No Claims Discount stop my premium increasing?
No. It protects your discount, not necessarily the overall premium you pay.
Do I need to tell my insurer about every claim?
Yes, if the insurer asks about claims within a certain period, you should disclose all relevant claims honestly.
Compare Car Insurance After a Claim
Having a previous claim doesn't mean you can't find competitive insurance.
Different insurers assess risk differently, so prices can vary considerably for the same driver.
👉 Ready to compare? See how much you could save today.
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