Who Insures Drivers With Past Claims?

Made a car insurance claim in the past? Whether it was your fault, someone else's, or one of those "it's complicated" situations, you've probably noticed something, your quotes don't look quite as friendly as they used to. Some insurers become reluctant, whilst others flat-out refuse.

But it's not all bad news. There are still plenty of providers who'll work with you, even if your driving history isn't spotless. The trick is knowing where to look - and understanding what insurers are really concerned about.

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Insurers That Often Accept Drivers With Claims

  • Admiral
    Known for flexibility with multi-car and multi-policy setups. They've been known to offer quotes even when drivers have had a couple of past claims; though prices will reflect risk levels.
  • Hastings Direct
    They offer a range of policy types, including telematics, which can help rebuild trust after previous claims. May ask for detailed info but often open to insuring higher-risk profiles.
  • QuoteMeHappy (by Aviva)
    Online-only, no-frills cover that may still be an option for drivers with a few dings in their history. Keep your details accurate and they'll usually provide a fair quote.
  • LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
    Generally strong on service and flexibility. A good option for those with past claims but a stable recent record and sensible car choice.
  • Specialist or non-standard insurers:
    Providers like **Autonet**, **GoSkippy**, or **Markerstudy** often cater to higher-risk drivers, including those with past claims, convictions, or gaps in cover.

Just imagine: You were involved in a non-fault collision three years ago. You thought it wouldn't affect your premium, but it keeps cropping up. One insurer still quotes you like you've just driven through a shop window. Another asks a few extra questions and gives you a much more reasonable offer. That's the difference the right provider can make.

What Types of Claims Affect You the Most?

  • At-Fault Claims: These have the biggest impact, especially if you've had more than one in the last five years.
  • Non-Fault Claims: Still show up, and some insurers will factor in the risk - especially if you've had multiple incidents, even if you weren't to blame.
  • Large Payouts: If a past claim involved a total write-off or serious injury, insurers may class you as higher risk, regardless of fault.
  • Frequent Claims: Three or more claims in a short period, no matter the cause, make many insurers nervous.

Some drivers are caught out by things like windscreen repairs or theft claims they didn't think counted. They do. Everything gets logged, and most insurers check the **Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE)** to see your full history.

Ways to Soften the Impact of Past Claims

Whilst you can't erase your history, you *can* make yourself more appealing to insurers. Here's how:

  • Use a black box: Telematics policies track your driving habits. Prove you're careful and your premium can drop, even with a past claim.
  • Switch to a lower-risk vehicle: Insurers love sensible, reliable cars. That modified hot hatch? Not so much.
  • Increase your voluntary excess: As long as it's still affordable for you, this can help reduce your upfront premium.
  • Limit mileage: Fewer miles = less risk. If your lifestyle's changed since your last claim, tell your insurer.
  • Add a second driver (responsibly): A more experienced named driver can reduce your risk profile; just don't front. That's a legal minefield.

Just Be Honest

It's tempting to leave out a past claim - especially one that didn't seem like a big deal at the time. But if your insurer finds out (and they will), they can cancel your policy or refuse a future claim. That's not just frustrating; it can be costly, too.

One driver shared how they forgot to mention a minor non-fault claim during their application. They later had a new, unrelated incident - and the insurer refused to pay out after track downing the omission. A simple mistake ended up costing thousands.

So, Where Should You Go from Here?

Having previous claims doesn't mean you're stuck. It just means you may need to be a bit more selective, and a bit more strategic. The right insurer won't just accept your history - they'll work with it. And your next policy might even help rebuild your profile, bit by bit.

Click here to compare quotes for drivers with past claims, see who's open to offering you the cover you might need, without the judgement.