If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Northern Ireland that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to understand what happens next and what your options are.
What exactly does a “non-fault” accident mean?
A non‑fault accident generally refers to a situation where:
- You are not considered responsible for the collision
- Another driver is found to be at fault
- The costs relating to the accident can be recovered from the other party
This usually becomes clear once the circumstances of the accident have been reviewed.
How does “fault” differ from “non‑fault”?
The key difference is how responsibility for the accident is decided:
- Non‑fault: Another party is held responsible for the accident
- Fault: You are considered responsible, or the costs cannot be recovered
- Split liability: Responsibility is shared between both drivers
The outcome will depend on the evidence available and the circumstances of the collision.
What is a “non-fault” repair?
A non-fault repair is a specialised arrangement designed to protect innocent drivers.
Instead of you paying for repairs or claiming through your own insurance (which usually involves paying an excess), an accident management company like CRASH Services pays for the repairs on your behalf. This is all explained clearly to you before agreeing to proceed.
Will this affect my no-claims bonus?
If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your no-claims bonus shouldn’t suffer, so let the specialist CRASH Claims Team help you claim against the other person’s insurance company.
This avoids you having to pay any policy excess or having to wait on authorisation for vehicle repairs for example.
In the event that you are held fully or partially responsible for the accident or your case is settled ‘Without Prejudice to Liability’ this most likely will affect your No-Claim Bonus even if you have a Protected No Claims Discount and not had any other accidents.
Some insurance companies will increase your insurance premium regardless of whether you make a claim on your policy and indeed whether you are at fault or not in an accident.
If you are charged a higher premium as a result of a non-fault accident you should be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver for this loss. Please let us know should this happen to you.
Will my insurance be affected?
Whether you are wholly not at fault for an accident or not your insurance company may increase your insurance premium at renewal.
If you are charged a higher premium as a result of a non-fault accident you should be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver for this loss. Please let us know should this happen to you.
What happens if the other driver denies liability?
If liability is disputed, evidence plays a key role. Dashcam footage, witness statements and PSNI reports can all support your claim.
At CRASH Services, we work with legal professionals to help collect the relevant information and manage the process on your behalf.
Can I claim for a “split liability” accident?
Yes. If responsibility is shared, you may still be able to recover part of your losses, depending on the outcome.
Northern Ireland Context: Navigating Local Roads & Insurance
Navigating a claim in Northern Ireland can feel complex. Drivers may encounter:
- PSNI involvement in certain situations
- Different approaches from insurers
- Decisions around repair options
Understanding your rights and options early can help you make informed decisions.
Why should I use an accident management company instead of my insurer?
Many motorists don’t realise they have a choice. When you use CRASH Services for a non-fault accident, you bypass many of the standard headaches, we can support you by:
- Helping arrange repairs
- Assisting with replacement vehicle options (that matches your own)
- Liaising with insurers and third parties
- Supporting you through the claims process
- We recover all the costs from the insurers involved. For non-fault accidents, this cost will be recovered from the third party insurer involved.
Have you been involved in a non-fault accident in Newry, Belfast, Derry/Londonderry or anywhere in Northern Ireland?
Don’t navigate the stress alone. Contact our expert team today on 028 9066 0244.
You may also be interested in Who Pays for Repairs After a Non Fault Accident or Common Types of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them.
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newtownabbey, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- Vehicle recovery,
- Collision investigation,
- Organising repairs,
- Providing a replacement vehicle,
- Liaising with insurance companies and
- Legal and medical assistance
We recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands of Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newtownabbey, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a non-fault accident affect my insurance premium?
A: Whether you are wholly not at fault for an accident or not your insurance company may increase your insurance premium at renewal.
If you are charged a higher premium as a result of a non-fault accident you should be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver for this loss. Please let us know should this happen to you.
Q: What happens if the other driver denies liability?
A: If liability is disputed, evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and PSNI reports becomes vital. CRASH Services works with legal experts to investigate the collision and prove the other party’s fault.
Q: Can I claim for a “split liability” accident?
A: Yes. If you are found to be 50% at fault, you may still be able to claim for 50% of your losses. However, this will usually affect your No Claims Bonus.
Q: Do I have to use my own insurer’s repairers?
A: No. You are not legally obligated to use your insurance company’s repair services. By choosing CRASH Services, we manage your repairs through our network of manufacturer-approved repairers to ensure your vehicle is returned to factory standards.
Q: Is there a cost for using CRASH Services?
A: No, we recover all associated costs directly from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Even if the accident was your fault, we are still here to help with recovery, repairs, and support, regardless of the situation.
