A no-fault claim is a claim made against the insurer of the driver who caused your accident, rather than through your own policy. In short: get safe, swap details, gather evidence, tell your own insurer for information, then get in touch with us so we can deal with the other insurer, help with repairs and recovery, and check whether a replacement vehicle can be arranged where eligible.
Find out more about how a non-fault claim works.
Here is how it usually works, one step at a time.
Step 1: At the scene, get everyone safe
Stop in a safe place, put your hazard lights on and switch off the engine. If it is safe, get everyone out and away from traffic. Call 999 if anyone is hurt, the road is blocked or you feel unsafe.
Stay calm and be polite, but don't admit fault or apologise for the crash. That conversation is for later, and it is based on evidence, not on what was said at the roadside. Our just had an accident page has a checklist you can use on your phone.
Had an accident that wasn’t your fault?
Start your claimStep 2: Swap details
The law says drivers involved in certain accidents must stop and give their name and address, the vehicle owner's details if different, and the registration to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask (Road Traffic Act 1988, section 170).
Try to note:
- the other driver's name, address and phone number
- their registration, insurer and policy number
- the make, model and colour of each vehicle
- the time, date and exact location
If you could not swap details, for example because the other driver drove off, report it to Police Scotland as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Call 101 for non-emergencies.
Step 3: Gather evidence while it is fresh
Only when it is safe, take photos of both vehicles from a few angles, both number plates, the damage close up, and the road layout, junction, signs and markings. Ask any witnesses for a name and number. If you or anyone nearby has a dashcam, save the footage, because some footage is not kept for long.
Good evidence matters because fault is agreed between insurers based on what can be shown. If fault is unclear, our guide on rear-end shunts and who is at fault gives a feel for how one common type of crash is looked at.
Step 4: Tell your own insurer, for information only
Most motor policies say you must tell your insurer about any accident, even if it was not your fault and you are not claiming on your policy. You can say you are reporting it "for information only". Telling them is not the same as making a claim, and not telling them could cause problems with your cover.
Step 5: Get in touch with G4 Claims
You can start your claim online, call, or message us on WhatsApp. It only takes a few minutes, and you don't need every detail to hand. A real person in our Wishaw office will ask what is needed.
If you are not sure who was at fault, that is fine. Tell us what happened and we'll talk it through honestly. If it looks like you were mainly to blame, we'll tell you, and explain that your own insurer is usually the right place to go.
Step 6: We check how we can help
We look at the details and explain your options before anything is arranged. That includes the terms of any hire agreement and your responsibilities. On cost: in a non-fault claim we aim to recover the cost of our service from the at-fault insurer rather than charging you. It depends on your claim and policy, and we'll explain before you go ahead.
Step 7: We arrange what you need
Depending on your situation, we can:
- deal with the at-fault insurer for you, including the calls and paperwork
- arrange recovery if your vehicle is not drivable
- arrange for your vehicle to be inspected and repaired, or work with a garage you choose where we can
- help recover the pre-accident value if your vehicle is a total loss
- help check whether a comparable replacement vehicle can be arranged, where eligible
Read more on our how it works page.
Step 8: Updates until it is sorted
We keep you updated by phone, email or WhatsApp, whichever suits you, until you are back on the road. Every claim is different, so we won't give you a timescale we can't keep. Our guide on how long a non-fault claim takes explains what tends to speed a claim up or slow it down.
A word on time limits in Scotland
Scotland has its own legal system, and the time limits for bringing a claim here are not always the same as in England and Wales. Please don't sit on it. If you think you have a claim, get in touch as soon as you can so nothing is missed.
Your excess and no-claims bonus
Because a no-fault claim is made against the other insurer rather than your own policy, your excess and no-claims bonus may be treated differently from a claim on your own cover. It depends on the claim and your policy, and we'll explain it for you. See our guides on paying your excess after a non-fault accident and your no-claims bonus.
Start your claim with a real person
If someone else caused your accident, start your claim online and our Wishaw team will check how we can help. Message us on WhatsApp any time on 07788 266261, or call 01698 767 172 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm). You can also email firstresponse@g4claims.net. If you already have a claim open elsewhere, we can check it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use an accident management company to make a no-fault claim?
No. You can claim through your own insurer, instruct a solicitor of your choice, or use an accident management company like G4 Claims. Some people like having one point of contact who deals with the other insurer for them. Our guide comparing an accident management company and your own insurer sets out the differences fairly.
What if the other driver's insurer contacts me first?
You don't have to accept what they offer, and you can take time to think. Ask exactly what is being offered, who will arrange it and if there is anything to sign. If you'd rather we dealt with them, just tell us.
What if I don't have all the details?
Tell us what you have. Don't send copies of documents until your handler tells you what is needed and the safest way to send them.
Can I make a no-fault claim if the other driver had no insurance?
The options can be more limited. See our guide on uninsured or untraced drivers in Scotland.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different.