How Long Does a Non-Fault Accident Claim Take?

The Short Answer

A non-fault car accident claim in the UK typically takes 4 to 16 weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly liability is agreed. However, your replacement vehicle is usually arranged within 24 hours of contacting Road Claim, and your vehicle repair begins within days — so you won't be waiting weeks to get moving again.

Week-by-Week Timeline

Week 1 — Getting Started

Once you submit your details to Road Claim, a specialist calls within 1 hour. Within 24 hours your replacement vehicle is delivered and your car goes to an approved repairer. The at-fault driver's insurer is notified and liability investigation begins.

Weeks 1–4 — Liability Decision

The at-fault insurer has 15 business days to acknowledge your claim and 3 months to investigate liability. In straightforward cases where the other driver admits fault, liability is often agreed within 1–4 weeks.

Weeks 4–8 — Vehicle Assessment and Repair

Once liability is agreed, your vehicle is assessed, repaired and returned. If your car is a total loss (written off), a settlement figure is negotiated — typically within 2–4 weeks of the write-off assessment.

Weeks 4–16+ — Full Settlement

The full claim — including recovery of all costs from the at-fault insurer — typically concludes within 4–16 weeks. More complex cases involving disputed liability can take longer.

What Affects the Timeline?

Several factors influence how long your non-fault claim takes:

• Liability admitted quickly — fastest resolution, often 4–8 weeks total
• Liability disputed — can extend to 3–6 months while evidence is assessed
• Vehicle written off — adds 2–4 weeks for total loss settlement negotiation
• Uninsured driver — MIB claims can take 3–9 months
• Dashcam footage available — significantly speeds up liability decisions

How to Speed Up Your Claim

• Submit your claim to Road Claim as quickly as possible after the accident
• Take clear photos at the scene and get witness details
• Save dashcam footage immediately — overwrite risk is high
• Do not admit fault or accept any settlement offer without speaking to Road Claim first
• Respond promptly to any requests from Road Claim or the insurer

What About My Replacement Vehicle?

Your free replacement vehicle is separate from the claim timeline. Road Claim arranges it within 24 hours of your call — you keep it until your own vehicle is repaired and returned, or until a total loss settlement is agreed. You will not be left without a car while the claim is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions