Your no claims bonus (NCB) is a discount on your car insurance premium, earned for each year you don't make a claim. It can significantly lower your insurance costs, so it's important to understand how it works and how to prove it.
Where to find proof of your NCB
Renewal letter or cancellation notice: Your previous insurer usually provides your NCB details in these documents, or you may be able to download it from your insurer's online portal.
Contact your old insurer: If you can't find the documents, contact your previous insurer. They can provide you with the necessary information.
How long do I have to provide proof of my NCB?
Most insurers give you 7-28 days from the start of your new policy to provide proof if they request it. Having this ready when you search for car insurance can help you meet any deadlines.
What happens when I provide proof?
When you get a quote, insurers will estimate your discount based on the NCB you declare. Once you provide proof, the discount is confirmed, and your final price is adjusted accordingly.
Important
Make sure the NCB proof you submit is up-to-date and accurate.
The proof should be on official letterhead from your previous insurer or in an email with their confirmation.
If you don't provide proof within the deadline, your insurer could withdraw the discount or even cancel your policy.
Is it worth protecting my no-claims bonus?
Once you have several years of NCB, you might want to consider paying for no-claims protection. This is because if you make a claim, you could lose anything you’ve built up already.
Whether NCB protection is worth the extra cost depends on your budget, how much your insurance is, and how big your discount is.
If you have a 50% discount and your insurance is usually £1,000, for example, this could bring the price down to £500. Paying £50 for protection in this instance would make sense as you’re still saving money overall. But it’s a gamble, as you may not end up making a claim anyway.
It’s also worth remembering your claims history is only one factor taken into account when calculating car insurance premiums. For example, if you are convicted of speeding or moving to a high-risk area, your car insurance premium may rise even though you have a discount.
Does my no-claims bonus build up if I don’t have a car?
If you don’t have a car for a while or it’s declared SORN and you don’t need any insurance, your no-claims bonus will stay intact for two years for most insurers. If you’re uninsured for longer than this, it’s likely your bonus will reset.
Tip:
If you're unsure about any aspect of your NCB, contact your insurer or broker for clarification. They can help you understand the process and ensure you get the discount you're entitled to.