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No Claim Bonus: Everything You Need To Know

January 27, 2025

A no claim bonus (NCB) is a valuable incentive that can significantly lower your car insurance premiums. It’s a reward given by insurers to drivers who maintain a claim-free record for a certain period. Whether you’re new to car insurance or looking to maximise your savings, understanding how a no claim bonus works is essential.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a no claim bonus is, how it works, and how you can use it to reduce your insurance costs.

What is a No Claim Bonus?

A no claim bonus is a discount offered by car insurance providers to policyholders who have not made any claims during their policy term. The longer you maintain a claim-free record, the higher your discount will be.

For instance, after one year of no claims, you might receive a 30% discount on your premium. This percentage typically increases annually, reaching up to 70–75% after five or more claim-free years.

How Does a No Claim Bonus Work?

The no claim bonus system is straightforward but comes with specific rules and conditions.

Earning Your No Claim Bonus

You earn your NCB by completing a policy term (usually one year) without filing a claim. Every consecutive year without a claim increases your discount percentage.

What Affects Your No Claim Bonus?

Your no claim bonus can be affected by:

  • Filing a claim: If you make a claim, your NCB may be reduced or lost entirely, depending on your policy.
  • Policy lapses: Allowing your policy to lapse can result in losing your accumulated NCB.
  • Accidents caused by others: Non-fault accidents generally don’t affect your NCB if you can recover costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

How No Claim Bonuses Are Calculated

The discount amount varies by insurer and is typically expressed as a percentage. The higher your NCB, the larger the reduction on your premium.

How to Check Your No Claim Bonus

Knowing your current NCB status is important when renewing or switching insurance providers.

  1. Requesting Your No Claim Bonus Certificate

Your no claim bonus certificate is proof of your claim-free history. Request it from your insurer, either online or by contacting their customer service.

  1. How to Verify the No Claim Bonus on Your Policy

When you receive your policy documents, check the no claim bonus section to confirm the discount applied to your premium.

Can You Transfer Your No Claim Bonus?

Yes, you can transfer your NCB to a new insurance provider. This is especially useful if you’re switching insurers for better rates or coverage. And remember, it’s okay to have two sets of no claim bonus

How to Get a No Claim Bonus Certificate

If you’re switching insurers or need proof of your NCB, you’ll need to request a certificate.

Requirements for Obtaining Your Certificate

To get your no claim bonus certificate, you’ll need to provide your policy details and a request to your current insurer. Some providers issue this automatically upon policy cancellation.

When to Request the Certificate

It’s best to request your certificate immediately after your policy ends or when switching insurers. Having it on hand ensures a smooth transition.

What Information is on the No Claim Bonus Certificate?

The certificate includes:

  • Number of claim-free years
  • Policyholder’s name
  • Policy details, including the term and insurer

Using Your No Claim Bonus for Lower Insurance Rates

Red discount tag with 'Save Money' written on it

Your NCB is a valuable tool for reducing premiums. Here’s how to make the most of it:

How Much Can You Save?

The savings from an NCB can be significant. For example, five claim-free years could reduce your premium by up to 70%.

Can You Lose Your No Claim Bonus?

Yes, filing a claim can reduce or eliminate your NCB. Some policies offer no-claims protection, allowing you to retain your NCB after one or two claims within a specified period.

How to Protect Your No Claim Bonus

  • Add no-claims protection: This optional add-on prevents you from losing your NCB after making a claim.
  • Drive carefully: Avoiding accidents and risky behaviour helps maintain your claim-free record.
  • Review your policy: Ensure your policy includes terms favourable to preserving your NCB.

Final Thoughts

A no claim bonus is a fantastic way to reward safe driving while keeping your insurance premiums low. By understanding how it works, requesting your NCB certificate when needed, and taking steps to protect it, you can maximise your savings over time.

With a little effort and careful planning, you can enjoy the benefits of a no claim bonus while ensuring peace of mind on the road. For more assistance with accident claims, connect with the top car accident management company for reliable support.