You can often get car insurance with a history of claims, but not always, and the price may be higher. It depends on the type of claims, how many there are, and how recent they are.

Insurers don’t treat all claims the same. They look at patterns and decide whether they’re comfortable offering cover, and on what terms.

Why a claims history changes things

Once a claim has been made, insurers move from estimating risk to working with actual evidence.

This may lead to:

• Higher premiums
• Different policy terms
• Fewer insurers willing to quote

Some insurers may still offer cover, while others may step back depending on their risk appetite.

Background on how this works: how motor insurance works in the UK.

Fault and non-fault claims are both considered

Fault claims usually have a stronger impact on pricing.

Non-fault claims may still affect premiums because they show involvement in incidents, even where costs were recovered.

Several non-fault claims over a short period can raise similar concerns to a single fault claim.

The first renewal after a claim

The largest price change often appears at the first renewal after a claim.

• No claims bonus may be reduced
• Introductory pricing may end
• The underlying premium becomes clearer

Premiums may reduce over time if no further claims are made.

More on this: what is no claims bonus and how does it work.

Availability of cover can vary

Some insurers may still provide quotes after claims, while others may not, particularly if:

• There are multiple recent claims
• The claims involved high costs
• There are other risk factors, such as convictions

Specialist insurers may be more willing to consider these cases, often with different pricing structures.

Comparing options can help: Price and Policy Comparisons.

Car choice may influence what’s offered

After a claim, insurers may place more weight on the vehicle.

• Lower insurance group cars may be easier to place
• Unmodified vehicles are usually simpler to insure
• Cars with lower repair costs may reduce premiums

Details here: Car Insurance for Specific Vehicles.

Excess and policy terms may change

Insurers may adjust how risk is shared rather than refusing cover outright.

This can include:

• Higher compulsory excesses
• Restrictions on cover options
• Stricter policy conditions

Lower premiums may sometimes come with higher excess levels.

Telematics policies may be offered

Some insurers may offer black box policies after claims.

These monitor driving behaviour and may allow premiums to adjust over time if driving is consistently careful.

More information: how to reduce car insurance with black box.

Time reduces the impact

Claims usually affect pricing most strongly when they are recent.

Over time, and with no further incidents, their influence may reduce.

Each claim-free year can improve how insurers assess the risk.

What may help

• Accurate information when applying
• Realistic mileage and usage details
• Choosing a lower-risk vehicle
• Avoiding further claims where possible

Practical steps here: how to get cheaper car insurance UK.

Having a claims history doesn’t automatically prevent you getting insurance, but it can change what’s available and how it’s priced. Outcomes vary depending on the individual circumstances and the insurer.