Introduction
Minor bumps and low-speed collisions happen every day in the UK. Maybe it’s just a scratched bumper, a mirror clipped in traffic, or a tiny dent in a car park. Because the damage seems small, many drivers wonder:
“Do I really need to tell my insurer about a minor accident?”
The short answer is yes — and failing to report it can lead to serious insurance consequences later. This guide explains what you must report, why it matters, and how Nova Motor Assist helps you stay compliant and protected.
Quick Summary
Yes — you must tell your insurer about any accident in the UK, even a minor one, even if you don’t claim. Not reporting can invalidate your insurance. Nova Motor Assist helps you report correctly and manage the full FNOL process.
1. Do You Legally Need to Report a Minor Accident?
Yes. Under UK insurance policy terms, you must notify your insurer about any accident, regardless of fault or damage level.
That includes:
- Scratches
- Small dents
- Bumper scuffs
- Parking collisions
- Mirror knocks
- Low-speed impacts
Even if you do not intend to claim, your insurer still requires notification.
2. Why Insurers Want You to Report Every Accident
Insurers use accident history to:
- Log incidents correctly
- Track potential injury claims
- Prevent fraudulent disputes
- Protect your coverage in the future
If the other party later reports damage — even weeks later — and you didn’t tell your insurer, it may look like you hid information.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Tell Your Insurer?
Not reporting a minor accident can lead to:
❌ Policy Invalidated
Insurers can refuse to cover you because you breached the “duty of disclosure.”
❌ Refused Future Claims
If an injury or repair claim appears later, your insurer may decline it.
❌ Premiums Can Increase Unexpectedly
If your insurer learns of an unreported incident via another party, they may raise your price at renewal.
❌ Legal Issues if Someone Later Claims Injury
Small accidents can sometimes lead to delayed injury claims. Without your report, it becomes harder to defend.
4. Do You Need to Report It to the Police?
Only if:
- Details were not exchanged
- Someone was injured
- A pedestrian or cyclist was involved
- Property damage occurred and no owner was present
For minor, no-injury collisions where both drivers exchanged details, police involvement is not required.
But insurers must be told.
5. Will Reporting a Minor Accident Affect Your No-Claims Bonus?
Not automatically.
Your no-claims bonus is usually only affected if:
- You make a claim
- Liability cannot be recovered
- Your insurer pays out for repairs or injuries
If the accident wasn’t your fault and Nova Motor Assist recovers all costs, your NCB should remain protected.
6. Should You Claim or Report Only?
You can report an accident without making a claim.
Reporting does not mean:
- You’re admitting fault
- Your premium will always rise
- You must use your own insurer for repairs
It simply keeps your policy valid and recorded.
7. How Nova Motor Assist Helps After a Minor Accident
When you call Nova Motor Assist, we:
- Log your FNOL (First Notification of Loss) correctly.
- Contact your insurer on your behalf.
- Handle communication with the other driver and insurers.
- Arrange like-for-like replacement vehicles.
- Manage repairs using approved UK body shops.
- Recover costs from the at-fault insurer (for non-fault drivers).
You stay protected and avoid future disputes.
FAQs: Do I Need to Tell My Insurer About a Minor Accident UK?
Yes. You should still report the incident because unseen damage or future claims may occur.
You must still report the accident — repairs do not replace your duty to notify.
Not always. If you’re a non-fault driver and costs are recovered, your premium may not change.
Yes. We handle FNOL and notify your insurer correctly.
Never agree. If they later claim, you could be blamed — and your insurer may refuse coverage.