1. Do the Math: Repair vs. Premium Hike
Before picking up the phone, compare the cost of the repair against your insurance excess.
- If the repair costs £300 and your excess is £250, the insurer only pays £50.
- However, making that claim could strip away 2 years of NCB, potentially increasing your premium by 20% to 50% for several years.
- The Verdict: If the repair cost is anywhere near your excess, pay for it out of pocket.
2. Check if You Have NCB Protection
If you’ve paid for NCB Protection (an optional add-on), you’re in a safer spot. This typically allows you to make one or two “at-fault” claims over a 3-year period without losing your discount.
Note: Even with protection, your base premium might still rise next year because you’ve technically become a “higher risk,” but your percentage discount remains intact.
3. The “SMART” Repair Alternative
For minor scratches, bumper scuffs, or small dents, look into SMART repairs (Small, Medium Area Repair Technology). These specialists can often fix localized damage at your home or office for a fraction of the cost of a traditional body shop, keeping the incident entirely off the insurance books.
4. “Notification Only” Reports
Most policies require you to inform your insurer of any accident, even if you aren’t claiming. You can report the incident as “Notification Only.” This fulfills your contract but tells the insurer you are settling the matter privately.
+1
- Warning: Some insurers may still adjust your risk profile, but it’s generally less impactful than a full claim.
5. Identify the “Fault”
If the scrape was caused by another driver, your NCB is usually safe if your insurer can recover all costs from the other party. If it’s a “50/50” or you hit a stationary object, it’s an at-fault claim, and your bonus will take the hit unless protected.
Your NCB is one of your most valuable assets as a driver. If a scrape can be buffed out for the cost of a nice dinner, it’s almost always better to keep the insurance company out of it.