Does my NCB transfer if I switch insurers?

Yes. Your no-claims bonus belongs to you, not your insurer. When you switch, your new insurer will ask for proof of NCB — typically a renewal notice or a letter from your previous insurer showing the number of years earned. Some insurers accept a digital no-claims proof directly from comparison platforms.

Can I use my NCB on more than one vehicle?

In most markets, an NCB earned on one vehicle can only be used on one policy at a time. If you insure a second car, it starts at zero NCB unless you take out a 'mirrored NCB' product that some insurers offer. Named driver experience on someone else's policy does not typically count as NCB either.

If the accident wasn't my fault, do I still lose my NCB?

It depends. If your insurer recovers the full cost from the other driver's insurer (full recovery), your NCB is usually unaffected. If recovery is partial or not possible — for example, the other driver was uninsured — your NCB may still be reduced. This is one reason some drivers choose NCB protection: it prevents a reduction even in a fault-apportioned claim. See our guide on what to do after a motor accident.

How long does NCB last if I stop driving?

Most insurers honour NCB for up to two years of non-driving. After that, the NCB typically expires and you start again at zero. If you know you will not be driving for an extended period, it is worth asking your insurer whether your NCB can be preserved.

Motor Essentials 6 min read Updated 2026-10-15

No-Claims Bonus (NCB): How It Works and How to Protect It

A no-claims bonus rewards years of claim-free driving with a discount on your motor premium — but losing it costs significantly more than most people expect. This guide explains how NCB is earned, how it is calculated, and whether protecting it is worth the extra cost.

How NCB is earned

A no-claims bonus (also called a no-claims discount, or NCD) accumulates for each full year you hold a motor policy without making a claim. Most UK insurers cap NCB at five years, though some offer longer-run schemes. The discount grows each year:

Claim-free years

Typical discount range

1 year

30%

2 years

40%

3 years

50%

4 years

55–60%

5+ years

60–65%

Exact percentages vary by insurer. Importantly, the discount applies to the base premium — and since a base premium can change significantly between years, a larger NCB does not always mean a lower total renewal price. Always compare the full premium at renewal, not just the stated discount.

What reduces or removes your NCB

Any claim where your insurer makes a payment typically affects your NCB. At most insurers:

One fault or at-fault claim may reduce your NCB by two years (e.g. from 5 years to 3 years)
Two claims in a year may remove the NCB entirely
A claim marked "non-fault" — where the other party's insurer pays — usually leaves NCB unchanged
Windscreen-only claims are typically excluded and do not affect NCB

The premium impact of losing two or three years of NCB can easily exceed £500–£1,000 per year in higher-risk groups. This is why some drivers choose not to claim for smaller losses — though this should be weighed against the repair cost and the risk of disputes if the other party claims later.

NCB protection: is it worth it?

NCB protection is an optional add-on (a rider) that allows you to make a limited number of claims — typically one or two in three years — without losing your NCB. It costs roughly 10–20% extra on top of the base premium.

Whether it is worth buying depends on your risk profile and the value of your NCB:

High-NCB drivers (4–5 years): Protection is more valuable — the amount at stake if you lose two years' bonus is substantial.
Low-NCB drivers (1–2 years): The protection cost may not be justified — the NCB value is lower and you could rebuild it quickly after a claim.
High-risk driving conditions: Frequent motorway driving, urban parking, or a young driver on the policy increases the probability of a claim, which raises the value of protection.

NCB protection does not prevent your premium from rising after a claim — it only preserves the discount percentage. Insurers can still adjust the base premium upwards following a claim history.

Checking NCB at renewal

Your renewal notice should state your current NCB years and the discount applied. If you switch insurers, you will need proof of NCB — usually a letter or renewal document from your previous insurer confirming the number of claim-free years.

At renewal, it is also worth checking whether the NCB renewal rules have changed. Some insurers have updated their step-back rules (how many years of bonus are lost per claim) without prominent notice to customers. For a broader checklist of things to review at renewal, see our guide to the five parts of every policy.

NCB FAQ

Frequently asked questions

: Yes. Your no-claims bonus belongs to you, not your insurer. When you switch, your new insurer will ask for proof of NCB — typically a renewal notice or a letter from your previous insurer showing the number of years earned. Some insurers accept a digital no-claims proof directly from comparison platforms.
: In most markets, an NCB earned on one vehicle can only be used on one policy at a time. If you insure a second car, it starts at zero NCB unless you take out a 'mirrored NCB' product that some insurers offer. Named driver experience on someone else's policy does not typically count as NCB either.
: It depends. If your insurer recovers the full cost from the other driver's insurer (full recovery), your NCB is usually unaffected. If recovery is partial or not possible — for example, the other driver was uninsured — your NCB may still be reduced. This is one reason some drivers choose NCB protection: it prevents a reduction even in a fault-apportioned claim. See our guide on what to do after a motor accident.
: Most insurers honour NCB for up to two years of non-driving. After that, the NCB typically expires and you start again at zero. If you know you will not be driving for an extended period, it is worth asking your insurer whether your NCB can be preserved.