Proof of no-claims bonus is evidence from your previous insurer showing the claim-free years an insurer may use when pricing cover.
Proof of no-claims bonus is a document that shows how many years of no-claims bonus you have built up.
A no-claims bonus is also called a no-claims discount. It can reduce the cost of insurance when you have not made a claim for a set period. The Association of British Insurers explains that no-claims discounts are common, but insurers do not have to offer them.
The amount of discount can vary between insurers. The ABI also explains that no-claims bonuses and discounts can build over time, but each insurer sets its own rules.
The document should show key details such as your name, policy number, previous insurer, vehicle registration, policy dates and the number of no-claims years.
Some insurers may accept a photo, screenshot or PDF. Others may ask for the original document or a clearer copy. This depends on the insurer and the policy.
Insurers use your no-claims bonus as one factor when they work out a quote. A higher no-claims bonus can lead to a lower premium, but the discount is not fixed. The Financial Ombudsman Service explains how fault claims and no-claims bonuses work, including how insurers may apply different rules.
Your proof must match the details used in your quote. If it does not, the insurer may change the price or ask for more information.
There is also no single rule for how old proof can be. The Financial Ombudsman Service says many insurers accept proof that is less than two years old, while others may use different limits. This can matter if you have had a break in cover, used a company vehicle, had a commercial policy, or were only a named driver.
If you cannot provide valid proof, the insurer may remove the no-claims discount, increase the premium, ask for more documents, or cancel the policy. This depends on the policy terms and the facts.
You should answer all quote and renewal questions with care. Under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, customers must take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation. The Financial Ombudsman Service guidance on misrepresentation and non-disclosure explains how this can affect insurance complaints.
A claim may reduce your no-claims bonus if it is treated as a fault claim and your bonus is not protected. The Financial Ombudsman Service says insurers often reduce no-claims bonus after a fault claim, but the exact step-back rule should be set out in the policy wording.
A protected no-claims bonus may help protect the number of no-claims years after some claims. It does not mean your premium is protected. Your price can still change at renewal, depending on the claim, the insurer and the policy terms.
At Got You Covered, we arrange car insurance and van insurance for a wide range of drivers, including people with previous claims, motoring convictions and low or zero no-claims bonus.
If your proof is missing, old or lower than expected, we can talk through the options available to you. This may include updating the no-claims bonus to the proven amount, asking your previous insurer for clearer proof, or checking whether an insurer can still quote based on your full details.
Any quote, price or acceptance will depend on the insurer, the information you provide and the policy terms.
Proof of no-claims bonus confirms the no-claims years an insurer may use when pricing your car or van insurance.
It should come from your previous insurer and clearly show the key policy details. If the proof is missing or does not match your quote, the insurer may amend the price, ask for more information or take action under the policy terms.
