Loss of Earnings
If a non-fault accident stops you from working, the income you lose can form part of your claim against the at-fault driver.
That matters most if you drive for a living. We help you work out what you’ve lost, gather the evidence and include it in your claim.
Who can claim
You may be able to claim lost earnings if the accident was someone else’s fault and it stopped you working, or reduced what you could earn. For example:
- PCO, taxi and private-hire drivers who can’t work without a licensed vehicle;
- couriers and delivery drivers who rely on their car, van or motorbike;
- tradespeople and self-employed people who lose jobs while they’re without transport;
- anyone who loses pay while recovering from an injury, as part of a personal injury claim. Our team handles everything for you.
What you can claim
A loss-of-earnings claim covers the money you’ve genuinely lost because of the accident. It’s normally based on what you would have earned, less any running costs you didn’t have to pay while you weren’t working, such as fuel.
If a suitable replacement vehicle lets you carry on working, your earnings loss will usually be limited to the time before it arrived. We’ll look at both with you, so your claim reflects what’s reasonable in your circumstances.
The evidence you’ll need
Proof of earnings
Payslips, invoices, tax returns or accounts showing what you normally earn.
Platform statements
If you drive for Uber, Bolt or a delivery app, your weekly earnings statements and trip history.
Bank statements
Statements showing your usual income being paid in, before and after the accident.
Time off the road
Records of the days you couldn’t work, such as repair dates, or medical notes if you were injured.
Work out what you’ve lost off the road
If you drive for a living, time off the road costs you money — and after a non-fault accident that’s a loss you can claim back.
See what an accident could be costing you
Rough net take-home. Most London PCO drivers fall between £400 and £900.
From the accident until you’re back in your own vehicle. Repairs typically take 2–4 weeks.
That’s £120/day × 14 days off. After a non-fault accident this is a loss you can claim back from the at-fault driver’s insurer — at no cost to you.
Please note: this is an estimate, not a guarantee. What you can actually recover depends on evidence of your earnings (bank statements, tax returns or invoices), liability being established, and the losses being reasonable. Get in touch and we’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic in your case.
When it’s paid
Lost earnings are claimed from the at-fault driver’s insurer as part of your claim, so they’re usually paid when the claim settles. How long that takes depends on the claim, including whether liability is accepted.
Read more: What if liability is disputed?
Been involved in a non-fault accident?
Whether you need recovery, a replacement vehicle, repairs, help with a written-off vehicle or assistance managing your claim, contact Simply Accident Management today.
Tell us what happened and our team will assess the circumstances, explain the next steps and coordinate the appropriate services to get your claim moving.
Available 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp.