Top 10 Facts About No Win, No Fee Agreements

Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by tanya

Top 10 Facts About No Win, No Fee Agreements

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

What You Should Know About Personal Injury Claims

If you’ve suffered an accident that wasn’t your fault and are seeking compensation, here are the top 10 facts about No Win, No Fee agreements. One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much will it cost me?” That’s where No Win, No Fee agreements come in.

However, if you’re thinking about filing a personal injury claim, you should understand exactly how these agreements work, what they cover, and if there are any risks involved.

Our team at First Personal Injury can guide you through the process of making a personal injury claim for compensation.

10 Facts You Should KnowAbout No Win, No Fee

Also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), No Win, No Fee agreements s have become the go-to funding option for claimants who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence. Here are the top 10 facts you should know:

1. No Win, No Fee Agreements Mean Exactly What They Say

When you sign a No Win, No Fee Agreement, your solicitor only gets paid if your case succeeds. If your claim fails, you don’t pay their legal fees. This makes pursuing a personal injury claim accessible to people who might otherwise be put off, or unable to bear, the cost of legal representation.

2. You Still May Have to Cover Certain Costs

While you won’t pay your solicitor’s fees if you lose, some costs, such as medical reports, court fees, or expert witnesses, may not always be included. Many firms cover these disbursements upfront and recover them only if you win, but it’s vital to check your agreement carefully.

Pro tip: Ask your solicitor whether they use an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy to protect you from these expenses.

3. Success Fees Apply if You Win

If your case is successful, your solicitor will charge a success fee. This is a percentage of the compensation you receive, usually capped at 25% of your damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. The cap is set by law in personal injury claims, so you know the maximum you could lose.

4. The Losing Party Usually Pays Your Legal Costs

In most personal injury claims, if you win, the other side (usually the insurer of the responsible party) must pay. That’s why the success fee is the only deduction from your damages.

People often google “Do I keep all my compensation with No Win, No Fee?” — and the short answer is no, but you keep the majority.

5. ATE Insurance Protects You if You Lose

Many solicitors recommend or even require you to take out After the Event (ATE) insurance. This insurance covers disbursements and the opponent’s costs if your claim fails. In addition, the premium is only payable if you win, and it’s usually deducted from your compensation. This ensures you won’t face unexpected bills.

6. Not All Cases Qualify for No Win, No Fee

Solicitors only take on cases with a good chance of success under these agreements. They usually assess whether your claim has a chance of winning before offering a No Win, No Fee agreement. If your case looks weak, you may need to fund it differently.

A reputable solicitor will explain clearly whether your case qualifies and why. Transparency is a key marker of trustworthiness.

7. Time Limits Still Apply

Even with a No Win, No Fee Agreement, you must file your claim within the legal time limits. The standard time limit is three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of your injury. Exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.

Missing this deadline could cost you your right to claim, no matter how strong your case is.

8. No Win, No Fee Covers More Than Car Accidents

While road traffic accidents make up a large portion of personal injury claims, No Win, No Fee Agreements also apply to:

This flexibility makes CFAs (conditional fee agreements) an attractive option across the personal injury sector.

9. You May Not Have to Go to Court

One of the biggest concerns people have is whether they’ll need to stand in court. But the reality is that most personal injury claims settle before trial. In fact, insurers often prefer to negotiate and settle rather than risk higher costs in court.

However, in rare cases, your claim may go to trial, and if it does, your solicitor will guide you through the process and represent you.

10. No Win, No Fee Doesn’t Guarantee a Stress-Free Process

While these agreements protect you financially, they don’t guarantee that the claims process will be quick or stress-free. Personal injury cases can take months to resolve, depending on their complexity. But, having a solicitor working under a CFA often gives you peace of mind. You know that they’re motivated to fight for the best outcome because their pay depends on your success.

Take the Next Step

No Win, No Fee Agreements allow people to seek justice without the fear of huge legal bills. However, before starting your claim, you should know how success fees, ATE insurance, and potential costs work before you sign.

If you’re considering making a personal injury claim, check the following:

Confirm what costs are covered.
Ask about success fees and ATE insurance.
Check whether your case meets the time limits.

By taking these steps, you’ll protect yourself and maximise your chances of a fair settlement.

📞 Call us now on 0333 358 2345 📧 Or contact us online and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you for a free, no-obligation consultation.