diff --git a/pkg/controller/clone/planner.go b/pkg/controller/clone/planner.go
index 9a4d23792..d46f04f99 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/clone/planner.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/clone/planner.go
@@ -56,6 +56,12 @@ const (
 
 	// MessageNoVolumeExpansion reports that no volume expansion is possible (message)
 	MessageNoVolumeExpansion = "No volume expansion is possible"
+
+	// NoProvisionerMatch reports that the storageclass provisioner does not match the volumesnapshotcontent driver (reason)
+	NoProvisionerMatch = "NoProvisionerMatch"
+
+	// MessageNoProvisionerMatch reports that the storageclass provisioner does not match the volumesnapshotcontent driver (message)
+	MessageNoProvisionerMatch = "The storageclass provisioner does not match the volumesnapshotcontent driver"
 )
 
 // Planner plans clone operations
@@ -131,8 +137,14 @@ type ChooseStrategyArgs struct {
 	DataSource  *cdiv1.VolumeCloneSource
 }
 
+// ChooseStrategyResult is result returned by ChooseStrategy function
+type ChooseStrategyResult struct {
+	Strategy       cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy
+	FallbackReason *string
+}
+
 // ChooseStrategy picks the strategy for a clone op
-func (p *Planner) ChooseStrategy(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error) {
+func (p *Planner) ChooseStrategy(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*ChooseStrategyResult, error) {
 	if IsDataSourcePVC(args.DataSource.Spec.Source.Kind) {
 		args.Log.V(3).Info("Getting strategy for PVC source")
 		return p.computeStrategyForSourcePVC(ctx, args)
@@ -271,7 +283,9 @@ func (p *Planner) watchOwned(log logr.Logger, obj client.Object) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourcePVC(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error) {
+func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourcePVC(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*ChooseStrategyResult, error) {
+	res := &ChooseStrategyResult{}
+
 	if ok, err := p.validateTargetStorageClassAssignment(ctx, args); !ok || err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -326,29 +340,24 @@ func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourcePVC(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseS
 		}
 
 		if n == nil {
-			p.Recorder.Event(args.TargetClaim, corev1.EventTypeWarning, NoVolumeSnapshotClass, MessageNoVolumeSnapshotClass)
-			strategy = cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted
+			p.fallbackToHostAssisted(args.TargetClaim, res, NoVolumeSnapshotClass, MessageNoVolumeSnapshotClass)
+			return res, nil
 		}
 	}
 
+	res.Strategy = strategy
 	if strategy == cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot ||
 		strategy == cdiv1.CloneStrategyCsiClone {
-		ok, err := p.validateAdvancedClonePVC(ctx, args, sourceClaim)
-		if err != nil {
+		if err := p.validateAdvancedClonePVC(ctx, args, res, sourceClaim); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-
-		if !ok {
-			strategy = cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted
-		}
 	}
 
-	return &strategy, nil
+	return res, nil
 }
 
-func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourceSnapshot(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error) {
-	// Defaulting to host-assisted clone since it has fewer requirements
-	strategy := cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted
+func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourceSnapshot(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (*ChooseStrategyResult, error) {
+	res := &ChooseStrategyResult{}
 
 	if ok, err := p.validateTargetStorageClassAssignment(ctx, args); !ok || err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -380,8 +389,9 @@ func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourceSnapshot(ctx context.Context, args *Ch
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	if !valid {
+		p.fallbackToHostAssisted(args.TargetClaim, res, NoProvisionerMatch, MessageNoProvisionerMatch)
 		args.Log.V(3).Info("Provisioner differs, need to fall back to host assisted")
-		return &strategy, nil
+		return res, nil
 	}
 
 	// Lastly, do size validation to determine whether to use dumb or smart cloning
@@ -389,11 +399,12 @@ func (p *Planner) computeStrategyForSourceSnapshot(ctx context.Context, args *Ch
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	if valid {
-		strategy = cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot
+	if !valid {
+		p.fallbackToHostAssisted(args.TargetClaim, res, NoVolumeExpansion, MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
+		return res, nil
 	}
-
-	return &strategy, nil
+	res.Strategy = cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot
+	return res, nil
 }
 
 func (p *Planner) validateTargetStorageClassAssignment(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs) (bool, error) {
@@ -435,37 +446,42 @@ func (p *Planner) validateSourcePVC(args *ChooseStrategyArgs, sourceClaim *corev
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (p *Planner) validateAdvancedClonePVC(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs, sourceClaim *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim) (bool, error) {
+func (p *Planner) validateAdvancedClonePVC(ctx context.Context, args *ChooseStrategyArgs, res *ChooseStrategyResult, sourceClaim *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim) error {
 	if !SameVolumeMode(sourceClaim, args.TargetClaim) {
-		p.Recorder.Event(args.TargetClaim, corev1.EventTypeWarning, IncompatibleVolumeModes, MessageIncompatibleVolumeModes)
+		p.fallbackToHostAssisted(args.TargetClaim, res, IncompatibleVolumeModes, MessageIncompatibleVolumeModes)
 		args.Log.V(3).Info("volume modes not compatible for advanced clone")
-		return false, nil
+		return nil
 	}
 
 	sc, err := GetStorageClassForClaim(ctx, p.Client, args.TargetClaim)
 	if err != nil {
-		return false, err
+		return err
 	}
 
 	if sc == nil {
 		args.Log.V(3).Info("target storage class not found")
-		return false, fmt.Errorf("target storage class not found")
+		return fmt.Errorf("target storage class not found")
 	}
 
 	srcCapacity, hasSrcCapacity := sourceClaim.Status.Capacity[corev1.ResourceStorage]
 	targetRequest, hasTargetRequest := args.TargetClaim.Spec.Resources.Requests[corev1.ResourceStorage]
 	allowExpansion := sc.AllowVolumeExpansion != nil && *sc.AllowVolumeExpansion
 	if !hasSrcCapacity || !hasTargetRequest {
-		return false, fmt.Errorf("source/target size info missing")
+		return fmt.Errorf("source/target size info missing")
 	}
 
 	if srcCapacity.Cmp(targetRequest) < 0 && !allowExpansion {
-		p.Recorder.Event(args.TargetClaim, corev1.EventTypeWarning, NoVolumeExpansion, MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
+		p.fallbackToHostAssisted(args.TargetClaim, res, NoVolumeExpansion, MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
 		args.Log.V(3).Info("advanced clone not possible, no volume expansion")
-		return false, nil
 	}
 
-	return true, nil
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (p *Planner) fallbackToHostAssisted(targetClaim *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, res *ChooseStrategyResult, reason, message string) {
+	res.Strategy = cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted
+	res.FallbackReason = &message
+	p.Recorder.Event(targetClaim, corev1.EventTypeWarning, reason, message)
 }
 
 func (p *Planner) planHostAssistedFromPVC(ctx context.Context, args *PlanArgs) ([]Phase, error) {
diff --git a/pkg/controller/clone/planner_test.go b/pkg/controller/clone/planner_test.go
index 5e6125f0f..1cd1300d8 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/clone/planner_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/clone/planner_test.go
@@ -267,9 +267,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner()
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should error if emptystring storageclass name", func() {
@@ -281,10 +281,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner()
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(Equal("claim has emptystring storageclass, will not work"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should error if no storageclass exists", func() {
@@ -294,10 +294,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner()
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(Equal("target storage class not found"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should return nil if no source", func() {
@@ -307,9 +307,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 				expectEvent(planner, CloneWithoutSource)
 			})
 
@@ -323,10 +323,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), source)
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(HavePrefix("target resources requests storage size is smaller than the source"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 				expectEvent(planner, CloneValidationFailed)
 			})
 
@@ -337,10 +337,12 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createSourceClaim())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr.FallbackReason).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(*csr.FallbackReason).To(Equal(MessageNoVolumeSnapshotClass))
 				expectEvent(planner, NoVolumeSnapshotClass)
 			})
 
@@ -351,10 +353,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createSourceClaim(), createVolumeSnapshotClass(), createSourceVolume())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
 			})
 
 			It("should return snapshot with volumesnapshotclass (no source vol)", func() {
@@ -364,10 +366,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createSourceClaim(), createVolumeSnapshotClass())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
 			})
 
 			It("should return snapshot with volumesnapshotclass and source storageclass does not exist but same driver", func() {
@@ -381,10 +383,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createVolumeSnapshotClass(), sourceClaim, sourceVolume)
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
 			})
 
 			It("should returnsnapshot with bigger target", func() {
@@ -396,10 +398,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createSourceClaim(), createVolumeSnapshotClass())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
 			})
 
 			It("should return host assisted with bigger target and no volumeexpansion", func() {
@@ -413,10 +415,12 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(storageClass, createSourceClaim(), createVolumeSnapshotClass())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr.FallbackReason).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(*csr.FallbackReason).To(Equal(MessageNoVolumeExpansion))
 				expectEvent(planner, NoVolumeExpansion)
 			})
 
@@ -430,10 +434,12 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), createVolumeSnapshotClass(), source)
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr.FallbackReason).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(*csr.FallbackReason).To(Equal(MessageIncompatibleVolumeModes))
 				expectEvent(planner, IncompatibleVolumeModes)
 			})
 
@@ -451,10 +457,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 				cdi.Spec.CloneStrategyOverride = &cs
 				err = planner.Client.Update(context.Background(), cdi)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyCsiClone))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyCsiClone))
 			})
 
 			It("should return csi-clone if storage profile is set", func() {
@@ -473,10 +479,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					},
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(sp, createStorageClass(), createSourceClaim())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyCsiClone))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyCsiClone))
 			})
 		})
 
@@ -499,9 +505,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass())
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 				expectEvent(planner, CloneWithoutSource)
 			})
 
@@ -512,10 +518,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner()
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(Equal("target storage class not found"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should fail when snapshot doesn't have populated volumeSnapshotContent name", func() {
@@ -528,10 +534,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), source)
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(Equal("volumeSnapshotContent name not found"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should fallback to host-assisted when snapshot and storage class provisioners differ", func() {
@@ -543,10 +549,13 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), source, createDefaultVolumeSnapshotContent("test"))
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr.FallbackReason).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(*csr.FallbackReason).To(Equal(MessageNoProvisionerMatch))
+				expectEvent(planner, MessageNoProvisionerMatch)
 			})
 
 			It("should fail if snapshot doesn't have restore size", func() {
@@ -559,10 +568,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), source, createDefaultVolumeSnapshotContent("driver"))
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(err.Error()).To(Equal("snapshot has no RestoreSize"))
-				Expect(strategy).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr).To(BeNil())
 			})
 
 			It("should fallback to host-assisted when expansion is not supported", func() {
@@ -576,10 +585,13 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 				sc := createStorageClass()
 				sc.AllowVolumeExpansion = nil
 				planner := createPlanner(sc, source, createDefaultVolumeSnapshotContent("driver"))
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+				Expect(csr.FallbackReason).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(*csr.FallbackReason).To(Equal(MessageNoVolumeExpansion))
+				expectEvent(planner, NoVolumeExpansion)
 			})
 
 			It("should do smart clone when meeting all prerequisites", func() {
@@ -591,10 +603,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Planner test", func() {
 					Log:         log,
 				}
 				planner := createPlanner(createStorageClass(), source, createDefaultVolumeSnapshotContent("driver"))
-				strategy, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
+				csr, err := planner.ChooseStrategy(context.Background(), args)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(strategy).ToNot(BeNil())
-				Expect(*strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
+				Expect(csr).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(csr.Strategy).To(Equal(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot))
 			})
 		})
 	})
diff --git a/pkg/controller/datavolume/clone-controller-base.go b/pkg/controller/datavolume/clone-controller-base.go
index daca3adaa..c4718f288 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/datavolume/clone-controller-base.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/datavolume/clone-controller-base.go
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ package datavolume
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"reflect"
 
 	"github.com/pkg/errors"
 	corev1 "k8s.io/api/core/v1"
@@ -114,6 +115,10 @@ const (
 	RebindInProgress = "RebindInProgress"
 	// MessageRebindInProgress is a const for reporting target rebind
 	MessageRebindInProgress = "Rebinding PersistentVolumeClaim for DataVolume %s/%s"
+	// NoPopulator reports CDI populator is not used so we fallback to host-assisted cloning (reason)
+	NoPopulator = "NoPopulator"
+	// NoPopulatorMessage reports CDI populator is not used so we fallback to host-assisted cloning (message)
+	NoPopulatorMessage = "In tree storage class does not support snapshot/clone"
 
 	// AnnCSICloneRequest annotation associates object with CSI Clone Request
 	AnnCSICloneRequest = "cdi.kubevirt.io/CSICloneRequest"
@@ -242,6 +247,22 @@ func (r *CloneReconcilerBase) ensureExtendedTokenDV(dv *cdiv1.DataVolume) (bool,
 	return true, nil
 }
 
+func (r *CloneReconcilerBase) fallbackToHostAssisted(pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim) error {
+	pvcCpy := pvc.DeepCopy()
+
+	cc.AddAnnotation(pvcCpy, cc.AnnCloneType, string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+	cc.AddAnnotation(pvcCpy, populators.AnnCloneFallbackReason, NoPopulatorMessage)
+
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(pvc, pvcCpy) {
+		r.recorder.Event(pvcCpy, corev1.EventTypeWarning, NoPopulator, NoPopulatorMessage)
+		if err := r.updatePVC(pvcCpy); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 func (r *CloneReconcilerBase) ensureExtendedTokenPVC(dv *cdiv1.DataVolume, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim) error {
 	if !isCrossNamespaceClone(dv) {
 		return nil
diff --git a/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller.go b/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller.go
index 91fd75d89..8d03176ce 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller.go
@@ -335,6 +335,9 @@ func (r *PvcCloneReconciler) syncClone(log logr.Logger, req reconcile.Request) (
 		}
 	} else {
 		cc.AddAnnotation(datavolume, cc.AnnCloneType, string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+		if err := r.fallbackToHostAssisted(pvc); err != nil {
+			return syncRes, err
+		}
 	}
 
 	if err := r.ensureExtendedTokenPVC(datavolume, pvc); err != nil {
diff --git a/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller_test.go b/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller_test.go
index 8b9b861e3..2ea8c00d0 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/datavolume/pvc-clone-controller_test.go
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"reflect"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
@@ -198,6 +199,44 @@ var _ = Describe("All DataVolume Tests", func() {
 				Expect(dv.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot)))
 			})
 
+			It("Fallback to host-assisted cloning when populator is not used", func() {
+				dv := newCloneDataVolume("test-dv")
+				dv.Annotations[AnnUsePopulator] = "false"
+
+				anno := map[string]string{
+					AnnExtendedCloneToken: "test-token",
+					AnnCloneType:          string(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot),
+				}
+				pvc := CreatePvcInStorageClass("test-dv", metav1.NamespaceDefault, &scName, anno, nil, corev1.ClaimPending)
+				pvc.OwnerReferences = append(pvc.OwnerReferences, metav1.OwnerReference{
+					Kind:       "DataVolume",
+					Controller: pointer.Bool(true),
+					Name:       "test-dv",
+					UID:        dv.UID,
+				})
+
+				reconciler = createCloneReconciler(storageClass, csiDriver, dv, pvc /*, vcs*/)
+				result, err := reconciler.Reconcile(context.TODO(), reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}})
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(result.Requeue).To(BeFalse())
+				Expect(result.RequeueAfter).To(Equal(2 * time.Second))
+
+				dv = &cdiv1.DataVolume{}
+				err = reconciler.client.Get(context.TODO(), types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}, dv)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(dv.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted)))
+
+				pvc = &corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim{}
+				err = reconciler.client.Get(context.TODO(), types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}, pvc)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pvc.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted)))
+				Expect(pvc.Annotations[populators.AnnCloneFallbackReason]).To(Equal(NoPopulatorMessage))
+
+				event := <-reconciler.recorder.(*record.FakeRecorder).Events
+				Expect(event).To(ContainSubstring(NoPopulator))
+				Expect(event).To(ContainSubstring(NoPopulatorMessage))
+			})
+
 			DescribeTable("should map phase correctly", func(phaseName string, dvPhase cdiv1.DataVolumePhase, eventReason string) {
 				dv := newCloneDataVolume("test-dv")
 				anno := map[string]string{
diff --git a/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller.go b/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller.go
index b01691269..3870f5398 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller.go
@@ -261,6 +261,9 @@ func (r *SnapshotCloneReconciler) syncSnapshotClone(log logr.Logger, req reconci
 		}
 	} else {
 		cc.AddAnnotation(datavolume, cc.AnnCloneType, string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted))
+		if err := r.fallbackToHostAssisted(pvc); err != nil {
+			return syncRes, err
+		}
 	}
 
 	if err := r.ensureExtendedTokenPVC(datavolume, pvc); err != nil {
diff --git a/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller_test.go b/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller_test.go
index b03272c5f..8280332b7 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/datavolume/snapshot-clone-controller_test.go
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
@@ -369,6 +370,44 @@ var _ = Describe("All DataVolume Tests", func() {
 					Expect(dv.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot)))
 				})
 
+				It("Fallback to host-assisted cloning when populator is not used", func() {
+					dv := newCloneFromSnapshotDataVolume("test-dv")
+					dv.Annotations[AnnUsePopulator] = "false"
+
+					anno := map[string]string{
+						AnnExtendedCloneToken: "test-token",
+						AnnCloneType:          string(cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot),
+					}
+					pvc := CreatePvcInStorageClass("test-dv", metav1.NamespaceDefault, &scName, anno, nil, corev1.ClaimPending)
+					pvc.OwnerReferences = append(pvc.OwnerReferences, metav1.OwnerReference{
+						Kind:       "DataVolume",
+						Controller: pointer.Bool(true),
+						Name:       "test-dv",
+						UID:        dv.UID,
+					})
+
+					reconciler = createSnapshotCloneReconciler(storageClass, csiDriver, dv, pvc)
+					result, err := reconciler.Reconcile(context.TODO(), reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}})
+					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+					Expect(result.Requeue).To(BeFalse())
+					Expect(result.RequeueAfter).To(Equal(2 * time.Second))
+
+					dv = &cdiv1.DataVolume{}
+					err = reconciler.client.Get(context.TODO(), types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}, dv)
+					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+					Expect(dv.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted)))
+
+					pvc = &corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim{}
+					err = reconciler.client.Get(context.TODO(), types.NamespacedName{Name: "test-dv", Namespace: metav1.NamespaceDefault}, pvc)
+					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+					Expect(pvc.Annotations[AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(cdiv1.CloneStrategyHostAssisted)))
+					Expect(pvc.Annotations[populators.AnnCloneFallbackReason]).To(Equal(NoPopulatorMessage))
+
+					event := <-reconciler.recorder.(*record.FakeRecorder).Events
+					Expect(event).To(ContainSubstring(NoPopulator))
+					Expect(event).To(ContainSubstring(NoPopulatorMessage))
+				})
+
 				DescribeTable("should map phase correctly", func(phaseName string, dvPhase cdiv1.DataVolumePhase, eventReason string) {
 					dv := newCloneFromSnapshotDataVolume("test-dv")
 					anno := map[string]string{
diff --git a/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator.go b/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator.go
index efd653139..e62a7d43a 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator.go
@@ -48,6 +48,9 @@ const (
 	// AnnCloneError has the error string for error phase
 	AnnCloneError = "cdi.kubevirt.io/cloneError"
 
+	// AnnCloneFallbackReason has the host-assisted clone fallback reason
+	AnnCloneFallbackReason = "cdi.kubevirt.io/cloneFallbackReason"
+
 	// AnnDataSourceNamespace has the namespace of the DataSource
 	// this will be deprecated when cross namespace datasource goes beta
 	AnnDataSourceNamespace = "cdi.kubevirt.io/dataSourceNamespace"
@@ -64,7 +67,7 @@ var desiredCloneAnnotations = map[string]struct{}{
 
 // Planner is an interface to mock out planner implementation for testing
 type Planner interface {
-	ChooseStrategy(context.Context, *clone.ChooseStrategyArgs) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error)
+	ChooseStrategy(context.Context, *clone.ChooseStrategyArgs) (*clone.ChooseStrategyResult, error)
 	Plan(context.Context, *clone.PlanArgs) ([]clone.Phase, error)
 	Cleanup(context.Context, logr.Logger, client.Object) error
 }
@@ -194,18 +197,18 @@ func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) reconcilePending(ctx context.Context, log log
 		return reconcile.Result{}, r.updateClonePhaseError(ctx, log, pvc, err)
 	}
 
-	cs, err := r.getCloneStrategy(ctx, log, pvc, vcs)
+	csr, err := r.getCloneStrategy(ctx, log, pvc, vcs)
 	if err != nil {
 		return reconcile.Result{}, r.updateClonePhaseError(ctx, log, pvc, err)
 	}
 
-	if cs == nil {
+	if csr == nil {
 		log.V(3).Info("unable to choose clone strategy now")
 		// TODO maybe create index/watch to deal with this
 		return reconcile.Result{RequeueAfter: 5 * time.Second}, r.updateClonePhasePending(ctx, log, pvc)
 	}
 
-	updated, err := r.initTargetClaim(ctx, log, pvc, vcs, *cs)
+	updated, err := r.initTargetClaim(ctx, log, pvc, vcs, csr)
 	if err != nil {
 		return reconcile.Result{}, r.updateClonePhaseError(ctx, log, pvc, err)
 	}
@@ -220,16 +223,15 @@ func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) reconcilePending(ctx context.Context, log log
 		Log:         log,
 		TargetClaim: pvc,
 		DataSource:  vcs,
-		Strategy:    *cs,
+		Strategy:    csr.Strategy,
 	}
 
 	return r.planAndExecute(ctx, log, pvc, statusOnly, args)
 }
 
-func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) getCloneStrategy(ctx context.Context, log logr.Logger, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, vcs *cdiv1.VolumeCloneSource) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error) {
-	cs := getSavedCloneStrategy(pvc)
-	if cs != nil {
-		return cs, nil
+func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) getCloneStrategy(ctx context.Context, log logr.Logger, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, vcs *cdiv1.VolumeCloneSource) (*clone.ChooseStrategyResult, error) {
+	if cs := getSavedCloneStrategy(pvc); cs != nil {
+		return &clone.ChooseStrategyResult{Strategy: *cs}, nil
 	}
 
 	args := &clone.ChooseStrategyArgs{
@@ -238,12 +240,7 @@ func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) getCloneStrategy(ctx context.Context, log log
 		DataSource:  vcs,
 	}
 
-	cs, err := r.planner.ChooseStrategy(ctx, args)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return cs, nil
+	return r.planner.ChooseStrategy(ctx, args)
 }
 
 func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) planAndExecute(ctx context.Context, log logr.Logger, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, statusOnly bool, args *clone.PlanArgs) (reconcile.Result, error) {
@@ -315,13 +312,16 @@ func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) reconcileDone(ctx context.Context, log logr.L
 	return reconcile.Result{}, r.client.Update(ctx, claimCpy)
 }
 
-func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) initTargetClaim(ctx context.Context, log logr.Logger, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, vcs *cdiv1.VolumeCloneSource, cs cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy) (bool, error) {
+func (r *ClonePopulatorReconciler) initTargetClaim(ctx context.Context, log logr.Logger, pvc *corev1.PersistentVolumeClaim, vcs *cdiv1.VolumeCloneSource, csr *clone.ChooseStrategyResult) (bool, error) {
 	claimCpy := pvc.DeepCopy()
 	clone.AddCommonClaimLabels(claimCpy)
-	setSavedCloneStrategy(claimCpy, cs)
+	setSavedCloneStrategy(claimCpy, csr.Strategy)
 	if claimCpy.Annotations[AnnClonePhase] == "" {
 		cc.AddAnnotation(claimCpy, AnnClonePhase, clone.PendingPhaseName)
 	}
+	if claimCpy.Annotations[AnnCloneFallbackReason] == "" && csr.FallbackReason != nil {
+		cc.AddAnnotation(claimCpy, AnnCloneFallbackReason, *csr.FallbackReason)
+	}
 	cc.AddFinalizer(claimCpy, cloneFinalizer)
 
 	if !apiequality.Semantic.DeepEqual(pvc, claimCpy) {
diff --git a/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator_test.go b/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator_test.go
index 988dc3181..33f0f2434 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/populators/clone-populator_test.go
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone populator tests", func() {
 	It("should be pending and initialize target if choosestrategy returns something", func() {
 		target, source := targetAndDataSource()
 		reconciler := createClonePopulatorReconciler(target, storageClass(), source)
-		csr := cdiv1.CloneStrategySnapshot
+		csr := clone.ChooseStrategyResult{}
 		reconciler.planner = &fakePlanner{
 			chooseStrategyResult: &csr,
 		}
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone populator tests", func() {
 		isDefaultResult(result, err)
 		pvc := getTarget(reconciler.client)
 		Expect(pvc.Annotations[AnnClonePhase]).To(Equal(string(clone.PendingPhaseName)))
-		Expect(pvc.Annotations[cc.AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(csr)))
+		Expect(pvc.Annotations[cc.AnnCloneType]).To(Equal(string(csr.Strategy)))
 		Expect(pvc.Finalizers).To(ContainElement(cloneFinalizer))
 	})
 
@@ -395,14 +395,14 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone populator tests", func() {
 
 // fakePlanner implements Plan interface
 type fakePlanner struct {
-	chooseStrategyResult *cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy
+	chooseStrategyResult *clone.ChooseStrategyResult
 	chooseStrategyError  error
 	planResult           []clone.Phase
 	planError            error
 	cleanupCalled        bool
 }
 
-func (p *fakePlanner) ChooseStrategy(ctx context.Context, args *clone.ChooseStrategyArgs) (*cdiv1.CDICloneStrategy, error) {
+func (p *fakePlanner) ChooseStrategy(ctx context.Context, args *clone.ChooseStrategyArgs) (*clone.ChooseStrategyResult, error) {
 	return p.chooseStrategyResult, p.chooseStrategyError
 }
 
diff --git a/tests/BUILD.bazel b/tests/BUILD.bazel
index ef0f6df46..49ff516a0 100644
--- a/tests/BUILD.bazel
+++ b/tests/BUILD.bazel
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ go_test(
         "//pkg/client/clientset/versioned:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/common:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/controller:go_default_library",
+        "//pkg/controller/clone:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/controller/common:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/controller/datavolume:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/controller/populators:go_default_library",
diff --git a/tests/clone-populator_test.go b/tests/clone-populator_test.go
index e88cfdaac..59e0307bf 100644
--- a/tests/clone-populator_test.go
+++ b/tests/clone-populator_test.go
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import (
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 
 	cdiv1 "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer-api/pkg/apis/core/v1beta1"
+	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/clone"
 	cc "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/common"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/tests/framework"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/tests/utils"
@@ -261,6 +262,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone Populator tests", func() {
 			sourceHash := getHash(source, 100000)
 			targetHash := getHash(target, 100000)
 			Expect(targetHash).To(Equal(sourceHash))
+			f.ExpectCloneFallback(target, clone.IncompatibleVolumeModes, clone.MessageIncompatibleVolumeModes)
 		})
 
 		It("should do filesystem to block clone", func() {
@@ -276,6 +278,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone Populator tests", func() {
 			sourceHash := getHash(source, 100000)
 			targetHash := getHash(target, 100000)
 			Expect(targetHash).To(Equal(sourceHash))
+			f.ExpectCloneFallback(target, clone.IncompatibleVolumeModes, clone.MessageIncompatibleVolumeModes)
 		})
 
 		DescribeTable("should clone explicit types requested by user", func(cloneType string, canDo func() bool) {
@@ -357,6 +360,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone Populator tests", func() {
 				By("Check tmp source PVC is deleted")
 				_, err = f.K8sClient.CoreV1().PersistentVolumeClaims(snapshot.Namespace).Get(context.TODO(), tmpSourcePVCforSnapshot, metav1.GetOptions{})
 				Expect(k8serrors.IsNotFound(err)).To(BeTrue())
+				f.ExpectCloneFallback(target, clone.NoVolumeExpansion, clone.MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
 			})
 
 			It("should finish the clone after creating the source snapshot", func() {
@@ -374,6 +378,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Clone Populator tests", func() {
 				By("Check tmp source PVC is deleted")
 				_, err = f.K8sClient.CoreV1().PersistentVolumeClaims(snapshot.Namespace).Get(context.TODO(), tmpSourcePVCforSnapshot, metav1.GetOptions{})
 				Expect(k8serrors.IsNotFound(err)).To(BeTrue())
+				f.ExpectCloneFallback(target, clone.NoVolumeExpansion, clone.MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
 			})
 		})
 	})
diff --git a/tests/cloner_test.go b/tests/cloner_test.go
index 0580e6568..f6ee05412 100644
--- a/tests/cloner_test.go
+++ b/tests/cloner_test.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 
 	cdiv1 "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer-api/pkg/apis/core/v1beta1"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/common"
+	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/clone"
 	controller "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/common"
 	dvc "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/datavolume"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/token"
@@ -97,18 +98,15 @@ var _ = Describe("all clone tests", func() {
 		})
 
 		It("[test_id:6693]Should clone imported data and retain transfer pods after completion", func() {
-			smartApplicable := f.IsSnapshotStorageClassAvailable()
-			sc, err := f.K8sClient.StorageV1().StorageClasses().Get(context.TODO(), f.SnapshotSCName, metav1.GetOptions{})
-			if err == nil {
-				value, ok := sc.Annotations["storageclass.kubernetes.io/is-default-class"]
-				if smartApplicable && ok && strings.Compare(value, "true") == 0 {
-					Skip("Cannot test host assisted cloning for within namespace when all pvcs are smart clone capable.")
-				}
+			scName := f.GetNoSnapshotStorageClass()
+			if scName == nil {
+				Skip("Cannot test host-assisted cloning when all storage classes are smart clone capable")
 			}
 
 			dataVolume := utils.NewDataVolumeWithHTTPImport(dataVolumeName, "1Gi", fmt.Sprintf(utils.TinyCoreIsoURL, f.CdiInstallNs))
+			dataVolume.Spec.PVC.StorageClassName = scName
 			By(fmt.Sprintf("Create new datavolume %s", dataVolume.Name))
-			dataVolume, err = utils.CreateDataVolumeFromDefinition(f.CdiClient, f.Namespace.Name, dataVolume)
+			dataVolume, err := utils.CreateDataVolumeFromDefinition(f.CdiClient, f.Namespace.Name, dataVolume)
 			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 			f.ForceBindPvcIfDvIsWaitForFirstConsumer(dataVolume)
 
@@ -116,6 +114,7 @@ var _ = Describe("all clone tests", func() {
 			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 			targetDV := utils.NewCloningDataVolume("target-dv", "1Gi", pvc)
 			targetDV.Annotations[controller.AnnPodRetainAfterCompletion] = "true"
+			targetDV.Spec.PVC.StorageClassName = scName
 			By(fmt.Sprintf("Create new target datavolume %s", targetDV.Name))
 			targetDataVolume, err := utils.CreateDataVolumeFromDefinition(f.CdiClient, f.Namespace.Name, targetDV)
 			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
@@ -124,6 +123,10 @@ var _ = Describe("all clone tests", func() {
 			By("Wait for target datavolume phase Succeeded")
 			Expect(utils.WaitForDataVolumePhaseWithTimeout(f, targetDataVolume.Namespace, cdiv1.Succeeded, targetDV.Name, cloneCompleteTimeout)).Should(Succeed())
 
+			target, err := f.K8sClient.CoreV1().PersistentVolumeClaims(targetDataVolume.Namespace).Get(context.TODO(), targetDataVolume.Name, metav1.GetOptions{})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			f.ExpectCloneFallback(target, dvc.NoPopulator, dvc.NoPopulatorMessage)
+
 			By("Find cloner source pod after completion")
 			cloner, err := utils.FindPodBySuffixOnce(f.K8sClient, targetDataVolume.Namespace, common.ClonerSourcePodNameSuffix, common.CDILabelSelector)
 			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
@@ -2739,6 +2742,8 @@ var _ = Describe("all clone tests", func() {
 					By("Check host assisted clone is taking place")
 					pvc, err := f.K8sClient.CoreV1().PersistentVolumeClaims(targetNs.Name).Get(context.TODO(), dvName, metav1.GetOptions{})
 					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+					f.ExpectCloneFallback(pvc, clone.NoVolumeExpansion, clone.MessageNoVolumeExpansion)
+
 					// non csi
 					if pvc.Spec.DataSourceRef == nil {
 						suffix := "-host-assisted-source-pvc"
diff --git a/tests/framework/BUILD.bazel b/tests/framework/BUILD.bazel
index 07a79b3ae..603072f90 100644
--- a/tests/framework/BUILD.bazel
+++ b/tests/framework/BUILD.bazel
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ go_library(
         "//pkg/client/clientset/versioned:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/common:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/controller/common:go_default_library",
+        "//pkg/controller/populators:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/feature-gates:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/image:go_default_library",
         "//pkg/util/naming:go_default_library",
diff --git a/tests/framework/framework.go b/tests/framework/framework.go
index a06617f33..3df55b444 100644
--- a/tests/framework/framework.go
+++ b/tests/framework/framework.go
@@ -41,6 +41,8 @@ import (
 	cdiv1 "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer-api/pkg/apis/core/v1beta1"
 	cdiClientset "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/client/clientset/versioned"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/common"
+	cc "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/common"
+	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/controller/populators"
 	featuregates "kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/pkg/feature-gates"
 	"kubevirt.io/containerized-data-importer/tests/utils"
 )
@@ -654,6 +656,17 @@ func (f *Framework) ExpectEvent(dataVolumeNamespace string) gomega.AsyncAssertio
 	}, timeout, pollingInterval)
 }
 
+// ExpectCloneFallback checks PVC annotations and event of clone fallback to host-assisted
+func (f *Framework) ExpectCloneFallback(pvc *v1.PersistentVolumeClaim, reason, message string) {
+	ginkgo.By("Check PVC annotations and event of clone fallback to host-assisted")
+	gomega.Expect(pvc.Annotations[cc.AnnCloneType]).To(gomega.Equal("copy"))
+	gomega.Expect(pvc.Annotations[populators.AnnCloneFallbackReason]).To(gomega.Equal(message))
+	f.ExpectEvent(pvc.Namespace).Should(gomega.And(
+		gomega.ContainSubstring(pvc.Name),
+		gomega.ContainSubstring(reason),
+		gomega.ContainSubstring(message)))
+}
+
 // runKubectlCommand ...
 func (f *Framework) runKubectlCommand(args ...string) (string, error) {
 	var errb bytes.Buffer
@@ -713,6 +726,31 @@ func (f *Framework) IsSnapshotStorageClassAvailable() bool {
 	return false
 }
 
+// GetNoSnapshotStorageClass gets storage class without snapshot support
+func (f *Framework) GetNoSnapshotStorageClass() *string {
+	scs, err := f.K8sClient.StorageV1().StorageClasses().List(context.TODO(), metav1.ListOptions{})
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	vscs := &snapshotv1.VolumeSnapshotClassList{}
+	if err = f.CrClient.List(context.TODO(), vscs); err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	for _, sc := range scs.Items {
+		if sc.Name == "local" || strings.Contains(sc.Provisioner, "no-provisioner") {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, vsc := range vscs.Items {
+			if vsc.Driver == sc.Provisioner {
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+		return &sc.Name
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // GetSnapshotClass returns the volume snapshot class.
 func (f *Framework) GetSnapshotClass() *snapshotv1.VolumeSnapshotClass {
 	// Fetch the storage class