I've been hit by an uninsured driver: what do I do?

It’s estimated that there are over one million uninsured drivers on British roads. But what should you do if one of them hits your car?

EASY AS HACK

Did you know you can find out if a driver is insured using the Motor Insurance Database?

What happens if you are hit by an uninsured driver?

If you’ve been in an accident, you might not be aware that the other driver is uninsured. It’s illegal to drive without insurance, so they may not tell you. Here’s what to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver:

1. After you’ve had an accident, get the name and address of the other driver, as well as their car’s registration number, make and model. You’ll also need their insurance details. If they’re uninsured, they may or may not reveal the truth.
2. Report the accident to the police, however minor, if the other driver refuses to hand over their insurance details.
3. Contact your insurer and explain what happened as soon as possible, even if you don’t want to make a claim. If you have comprehensive cover, you can claim for any repairs.
4. If you don’t have comprehensive car insurance but you have third party, fire and theft or third party only cover, or you want to claim for personal injury, inform the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The organisation helps road users claim against uninsured drivers, those who can’t be traced (‘hit and run’ drivers) or those driving foreign-registered cars. Make your claim as soon as possible. Personal injury claims must be made within three years of the accident.
5. The MIB will investigate, keeping you updated. They may ask for additional information.
6. You should usually find out whether the MIB will be awarding you compensation within three months, or six weeks for a minor personal injury claim. There could end up being a delay if the MIB is waiting for additional medical or police reports.
7. It may take some time for the MIB to decide how much compensation you are due, but it may be possible to receive interim payments if the process is taking a long time.
8. If the MIB decides not to award you compensation you have the right to appeal.

How do I find out if a driver is insured or not?

You can ask your own insurance company to find out if the other driver is insured. Or you can make a query through the Motor Insurance Database (MID) for £10.

The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is managed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an independent organization that is not affiliated with any insurance providers or brokers.

The MID is a central record of all vehicles in the UK that have a motor insurance policy. The MIB works with the police, DVLA, insurance industry, and solicitors to use the MID to identify and reduce uninsured driving.

If you’ve been in an accident, the other driver is more than likely to give you their insurance details if they are insured. If someone refuses to give you their insurance details you may have to do your own checks to see if they’re insured. If you have a comprehensive policy then your insurer will do this for you.

Make sure you write down their vehicle registration and details, as you’ll need this to find out whether they’re insured.

Can you claim on your insurance if hit by an uninsured driver?

Yes, if you have a comprehensive insurance policy.

Claims against an uninsured driver means your insurer won’t be able to get the costs back from another insurer.

If you have third party insurance, or third party, fire and theft insurance, you can make a claim through the MIB.

The Ageas Uninsured Driver Promise -
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver that wasn’t your fault, it shouldn’t cost you a penny when you claim. That’s why we’ll reimburse your excess and your NCD will be reinstated. You will need the make, model and registration of other vehicle.

What happens to uninsured drivers in an accident?

Driving without insurance is against the law. You must have third party cover as an absolute minimum to drive on UK roads.

Anyone caught driving without the correct insurance can face up to six penalty points and a fixed penalty of £300. If the case goes to court, they could get an unlimited fine or even be disqualified from driving.

The police also have the right to seize and destroy any vehicle being driven without the proper insurance.

Uninsured drivers are responsible for covering the cost of compensation if they cause an accident. That includes covering the cost of compensation if they’ve damaged your property or caused an injury.

How to report an accident

According to the Road Traffic Act (1988), you must report a car accident to the police if people or animals are injured.

You should call 999 if anyone is hurt, needs medical attention, or if you believe there’s a reason to get the police involved. For non-emergency police matters call 101. For non-emergency medical matters, call 111.

What conditions do I need to meet to make a claim against an uninsured driver?

Although every insurer has different requirements you should be able to make a claim against an uninsured driver through your insurer if:

• You have comprehensive car insurance cover
• You’ve gathered all the necessary details your insurer requests
• You have evidence to help show what happened (dashcam footage, witnesses etc)

Find out more about our car insurance.

FAQs

Will I lose my no claims discount if I’m hit by an uninsured driver? It depends. Some insurers – including Ageas – include an uninsured drivers promise with their comprehensive insurance. Provided the accident wasn’t your fault , your no-claims discount will be reinstated if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. Your excess will also be reimbursed. Ageas, and most other insurers, need the other vehicle’s make, model and valid registration number and if possible the name and address of the person driving the other vehicle.

Is driving uninsured illegal? Yes. Driving without insurance is illegal and you’ll face serious penalties if you do it.

How do police catch uninsured drivers in the UK? The police use the Motor Insurance Database to catch uninsured drivers. It contains information on every car insurance policy in the UK.

What if the collision is a hit and run? First, see if you can find witnesses. Then look for video doorbells. You should also take pictures of evidence, especially if there’s traces of the vehicle.

What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau? The MIB is a non-profit organisation which helps with claims against uninsured drivers.