Hit by an Uninsured Driver: What to do

What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver

Uninsured drivers remain a serious problem in the UK. According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) there are more than 130 deaths and around 26 000 injuries each year caused by uninsured or untraceable drivers. A collision is stressful enough without discovering the other driver has no insurance, and many people are unsure about their rights or what will happen to their no‑claims discount. This guide explains how to protect yourself – legally and financially – if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit‑and‑run, and how 1st Central’s Uninsured Driver Promise can help.

How to Check If a Driver Is Insured

If you suspect the other driver is uninsured, don’t confront them about it. Your priority is to stay safe and gather information. You can later check a vehicle’s insurance status using the Motor Insurance Database (MID) via the askMID service. For your own car it’s free to use online; to check another vehicle after an accident you enter both registration numbers and pay a small fee. There’s also an askMID Roadside service for smartphones that’s free if you’re still at the scene.

You’ll need to note the other vehicle’s make, model and registration number. The service returns the insurer’s name, policy number and claims contact details. If you can’t access askMID or feel uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can:

• Ask your own insurer to check via their channels.
• Report it to the police; they have access to the MID and automatic number‑plate recognition (ANPR) to see if a vehicle is insured.
• Remain calm. Don’t accuse the other driver or argue about their insurance; the priority is gathering facts and keeping safe.

Remember to check your own cover regularly. It’s illegal to drive without at least third‑party insurance. Driving uninsured can lead to a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points, or an unlimited fine and possible disqualification in court. Police can seize and even destroy an uninsured vehicle.

What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Your actions immediately after a collision help protect your claim and legal position. Follow these steps:

1. Stop safely and check for injuries. It’s a legal requirement to stop and exchange details after a collision. Switch off your engine and put on hazard lights. Call 999 if anyone is seriously injured or if the road is obstructed.
2. Note vehicle and driver details. Record the other vehicle’s make, model, registration plate and, if possible, the driver’s name and address. These details are essential for an uninsured driver claim.
3. Gather evidence. Take photographs of damage, the vehicles’ positions and the wider scene. If you have a dashcam, save the footage and back it up. Record the time, date and location.
4. Collect witness information. Ask for names and contact details of anyone who saw the collision. Witness statements strengthen your version of events.
5. Stay calm and don’t admit liability. Do not negotiate or admit responsibility at the scene – even if you feel pressured. According to 1st Central’s motor policy wording, you must not admit responsibility or make any agreements with those holding you responsible for damage or injury.
6. Contact the police if necessary. If you’re unable to exchange details because the driver refuses or leaves, call the police on 101. If a crime is suspected (drink‑driving, dangerous driving), dial 999 immediately.
7. Inform your insurer quickly. You should notify your insurer even if you don’t intend to claim. They can advise on next steps, open a claim and possibly check the other vehicle’s insurance status.

For support with making a claim, you can also contact 1st Central’s dedicated team via our make a claim page.

Should You Report the Accident to the Police?

Yes, in many situations. The Highway Code and Road Traffic Act require you to report a collision to the police within 24 hours if:

• You could not exchange details at the scene, or the other driver refused to provide their information.
• Anyone other than the driver is injured.
• You suspect the other driver committed a driving offence, such as driving uninsured or leaving the scene.

Failing to report within 24 hours can lead to penalties for “failure to report.” Additionally, the MIB requires you to notify the police within 14 days if you suffer injuries, or within five days for property damage. Delays could jeopardise your claim. When you report the incident, ask for a reference number; this will be needed by your insurer and the MIB.

If you exchanged details at the scene, no one was injured and no offences occurred, you don’t need to report it. However, it’s often wise to obtain an incident number for later reference.

What Happens If It Is a Hit and Run?

A hit‑and‑run occurs when a driver leaves without providing details. In this case, treat your safety first: stop safely, call 999 if there are injuries or a danger, then gather as much information as possible before the scene changes:

• Note the fleeing vehicle’s registration number, make, model and colour.
• Take pictures of debris, skid marks and any damage to your vehicle.
• Speak to witnesses and ask nearby businesses if they have CCTV.

Call the police immediately and get an incident reference number. For hit‑and‑run claims, the MIB runs an Untraced Drivers’ Scheme. You’ll need to show you reported the incident within 14 days (injuries) or five days (property damage) and provide evidence such as photos, dashcam footage and witness statements.

If you have comprehensive cover, your insurer may handle the claim and recover costs from the MIB. If you have only third‑party cover, you will need to apply directly to the MIB and submit the evidence yourself. MIB aims to settle straightforward claims within three months; complex cases can take longer.

How Will an Uninsured Driver Claim Impact Your No-Claims Bonus?

Your no‑claims discount (NCD) rewards years of accident‑free driving. In most cases, if the accident isn’t your fault, insurers won’t reduce your NCD – but you may need to pay your excess until fault is confirmed. Some insurers, including 1st Central, go further.

At 1st Central, our Uninsured Driver Promise ensures that if you’re hit by an uninsured driver and it wasn’t your fault, we won’t reduce your no‑claims discount and will refund your policy excess. You’ll need to provide the other vehicle’s make, model and registration number, plus the driver’s name and address. In some circumstances, you might still have to pay the excess and lose your NCD temporarily until we’re satisfied you weren’t at fault.

For third‑party policies without an uninsured driver benefit, your NCD may be affected if you have to claim through the MIB. Comprehensive policies usually cover your own damage straight away; your insurer recovers costs and refunds your excess once the MIB confirms the other driver was uninsured. Hit‑and‑run claims follow the MIB’s untraced scheme; insurers may treat these similarly, but always check your policy. Optional add‑ons such as protected NCD and legal expenses cover can provide extra peace of mind if you need to pursue compensation.

Being hit by an uninsured driver is upsetting, but knowing the right steps helps protect you and your claim. Stay calm, ensure everyone is safe, gather as much evidence as possible, and report the incident correctly. Use the askMID service or your insurer to verify the other driver’s insurance status. Always inform your insurer promptly and cooperate with the police and MIB where required. Comprehensive cover – especially policies with an uninsured driver promise – and optional legal expenses protection make recovering your losses smoother.

Ready to protect yourself? Get a car insurance quote today.

If you need help after an accident, visit our make a claim page to get started.

FAQs

Can you claim against an uninsured driver?

Yes. If you have comprehensive insurance, start by contacting your insurer; they will arrange repairs and recover costs from the MIB. If you have third‑party cover, you’ll need to apply directly to the MIB. For hit‑and‑run cases, claims are made through the MIB’s untraced drivers’ scheme.

What evidence is needed for an uninsured driver claim?

Key evidence includes the other vehicle’s registration and driver details, photographs and dashcam footage, witness contact information, a police incident reference number, and notes of the time, date and location. Comprehensive documentation speeds up investigations.

What should I do if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Treat it as a hit‑and‑run. Stop safely, call 999 if necessary, and gather as much information as you can – the fleeing vehicle’s registration, photos, witness statements and CCTV where possible. Report the incident to the police immediately and within 14 days for injury or five days for property damage. You can then claim through your insurer (if comprehensive) or directly via the MIB’s untraced drivers’ scheme.

How long do I have to report an accident with an uninsured driver?

Legally, you must stop and exchange details at the scene or report the incident to the police within 24 hours if you couldn’t exchange details, someone is injured or you suspect a driving offence. For MIB claims, you must notify the police within 14 days for injuries and within five days for property damage. Failing to report in time may lead to penalties and could jeopardise your claim.

Does legal expenses cover help with uninsured driver claims?

Legal expenses cover can help with the cost of pursuing a claim against an uninsured or untraced driver. While the MIB or your insurer will handle compensation, disputes may arise (for example, if liability is contested). Having legal expenses cover means you won’t face solicitor fees yourself, and it can support personal injury claims or recover uninsured losses, such as out‑of‑pocket expenses. It’s often an inexpensive optional add‑on worth considering if you want extra peace of mind.