What is an uninsured driver promise?

What Is an Uninsured Driver Promise?

An uninsured driver promise is a feature included in some car insurance policies that protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. With over a million uninsured drivers estimated to be on UK roads, it’s an important safeguard that ensures you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

At 1st Central, our Uninsured Driver Promise means you won’t lose your no-claims discount or pay your excess if you’re involved in a non-fault accident with an uninsured motorist.

Key points covered in this guide:

• What an uninsured driver promise usually covers.
• What happens if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist.
• How to check if another driver is uninsured.
• The scale of uninsured driving in the UK.
• How claims work with and without an uninsured driver promise.
• Why this cover offers real peace of mind.

What Does an Uninsured Driver Promise Cover?

An uninsured driver promise typically ensures that:

• Your policy excess is refunded if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
• Your no-claims discount is protected in a non-fault accident. 

This only applies if you can prove the accident wasn’t your fault and the other driver was uninsured.

What Happens If You're Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

If you’re involved in an accident with someone you suspect is uninsured:

1. Report the incident to the police and your insurer.
2. Gather evidence – photos, witness statements, and the other driver’s details.
3. Check insurance status – insurers use the Motor Insurance Database (askMID) to verify if the other driver is insured.

With an uninsured driver promise, your insurer may refund your excess and protect your no-claims discount while pursuing recovery.

Without this protection, you may need to make a claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) yourself, which can take longer.

See how it works with 1st Central Car Insurance.

 How Can I Tell If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

Some warning signs include:

• They refuse or fail to provide insurance details.
• They give expired or suspicious documents.
• They appear evasive or try to leave the scene.

What you can do:

• Use the Motor Insurance Database to check if a vehicle is insured.
• Collect as much evidence as possible – photos, number plates, witness statements.
• Always report the incident to the police.

 The Cost of Uninsured Drivers in the UK

Uninsured drivers are a bigger problem than many realise. According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), around 300,000 vehicles are being driven without insurance every day in the UK – adding up to more than a million over the course of a year.

The impact is huge:

• Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers cost the UK economy an estimated £2.4 billion each year.
• In 2024, the MIB paid out more than £400 million in compensation to people hit by uninsured or untraceable drivers.
• The FCA reports that the cost of claims linked to uninsured drivers rose from £329 million in 2019 to £452 million in 2024. 

Who pays for this? Ultimately, all law-abiding drivers. The money has to come from somewhere, and that means higher premiums across the board.

This is why features like an uninsured driver promise matter – they can protect your no-claims discount and refund your excess, so you’re not left out of pocket because of someone else’s poor choice.

Can You Claim Against an Uninsured Driver?

Yes – but how it works depends on your cover:

• With an uninsured driver promise: Your insurer covers your costs, refunds your excess, and protects your no-claims discount.
  Without it: You may need to claim via the MIB, which can be slower.

Uninsured drivers cannot claim against your policy if they were at fault.

Why an Uninsured Driver Promise Offers Peace of Mind

Being hit by an uninsured driver is stressful enough without worrying about your finances. An uninsured driver promise ensures:

• You can protect your excess.
• Your no-claims discount stays intact.
• Your insurer takes on the case, not you.

This protection may be included as standard in some policies. Always check your policy details to be sure.

Want peace of mind on the road? Explore our Car Insurance options.

FAQs

Does an uninsured driver promise cost extra?
Some policies include it as standard, but always check your policy documents.

Can an uninsured driver claim from my insurance?
No. If they were at fault, they cannot make a claim against your policy.

What if I can’t identify the driver who hit me?
If you have their number plate, insurers can check the Motor Insurance Database (MID). If the driver flees and you can’t identify them, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).

How can I check if the other car is insured?
Use the askMID service to check if a vehicle is insured.