What to do if You’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver

Being in a car accident is already stressful, but it becomes even more challenging if the other driver is uninsured. You might find yourself with many questions: What steps should you take? Can you file a claim with your insurance? How will this impact your no-claims discount?

This guide will provide answers to all your questions about what happens if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

What happens if an uninsured driver hits you?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, there’s no need to worry. The insurance industry has safeguards to handle these situations. It’s possible to claim and get compensation, but the outcome will depend on your car insurance policy type – whether you have comprehensive coverage or third-party insurance.

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

If an uninsured driver hits your car, you can claim for repairs if you have comprehensive insurance. However, if you only have third-party or third-party, fire and theft coverage, your insurance won’t cover the repairs. In that case, or if you’re injured, you can claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Even with comprehensive insurance, the claims process might be a bit more complicated because your insurer can’t get the money back from another insurance company.

Will it impact your no-claims bonus?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, whether your no-claims bonus is affected depends on your insurance policy. Some comprehensive car insurance policies have an uninsured driver promise.

An uninsured driver promise is a feature which protects your no-claims bonus if the accident wasn’t your fault and you can provide the uninsured car’s details (make, model, registration number).

If your policy includes this promise, your no-claims bonus stays safe. Saga’s comprehensive car insurance for over 50s includes this promise, as well as refunding any excess paid once we have confirmed that you have a valid uninsured driver claim.

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

If you’re in an accident, both drivers are legally required to exchange information, including names, addresses and insurance details.

However, if the other driver doesn’t give you their insurance information, you can check car insurance information on the Motor Insurance Database using their registration number. Visit askMID.com or ask your insurance provider to do it for you. The website will confirm whether the driver is insured and, if so, provide their insurance provider, policy number and contact details.

What should you do if you were hit by an uninsured driver and they can’t be traced?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver and can’t trace them because they drove off before you could get their registration number, here’s what you should do:

Gather evidence: Look for nearby cameras or check your dash cam for footage.
Report to the police: Provide them with any evidence you have.
Inform your insurance provider: If you have comprehensive coverage, they can help track the driver and cover repairs.
Claim through the MIB: If you can’t find the driver and only have third-party insurance, the MIB can try to identify them and may compensate you if you have a strong case.

FAQs: Getting hit by an uninsured driver

Is driving without insurance a major offence?

Driving without car insurance is illegal in the UK. You must have at least third-party insurance to be behind the wheel on any road or public space.

If you’re caught without insurance, you could be fined £300 and get six points on your licence. If it goes to court, you might face an unlimited fine and even lose your licence.

Do you have to tell insurance about an accident if you’re not claiming?

Always inform your insurance provider if you’re in an accident, even if you don’t plan to make a claim. Here’s why:

Policy protection: Not reporting an accident could break your policy rules. If your insurer finds out later, they might cancel your policy.
Third-party claims: Someone else involved might make a claim. Your insurer needs your side of the story to protect you from false claims.
Vehicle value: Any damage to your car can affect its value. Your insurer needs to know about it.

Who are Saga's car insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga’s car insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed by us specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide high standards of quality and service.