Being involved in a road traffic accident is stressful. Finding out that the driver who hit you is uninsured can make it even worse. You may feel confused, angry, or worried about who will pay for the damage to your car or your injuries.
The good news is this: being hit by an uninsured driver does not mean you are left without options. UK law and the insurance system are designed to protect you in this situation.
This guide explains everything you need to know—what to do after the accident, how you can claim compensation, and how organisations like the Motor Insurers’ Bureau help you when the other driver has no insurance.
First things first: are you safe?
Your safety always comes first.
If anyone is injured:
- Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance and the police.
If no one is hurt but your car is damaged:
- Pull over somewhere safe if you can.
- Switch off your engine and turn on your hazard lights.
Once everyone is safe, you can start dealing with what happens next.
What does “uninsured driver” actually mean?
An uninsured driver is someone who is driving without valid motor insurance. In the UK, it is illegal to drive without insurance, but unfortunately it still happens.
If an insured driver hits you, their insurance company usually pays for:
- Repairs to your vehicle
- Compensation for any personal injury
When a driver is uninsured, there is no insurer to claim against directly. This is where special rules and organisations step in to protect you.
Can you still make a claim if the other driver is uninsured?
Yes, you can.
An uninsured accident does not leave you helpless. Depending on your situation, your claim may involve:
- Your own insurance company
- The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
- Or both
The exact route depends on what type of cover you have and whether you are claiming for vehicle damage, injury, or both.
Claiming for car damage with comprehensive insurance
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you can usually claim for repairs to your car through your own insurer, even if the crash was not your fault.
In most cases:
- Your insurer will arrange repairs or pay out the value of your car if it is written off.
- If your policy includes an uninsured driver promise, you may not have to pay an excess or lose your no claims discount.
Always check your policy documents so you know exactly what cover you have.
What is the uninsured driver promise?
Many insurers include an uninsured driver promise in their comprehensive policies.
This promise usually means:
- You won’t lose your no claims discount
- Your insurer may refund or waive your excess
To use this promise, insurers often ask you to provide details of the uninsured driver and their vehicle.
This is why gathering information at the scene is so important.
Will you lose your no claims discount?
In most cases, no—as long as:
- You were not at fault
- You have comprehensive cover
- Your policy includes an uninsured driver promise
Each insurer’s terms are slightly different, so it is worth checking your policy or speaking to your insurer directly.
What if you are injured? The role of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau
If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you may need to make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau is a non-profit organisation set up by UK motor insurers. Its purpose is to make sure victims of uninsured or untraced drivers can still receive compensation.
In simple terms:
- The MIB steps in when there is no insurance company to claim against
- Compensation is funded by the insurance premiums paid by insured drivers
They investigate claims in a similar way to an insurer, by collecting evidence and deciding who was responsible for the accident.
What does the MIB cover?
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau can help with:
- Personal injury claims
- Compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses
- In some cases, damage to property
Your claim must meet certain conditions, and evidence is very important.
How solicitors can help with uninsured driver claims
Although the MIB decides whether a claim succeeds, a solicitor can help you:
- Gather strong evidence
- Prepare your claim properly
- Calculate a realistic compensation amount
- Communicate with the MIB on your behalf
This can reduce stress and improve the chances of a fair outcome, especially if you are injured.
Many firms offer a free initial chat so you can understand your options before committing to anything.
What should you do at the scene of the accident?
An uninsured driver may be reluctant to stop or share their details, so try to collect as much information as you safely can.
Important details to note
- The registration number of the other vehicle
- The make, model, and colour of the vehicle
- The driver’s name and address (if possible)
- The date, time, and location of the accident
Witnesses can be crucial
If anyone saw the accident:
- Ask for their name and contact details
- Witness statements can make a big difference to your claim
Take photos if you can
Photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- The scene of the accident
These can provide strong supporting evidence later.
What if the driver refuses to give details or drives away?
If the driver refuses to share details or leaves the scene:
- Contact the police as soon as possible
- Inform your insurance company
You have the right to ask for the other driver’s details if there is damage or injury. Refusal itself is a serious matter.
How can you check if a car is insured?
You can check whether a vehicle is insured using askMID.com.
This is a public database run by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. It allows you to:
- Check insurance details using the registration number
- Confirm cover quickly, even on your phone
This can be especially useful at the roadside if you suspect the other driver is uninsured.
Why uninsured driver claims feel overwhelming
If you have just been in an accident, your mind is often racing:
- “Who will pay?”
- “Will my insurance go up?”
- “What if I’m injured and can’t work?”
These worries are completely normal. The system may seem complicated, but it exists to make sure you are not punished for someone else breaking the law.
The key thing to remember is this: you are not expected to sort everything out on your own.
Common mistakes to avoid after an uninsured accident
To protect your claim, avoid these common errors:
- Not reporting the accident promptly
- Failing to collect basic vehicle details
- Assuming you cannot claim because the driver is uninsured
- Accepting informal cash settlements
Always report the incident to your insurer, even if you are unsure about making a claim straight away.
How long do uninsured driver claims take?
The time it takes can vary:
- Simple vehicle repair claims may be resolved quickly through your insurer
- Injury claims through the MIB can take longer, especially if medical evidence is needed
While this can feel frustrating, thorough investigation helps ensure fair compensation.
A final word of reassurance
Being hit by an uninsured driver is upsetting, but it does not mean you are left without protection. UK law and insurance systems recognise that uninsured driving is a serious issue and provide ways for innocent drivers to recover their losses.
If you act calmly, collect the right information, and get proper advice, you can move forward with confidence.
You deserve support, clarity, and fair treatment—no matter who caused the accident.