What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in the UK
Last updated: 3 August 2025
Step 1: Prioritise Safety and Call 999 If Needed
Make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured or if the road is blocked, call 999 immediately and ask for the police and ambulance. If the crash is minor and no one is hurt, you can call 101 to report it instead.
Step 2: Exchange Details
By law, drivers involved in a road traffic collision must exchange their name, address, and vehicle registration number. If the other driver refuses or you suspect they’re uninsured, try to collect as much information as you can:
- Vehicle registration and make/model
- Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and surroundings
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Time, date, and location of the incident
- Any admission of fault (write it down if they say anything useful)
Step 3: Call the Police
If the other driver is uninsured, fails to stop, or refuses to provide details, you must report the incident to the police. Not doing so could result in legal issues for you as well. Get a crime reference number if possible — this will help with your claim.
Step 4: Inform Your Insurance Company
You should inform your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t intend to claim through them. Provide all the evidence you’ve gathered and let them know the other driver is uninsured. Some policies include ‘uninsured driver cover’ which protects your no-claims bonus and excess — check your policy to find out.
Step 5: Claim Through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
If you’re not covered for uninsured drivers or you were a pedestrian or cyclist, you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is funded by UK motor insurers and helps victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. You may be able to claim for:
- Vehicle damage
- Personal injury
- Property damage (in limited cases)
- Loss of earnings
You can submit your claim online through the MIB website. The process may take several weeks or months depending on the complexity of the case.
Can You Take the Driver to Court?
Yes, you can take the uninsured driver to court to recover costs, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to pay — many uninsured drivers are uninsured because they cannot afford insurance in the first place. This is why the MIB exists as a safety net.
Uninsured Driver Cover – Do You Have It?
Some comprehensive car insurance policies include ‘uninsured driver protection’. This means you won’t lose your no-claims bonus or pay an excess if the accident wasn’t your fault. It’s worth checking your policy documents or contacting your insurer to see if you’re covered.