Can someone claim on my car insurance without me knowing?
Yes, it can happen in rare circumstances, but your insurer will normally contact you as soon as a third party makes a claim against your policy. Most drivers only discover such claims when their insurer requests information or their renewal price suddenly rises.
In the UK, a third party can report an incident to their insurer and provide your registration number, which is then checked against the Motor Insurance Database (MID). If your details match, their insurer can file a claim against your policy. Your insurer is then legally obliged to investigate, even if you were unaware of any incident.
It is uncommon, but it happens. Sometimes a claim follows a minor accident where details were exchanged but no immediate damage was visible. In other cases, the claim could be completely fraudulent, often linked to cloned plates or mistaken identity. Either way, the insurer’s first move is to contact you for your version of events.
You cannot be held liable automatically. Insurers must verify evidence, confirm that the vehicle and driver details match, and determine fault before settling. Still, it’s wise to respond quickly when notified, as silence can be interpreted as acceptance of the claim.
In this article, we will look at how such claims arise, what your insurer does behind the scenes, and what steps to take if a claim ever appears on your record without your knowledge.
How could a claim be made without my awareness?
A claim can appear against your car insurance without your knowledge if someone mistakenly identifies your vehicle, misuses your registration number, or files a false or exaggerated claim after a minor incident.
There are a few legitimate ways this happens. Sometimes another driver believes your vehicle caused damage, notes your registration, and reports it through their insurer. The Motor Insurance Database then matches your registration to your policy, triggering a claim file on your insurer’s system.
Other times, a driver you exchanged details with at the scene may decide to pursue compensation later, even if you thought the matter was settled privately. Insurers must open a claim once notified, even if you were not told in advance.
A more worrying cause is fraud. Criminals occasionally clone number plates, attach them to identical vehicles, and use them to stage accidents or commit offences. When the victim’s insurer investigates, the claim traces back to the innocent vehicle owner.
Common scenarios for unexpected claims
| Situation | What Happens | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Minor bump later turned into a claim | The other driver claims for unseen damage | Your insurer contacts you for your version |
| Mistaken identity or wrong registration noted | A claim is filed using your plate number | You provide evidence proving you were elsewhere |
| Fraudulent “crash for cash” or cloned plates | A staged incident uses your registration | Police and insurer investigate; claim rejected |
| Late claim from old accident | Another party changes their mind months later | You are contacted by insurer to confirm events |
It can be unsettling to hear there’s a claim against you when you’ve done nothing wrong. Yet these situations are precisely why insurers rely on recorded statements, witness accounts, and CCTV or dashcam evidence before making any decision.
If you ever receive notice of a claim you do not recognise, respond promptly and provide every document that proves where you or your vehicle were at the time. The sooner you clarify the facts, the faster your insurer can dismiss or defend the case.
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Get QuotesWhat will my insurer do if a claim is lodged?
When someone makes a claim against your car insurance, your insurer must investigate it before deciding whether to accept, reject, or dispute liability on your behalf. You’ll usually be contacted within days to confirm your version of events.
Once your insurer receives notice of a third-party claim, they create a case file and assign a handler. Their first task is to verify that your vehicle and policy details match what was reported. If something looks unusual — for example, an incident in another part of the country — they’ll flag it for further review.
They may contact you by phone, post, or email to ask if you were involved in an accident matching the description. This isn’t an accusation; it’s part of due diligence. If you confirm that no such event took place, they’ll request supporting evidence such as dashcam footage, witness contact details, or proof your car was elsewhere.
Behind the scenes, insurers exchange data via the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) and the Motor Insurance Database (MID) to cross-check whether multiple claims reference the same registration. If the evidence doesn’t support the third party’s story, your insurer will reject the claim formally and log it as “no liability.”
If, however, the other driver produces evidence that looks credible — for example, photographs or a police reference — your insurer will investigate further before responding. They’ll also ensure your no-claims discount remains protected until liability is confirmed.
The key thing to remember is that insurers don’t settle claims automatically. They need proof, and their first obligation is to defend you if there’s any doubt. Quick communication and clear evidence make that defence much stronger.
Do I need to be notified? What are my rights?
Yes. Your insurer must notify you when a claim is made against your policy, and you have the right to know the details, see evidence, and challenge anything that appears incorrect.
In the UK, insurers are bound by the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) principles of fair treatment. That means they cannot settle or admit liability without first making reasonable attempts to contact you. You should always receive written or electronic confirmation that a claim has been made and a clear opportunity to respond.
You have the right to request copies of any documents or statements that form part of the claim. This includes photographs, damage reports, and witness accounts provided by the third party. Insurers can withhold personal data belonging to others, but they must share enough information for you to understand the allegation.
If you believe the claim is false or mistaken, you can formally dispute it. Provide your own evidence — such as dashcam footage, GPS data, receipts showing your car was elsewhere, or witness statements. The insurer will investigate before deciding whether to reject or defend the claim on your behalf.
If your insurer fails to inform you or mishandles communication, you can complain internally first, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if the issue remains unresolved. The Ombudsman can review whether the insurer acted fairly and, in serious cases, require them to remove a claim from your record.
Your rights exist to ensure you are not left defending yourself in the dark. Transparency and timely notice are obligations, not courtesies, and any insurer that neglects them risks regulatory action.
Why do some claims go unnoticed by policyholders?
A claim can go unnoticed if insurer correspondence is delayed, sent to an old address, or handled internally before you’re contacted. In rare cases, database errors or fraudulent activity cause claims to appear without your knowledge.
Administrative error is the most common reason. A letter or email may be sent to an outdated address, especially if you’ve recently moved or renewed your policy through a broker. If the claim is logged but not yet validated, the insurer might not reach out until they’ve confirmed basic details. By that time, the claim could already be recorded on the national Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE).
Digital automation also plays a role. Many insurers now process low-value claims using automated workflows. If a system recognises your vehicle registration from the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it may create a provisional record while awaiting human review. This can make it appear as if a claim has been made against you even before anyone contacts you.
The more serious cases involve fraud or mistaken identity. Plate cloning remains a growing issue in the UK, with the DVLA estimating tens of thousands of cloned registrations in circulation each year. In these cases, false claims can be filed using your registration number even though your car was never involved.
If you suspect a hidden claim, you can check your record through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s AskMID service or request a copy of your claim history through a Subject Access Request (SAR) to your insurer. This will confirm whether a claim has been lodged and what stage it is at.
These mistakes are uncommon but not impossible. Keeping your insurer informed of address changes, regularly checking the MID, and maintaining dashcam or GPS data are simple habits that reduce the risk of a claim slipping past unnoticed.
How can I protect myself from surprise claims?
You can reduce the risk of an unexpected or fraudulent claim by keeping your policy details up to date, recording evidence of your journeys, and responding promptly to any communication from your insurer.
Protection begins with simple habits. Always make sure your insurer has your current contact information — including your postal address, email, and phone number. Many surprise claims escalate because letters are sent to an old address or emails go unread.
Install a dashcam and save footage for at least a few weeks. Clear video evidence is the quickest way to disprove false allegations. Several UK insurers now offer small discounts for verified dashcam use because of its proven value in defending claims.
You can also check your vehicle record on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) through the AskMID website. This confirms whether your registration is correctly listed and helps spot issues like plate cloning early.
Keep a basic log of significant journeys or incidents, particularly if you use your vehicle for work or long commutes. GPS history or time-stamped receipts can be powerful proof if a dispute arises later.
Finally, treat any unexpected contact about an alleged incident seriously, even if it seems trivial. Contact your insurer directly rather than replying to unknown numbers or third-party messages. Scammers occasionally impersonate insurers to gather information for fraudulent claims.
The best defence is awareness and documentation. A driver who maintains clear records, communicates openly, and monitors their details rarely faces lasting problems from an unexpected claim.
How should I respond if I discover a claim I didn’t know about?
If you discover a claim against your car insurance that you didn’t authorise or know about, contact your insurer immediately, provide evidence of where you or your vehicle were at the time, and formally dispute the claim in writing.
Start by confirming the claim is genuine. Check any reference number or contact details against your insurer’s official website. Scammers occasionally send false letters or calls pretending to be from insurers to gather personal data. Once verified, call your insurer’s claims department directly.
Ask for full details: the date, time, and location of the alleged incident, the other driver’s name (if available), and any evidence submitted. Make a written record of everything discussed. If your insurer agrees that the claim looks suspicious, they will pause further action until you provide supporting evidence.
Next, gather anything that proves your vehicle wasn’t involved — dashcam footage, GPS data, work timesheets, receipts, or witness statements. If your registration has been cloned, contact the DVLA and police immediately to obtain a crime reference number. Insurers will need this before they can close the fraudulent claim.
If the claim proceeds despite your objection, request all documents the third party has provided. You are entitled to see enough information to understand and respond. In rare cases where your insurer mishandles the dispute or fails to remove a false claim, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service for independent review.
The most effective approach is calm persistence. Provide clear proof, keep written communication, and check your records on the Claims and Underwriting Exchange once the case is closed. That final step ensures your insurance history remains accurate and that no unresolved claim lingers on your file.
Final thoughts
Unexpected claims against your car insurance are rare, but they remind us how much the modern insurance system depends on data accuracy and timely communication. Even one wrong digit in a registration number or a delayed address update can trigger unnecessary stress.
The good news is that the system is built to catch errors. Insurers are required to verify details, contact you, and investigate before admitting fault. When drivers respond quickly and document their position clearly, false or mistaken claims rarely progress.
It’s also a reminder of how valuable small, consistent habits can be — keeping dashcam footage, updating your details, and checking the Motor Insurance Database from time to time. These steps don’t just protect you; they make life easier for the insurer trying to defend you.
Fraudulent or mistaken claims may never be eliminated entirely, but vigilance and evidence make them harmless. Awareness is your best insurance policy against the unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They can start a claim using your registration number, which reveals your insurer via the Motor Insurance Database, but the claim can’t progress without your insurer verifying your involvement.
Yes. UK insurers are required to contact policyholders when a third party makes a claim, giving you the chance to confirm or dispute the incident.
Your insurer will investigate. Provide proof your car wasn’t involved, such as dashcam footage or a police reference number, and the claim should be rejected.
Most are resolved within a few weeks, though complex fraud cases may take longer. Insurers must close them promptly once clear evidence is supplied.
Yes. Cloned number plates can result in false claims or fines. Reporting it quickly to the police and DVLA protects you and helps insurers remove the record.
Temporarily, yes. Premiums may rise while an investigation is open but should return to normal once fault is cleared.
Yes. Request a claims history from your insurer or use a Subject Access Request. The CUE database will show all active or settled claims.
Raise a formal complaint with the insurer first. If unresolved after eight weeks, contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for independent review.