What happens if you are hit by an uninsured driver?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in the UK, you can still claim compensation either through your own comprehensive insurance or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which handles cases involving uninsured and hit-and-run drivers.
The shock of an accident is bad enough without discovering the other driver has no insurance. Fortunately, UK law ensures you are not left out of pocket. The MIB, funded by the insurance industry, covers victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. It can pay for vehicle damage, personal injury, and related losses once your claim is verified.
If you have comprehensive insurance, you can claim directly with your own provider first. They will handle repairs and often recover costs from the MIB on your behalf. For third-party only policies, you will need to contact the MIB directly and submit evidence of the incident, including the police reference number, photographs, and witness statements.
Understanding how this process works, and which route applies to your situation, is crucial. In the following sections, we will look at how to make a claim, what evidence you need, how long it takes, and how to protect your no-claims bonus if you are not at fault.
How do you claim if the other driver has no insurance?
You can claim compensation by either going through your own comprehensive insurer or by applying directly to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), depending on your level of cover.
If you hold comprehensive car insurance, start by contacting your insurer. They will open a claim and handle the repairs as they would in any other non-fault accident. Once they confirm that the other driver was uninsured, they can recover the costs from the MIB on your behalf. You may still need to pay your policy excess upfront, but it is often refunded once the recovery is complete.
If your cover is third-party only or third-party, fire and theft, you will not be able to claim for vehicle damage through your own policy. In that case, you must apply directly to the MIB. Their online portal allows you to submit details of the incident, upload supporting documents, and track the progress of your claim. The Bureau will then investigate by checking the police report, vehicle registration, and witness accounts before confirming eligibility.
Here is a simple breakdown of what usually happens:
| Route | Who Handles the Claim | What You Need | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through your insurer | Your insurer manages the process and deals with the MIB | Standard claim form, proof of insurance, photos, and police reference | Repairs or payout via insurer, excess later refunded |
| Through the MIB directly | You submit claim and evidence yourself | Police report, photos, medical reports, witness details | Payout for repairs or injury after MIB investigation |
Once the claim is accepted, the MIB aims to settle straightforward cases within three months, although complex ones can take longer. You can claim for repair costs, personal injury, and certain out-of-pocket expenses such as travel or loss of earnings.
Keep in mind that the MIB is not an insurer. It acts as a compensation scheme, so each claim is verified carefully before payment. The more accurate and detailed your submission, the faster the process tends to move.
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Get QuotesWhat evidence should you collect at the scene?
After being hit by an uninsured driver, gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness contact details, and the vehicle registration number, as these will form the foundation of your claim.
The more complete your evidence, the easier it is for your insurer or the MIB to verify what happened. Even small details can make a difference, particularly when the other driver cannot or will not provide their insurance information. Always call the police immediately, even for minor collisions, so there is an official record of the incident.
While you wait for the authorities, take photographs of the vehicles, number plates, and surrounding area. If you have a dashcam, keep the footage secure and back it up to another device. Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the crash, as their statements can help confirm liability later.
Key evidence to gather
| Type of Evidence | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle registration and driver details | Allows the MIB or police to identify the uninsured driver |
| Photographs and dashcam footage | Proves location, impact points, and damage |
| Witness contact information | Strengthens your version of events |
| Police incident reference number | Required for MIB and insurer claims |
| Time, date, and location | Supports your report and corroborates evidence |
If the other driver leaves the scene, make a note of their registration number and a brief description of the vehicle. This information helps the police trace them, even if they are not immediately caught.
The key is to document first and question later. Accurate, timestamped evidence makes your case stronger and removes doubt about how the collision occurred. Whether you go through your insurer or the MIB, those first few minutes after the accident often determine how smoothly your claim proceeds.
Do hit-and-run cases follow a different process?
Yes. If the driver who hit you leaves the scene and cannot be identified, your claim goes through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s Untraced Drivers’ Scheme instead of the standard uninsured-driver route.
A hit-and-run is treated differently because there is no insurer or named individual to pursue for costs. In these cases, the MIB steps in as the compensator of last resort, assessing your claim based on police evidence and any proof you can provide. You will need to show that you reported the incident promptly and cooperated with the investigation.
The Bureau requires that you notify the police within 14 days if you are injured, or within five days for vehicle damage. If you miss these deadlines without a valid reason, your claim may be rejected. The MIB will also check CCTV or dashcam footage where available, so providing those early can strengthen your case.
Unlike a normal uninsured-driver claim, untraced cases can take longer because investigators have to establish that every reasonable effort was made to identify the culprit. The process is slower, but compensation is still achievable when the evidence is clear and the reporting timeline has been met.
A hit-and-run may feel hopeless in the moment, but with the right documentation and timely action, you still have a legal route to recover your losses.
Why does your own cover type matter?
Your insurance cover determines how quickly and easily you can recover costs after being hit by an uninsured driver.
Comprehensive policies usually cover your damage immediately, while third-party policies rely on the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) for compensation.
With a comprehensive policy, your insurer repairs or replaces your car regardless of who caused the accident. You can make a direct claim, pay your excess, and continue driving while your insurer handles the recovery process from the MIB. Once the MIB reimburses them, your excess is typically refunded. This route tends to be faster and less stressful, as your insurer does the legwork.
By contrast, third-party only or third-party, fire and theft policies do not include cover for your own vehicle damage. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you must file a claim directly with the MIB. That means collecting your own evidence, submitting all supporting documents, and waiting for the Bureau to investigate before payment is made.
In both cases, personal injury claims are possible, but comprehensive drivers usually experience less delay because insurers already have access to claim-handling infrastructure. For those without comprehensive cover, patience and thorough documentation become key.
Your level of insurance doesn’t change who was at fault, but it does shape how much administrative effort you’ll face after the accident. In practice, comprehensive drivers have smoother recovery journeys, while third-party drivers must navigate the process themselves through the MIB.
How long do MIB claims take and what do they pay?
Most straightforward Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims take between three and six months to settle, though complex or disputed cases can take longer. The MIB compensates for vehicle repairs, personal injury, and certain out-of-pocket expenses.
The length of time depends largely on how quickly the facts can be confirmed. If the accident was reported promptly, evidence is strong, and liability is clear, settlement can happen within a few months. However, cases involving serious injury, missing documentation, or unclear fault can extend well beyond a year.
The MIB assesses each case individually, checking police reports, repair estimates, and medical evidence. Once approved, payment covers reasonable costs for vehicle repair or replacement, loss of earnings, and medical treatment. In injury cases, the MIB follows guidelines similar to those used by UK courts to calculate compensation.
Below is a rough guide to what may be recoverable:
| Type of Loss | Covered by MIB | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle repair or replacement | Yes | Payment based on market value or repair quote |
| Personal injury | Yes | Compensation for pain, suffering, and recovery time |
| Loss of earnings | Yes | Proof of income required |
| Travel and medical expenses | Yes | Must be directly related to the accident |
| Policy excess (if using own insurer) | Yes | Usually refunded once MIB reimburses your insurer |
| Hire car costs | Sometimes | Only if deemed reasonable and necessary |
You can track your claim online once it has been submitted through the MIB portal. If further evidence is needed, the Bureau will contact you directly. The process is methodical rather than quick, but persistence pays off. Many drivers recover most of their losses with patience and clear documentation.
Do you lose your no-claims discount after an uninsured driver accident?
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your no-claims discount (NCD) is usually protected once the insurer confirms you were not at fault, though it may be reduced temporarily until recovery is complete.
When you make a claim through your own insurer after being hit by an uninsured driver, the system initially records it as an at-fault claim because the insurer has paid out before costs are recovered. Once the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) reimburses them, the claim is reclassified as non-fault, and your NCD is restored.
If you have protected no-claims cover, your discount remains intact during this process. Without it, some insurers may reduce your NCD temporarily until the recovery is finalised. The key is to follow up and ensure your insurer updates your record once compensation has been received from the MIB.
For drivers claiming directly through the MIB, the claim itself does not affect your discount, since it does not pass through your policy. However, if your insurer was involved at any stage, their internal records still need to be corrected to reflect the non-fault outcome.
It is worth checking your renewal documents carefully after the claim is closed. Insurers sometimes leave a non-fault accident listed incorrectly as pending, which can influence future pricing. A quick call to confirm your NCD status ensures your years of safe driving are properly recognised.
Why might an uninsured-driver claim be rejected or delayed?
Most uninsured-driver claims are delayed or rejected because of missing evidence, late police reporting, or inconsistencies in the version of events submitted to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
The MIB has strict rules on what counts as valid proof. If you fail to report the accident to the police within the required timeframe, or if the Bureau cannot verify who was driving, your claim may be refused. Incomplete documentation is another common cause. A missing witness statement, poor-quality photo, or incorrect registration number can all slow the process.
Delays also occur when liability is disputed. If the uninsured driver denies involvement or the evidence is unclear, the MIB must investigate further. This can mean waiting for police updates, contacting witnesses, or requesting technical reports before a decision is made.
Common reasons for delay or rejection
- The incident was not reported to the police within 14 days (injury) or five days (vehicle damage).
- Witnesses could not be reached or gave conflicting statements.
- The claimant did not provide medical records or repair invoices.
- The MIB suspected fraud or exaggerated loss.
Strengthening your claim file
Keep your communication consistent. Every statement, photograph, and report should support the same version of events. If your insurer or the police provide new information, update the MIB immediately rather than waiting for them to ask. This small step often prevents unnecessary delays.
When rejections occur, the MIB will explain its reasoning in writing. You can challenge a decision through their internal review process, and if unresolved, escalate it via the Financial Ombudsman Service. Most drivers who prepare their documentation carefully from the outset avoid those complications altogether.
Final thoughts
Being hit by an uninsured driver can feel like an impossible situation, but the UK system is designed to protect responsible motorists. Whether you claim through your insurer or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, there is almost always a route to compensation if you act promptly and provide strong evidence.
The difference between a smooth and a difficult claim often comes down to preparation. Those who gather details at the scene, report incidents quickly, and stay in contact with insurers usually recover their costs without dispute. The process is rarely fast, but it is fair when supported by facts.
What matters most is knowing your rights and your responsibilities. Uninsured drivers may ignore the law, but their actions do not erase your entitlement to recover what you have lost. The system rewards diligence, and the more organised you are, the easier it becomes to move past the experience and return to normal life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Report the false information to the police immediately. Once verified, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau can still process your claim under the uninsured-driver scheme.
Usually yes, but your insurer should refund it once the MIB reimburses them for the claim.
Yes. A police incident reference helps confirm liability and speeds up MIB verification, particularly for hit-and-run cases.
Yes, if the hire was necessary and reasonable. The MIB will only reimburse standard replacement costs, not premium rentals.
You can still claim through the MIB, though you’ll handle the process yourself. It’s slower but offers similar protection for damage and injury.
Yes. Passengers are eligible to claim compensation directly from the MIB for injuries or losses suffered in the accident.
You have three years from the accident date to file an MIB claim for injury or property damage.
No. If the uninsured driver was driving your car with or without permission, you could be held liable for allowing it, and the MIB will not pay.