Uninsured Driver Hit My Car: What Do I Do?

Finding out the driver who hit you has no insurance is incredibly frustrating. You have done everything right, you are fully insured, and now you are wondering who is going to pay for the damage and any injuries. The good news is that you are not left without options. There is a system in place specifically for this situation.

More common than you might think. It is estimated that around one in every 25 drivers on UK roads is uninsured. In parts of Scotland, particularly in urban areas, the figure may be higher. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence that can result in a fixed penalty of £300 and six points, or an unlimited fine and disqualification if it goes to court. But that does not help you when your car is sitting damaged in the driveway.

The MIB is a body funded by all UK motor insurers. Its purpose is to compensate victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. If the driver who hit you was uninsured, you can make a claim through the MIB's Uninsured Drivers Agreement. This covers vehicle damage, personal injury, and other losses, just like a normal insurance claim.

There are some conditions. You must report the accident to Police Scotland within 14 days (ideally straight away). You need to have made reasonable efforts to identify the other driver (name, registration number, address). And you need to cooperate fully with the MIB's investigation.

The MIB does cover vehicle damage in uninsured driver claims, but there is a compulsory excess of £350 that they deduct from any payout. For personal injury, there is no excess. If your vehicle is written off, the MIB will pay the pre-accident market value minus the £350 excess.

You can also claim through your own insurer if you have comprehensive cover, but that means paying your own excess and potentially affecting your no-claims bonus. The best route depends on your individual circumstances, and we can advise you on which option makes more sense.

Personal injury claims through the MIB follow a similar process to normal injury claims. You will need a medical report, and your solicitor will negotiate with the MIB on your behalf. The MIB is generally slower than a standard insurer, so these claims do tend to take longer. But your entitlement to compensation is the same.

MIB claims are more complicated than standard claims, and the paperwork has to be done properly. We have handled many uninsured driver claims over the years and we know exactly what the MIB requires. We will guide you through every step, from the police report to the final settlement.

Hit by an uninsured driver? Start your claim here or call us for immediate advice.