Sadly around 1 in 20 drivers are on the road are uninsured. If you have an accident with any vehicle that is uninsured then take the following steps.
- Get the drivers details, including name, address, registration number
- Call your insurer and ask them to check the Motor Insurance Database to check the details
- Get in contact with the police and obtain an accident report number
- Ensure you take photographs of the scene including any damage caused
- Obtain witness statements if possible
Comprehensive Insurance
If you have comprehensive policy then your insurer will usually pay for your vehicle to be repaired but you may end up losing your no claims discount unless you have paid extra to protect it. You will also have to pay the excess unless your car insurance policy waives the payment if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
Unfortunately, the outcome isn't as pretty for those with third party insurance. Generally speaking, your insurer won't pay for the repairs and, as the other driver is uninsured you will not get any compensation from them unless you succeed in the small claims court, and even if you win in court this doesn't guarantee you will recover the loss, as they could be unemployed or on benefits.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau
The other option available is to make a compensation claim with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) was set up to compensate the victims of uninsured drivers. The fund pays out over £200 million every year and has paid out more than £2 billion in total since its inception. Victims of uninsured drivers are covered by the scheme and all losses can usually be claimed against the fund including legal costs and expenses. The MIB will also pursue compensation claims for personal injury and loss of earnings. It is important to remember that you must report the incident to the police within 5 days in order to be eligible to claim through the MIB.
Hit and Run Drivers
If you have an accident and the person drives off, then don't fear! The MIB also handle claims for hit and run drivers. Although this claims process takes longer, you can usually recover all losses. You will however, have to contribute to the legal costs; this is limited to £500.