Uninsured and hit-and-run driver claims
Hit by a driver with no insurance, or one who drove off? You may still be able to claim.
If the driver who hit you had no insurance, or drove off without being identified, you may still be able to claim. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) compensates people hurt or left out of pocket by uninsured and untraced drivers in the UK, although the rules are stricter than for a normal claim.
Written by Jack Scott · Reviewed by [SOLICITOR NAME], NJS Law · Last reviewed [DATE]
Uninsured or untraced: what's the difference?
The MIB deals with both, but the rules are different.
Uninsured driver
- The driver is known but had no valid insurance
- Injury claims usually covered
- Vehicle damage usually covered, though an excess may apply
- Report the accident to the police
Untraced (hit-and-run) driver
- The driver can't be identified, usually because they drove off
- Injury claims usually covered
- Vehicle damage only covered in limited circumstances
- Report to the police promptly: strict time limits apply
What should I do after a hit-and-run?
Act quickly. The MIB has strict reporting time limits for untraced driver claims.
- Report it to the police and get a reference number
- Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle
- Save dashcam footage and ask nearby businesses about CCTV
- Take photos of the damage and the scene
- Get witness names and contact details
- Get medical advice if you're hurt
What you need to know about MIB claims
The key points if the other driver was uninsured or drove off.
What is the MIB?
The Motor Insurers' Bureau is funded by UK motor insurers so victims of uninsured and untraced drivers aren't left without a remedy.
Not sure if they were insured?
Vehicles can be checked on the official askMID service. Give us the registration and we can look into it.
Claims take longer
The MIB investigates before accepting a claim, so it often takes longer than a normal claim.
Replacement vehicle
It can be harder to arrange after an uninsured driver accident, but we'll explain your options.
Foreign drivers
Accidents in the UK with foreign-registered vehicles can often still be claimed.
Claim on your own policy?
You may have to pay your excess. Some policies include uninsured driver promises. Talk to us first.
How an uninsured or hit-and-run claim works
- 1
Report to the police
As soon as possible. A police report is usually needed.
- 2
Gather evidence
Photos, dashcam, CCTV and witness details all help.
- 3
We submit the claim
We prepare and submit your claim to the MIB.
- 4
The MIB investigates
Once accepted, your claim is valued and settled.
Uninsured driver FAQs
Can I claim if the police didn't come to the scene?
Yes, but you should still report the accident to the police yourself as soon as possible. A police report is usually needed for an MIB claim.
How long do MIB claims take?
They often take longer than a normal claim, because the MIB has to investigate before accepting it. We'll keep you updated throughout.
Can I get a replacement car after an uninsured driver accident?
Sometimes. It can be harder to arrange because of how MIB claims work, but we'll explain your options based on what happened.
What if the driver was foreign?
Accidents in the UK involving foreign-registered vehicles can often still be claimed, through the driver's insurer or the MIB.
What if the other driver gave false details?
Report it to the police. If the driver can't be traced from the details they gave, the claim may be dealt with as an untraced driver claim.