What to do if your car is hit by an uninsured driver
If your insurance policy is comprehensive then your insurer will pay for your car to be repaired. However, you could lose your no claim discount unless you've paid to have it protected.
Then there's your agreed excess, which will cover the first part of the repair cost you have to pay for. You will have to pay this excess, unless your insurance policy specifically waives the excess payment in the event that an uninsured driver hits your car. So, you should check your policy with your insurer.
If you have third party car insurance cover, then your insurer will be unlikely to pay for your repairs. What's more, as the other driver is uninsured, you won't get any money off him or her unless you can trace them and succeed in a court action. Even then, there would be no guarantee that they would pay up. Your only guaranteed solution would be to make a compensation claim to the Motor Insurers' Bureau - but you'll still have to pay the first £300 of the claim.
The key points
- Policy Limits and/or Excesses - Make sure you are aware of any applicable excess and/or cover limits your policy may include.
- Insured Drivers - The policy might only cover driving by yourself or specified people, or it might allow driving by any qualified person with your permission, possibly over a certain age limit. Your insurers will want to know about anyone who is likely to drive - particularly their age, experience, claims and driving record and occupation.
- Vehicle use - Your policy and certificate set out the uses for which your car is insured. For example, if you or any authorised driver want to use your car in connection with work, make sure that your policy covers this.
