There are about 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads. Driving without insurance is a threat to all responsible drivers in more ways than one.
The true cost of driving uninsured
An accident with an uninsured driver can turn an ordinary trip into a nightmare. And UK drivers are paying higher premiums to cover the costs of those driving without insurance. But that's not all:
- If you're hit by an uninsured driver, it could mean paying an insurance excess.
- Depending on the insurer, you may lose your no claims discount.
- Without comprehensive insurance cover you can end up forking out for any car damage.
That said, some policies give protection from uninsured drivers, meaning your vehicle could be repaired without paying an excess or losing your no claims discount.
What happens if I hit an uninsured driver?
If the collision is your fault, you may still be liable for the damage to the uninsured vehicle as well as your own. While third-party insurance should cover the costs for the uninsured car, only a comprehensive policy will cover repairs to your car as well.
What happens if an uninsured driver hits me?
If the driver who hits your car has no insurance, there's no one for you to claim against for any damage, or for any injury suffered by you or your passengers.
If you only hold third-party insurance, then call the police if you suspect the other driver has no insurance, and contact your insurer who should help you get in contact with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
They'll help you claim compensation if you've been in an accident with an uninsured driver when it wasn't your fault. There's no guarantee you'll get your money, but it's definitely worth a try.
What's the uninsured drivers law?
If you don't have at least third-party insurance, then you're driving without insurance, which is a serious crime.
What's more, there's a high chance you'll be caught as the police use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which checks car number plates against the motor insurance database.
If you're caught your car will be confiscated immediately, and unless you can prove that it's insured it will either be crushed or sold.
You're also looking at a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points on your licence, and you could even be banned from driving. It can be worse: each year more than 130 people are killed by uninsured drivers.
Can I report an uninsured driver?
If you suspect a car is being driven by an uninsured driver you should report it to the police. If the number of uninsured drivers is lowered, there could be a reduction in premiums in the long run.
What's a SORN?
If your car is permanently parked off the road – say in a garage or on private land – you'll need to make an application to the DVLA for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It allows you to keep a vehicle off the road when it's not currently insured, taxed or you have no plans to drive it. Without a SORN, you'll be automatically fined £80 and face other penalties – even if your car's in storage.
Understanding what can go wrong if you're uninsured can help reduce chances of fines, repair bills and higher premiums for all drivers. You can avoid unexpected costs by getting comprehensive cover.
And don't forget we offer the Uninsured Driver Promise. So if your car is hit by a driver who isn't insured, you won't pay an excess and you won't lose your no claims discount.
Author: The AA. Published 9 May 2017. Updated 10 December 2024.
