Uninsured driver claims

Being injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or untraced driver is distressing and knowing there is no insurance to claim against can make the situation feel even more uncertain. Even so, you still have legal options, and you may be entitled to compensation.

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Reviewed by

Victoria Marsden

Director of Legal Excellence

Last Updated

24th September 2026

Can I make an uninsured driver claim?

Uninsured driver claims can be made if you were injured in a road traffic accident as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian.

You may still be able to claim compensation if the driver who caused your accident had no insurance, was driving a stolen vehicle, fled the scene or was never identified. Claiming against an uninsured driver is possible through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which was set up specifically to help people in this situation.

According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, there are around 300,000 uninsured drivers on UK roads every day, and uninsured drivers are involved in 130 fatal crashes every year. The MIB exists to make sure those affected are not left to bear the financial burden alone.

You may also be able to claim as a passenger in an uninsured vehicle, provided you were not knowingly travelling in a car without valid insurance. If you knew the vehicle was uninsured or stolen, the MIB won’t accept your claim.

Even if you’re not sure your situation qualifies, or time has passed since the accident, talk to us. We’ll explain honestly whether you could claim uninsured or untraced driver compensation. We’ll talk you through your options and explain honestly whether you could pursue uninsured driver compensation or an untraced driver claim.

Example of an uninsured motorist claim

Imagine a motorcyclist is struck at a junction by a car that then drives away. The motorcyclist suffers serious injuries and misses months of work, but police are unable to trace the driver. Because the at-fault driver cannot be identified, a claim can be made through the MIB’s Untraced Drivers’ Agreement, covering injuries, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs. The rider does not have to fund their recovery alone.

Common uninsured motorist claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Covering your losses - whether the driver had insurance or not.

Compensation covers more than physical injury. Claims also account for the psychological impact of the accident, the practical costs of recovery, and the financial effects of being unable to work. Whether your injuries are relatively minor or life‑changing, every aspect of your losses deserves to be recognised.

Compensation is about making sure you have the financial support to recover, rebuild and move forward. Someone else’s decision to drive uninsured should not leave you out of pocket.

Successful uninsured driver claims may help fund:

Medical treatment and specialist consultations such as rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Necessary home or vehicle adaptations for those who are seriously injured
Loss of earnings, including future income
Care and support from family members or professional carers
Travel expenses linked to your treatment
Damage to your vehicle or personal items

Understanding the potential value

We secured a £200,000 settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered serious hip and nerve injuries, along with psychological trauma, after an uninsured driver turned across his path. The long‑term impact on his mobility, recovery and future treatment needs was central to the valuation of his claim.

For more serious cases involving significant or life‑changing injuries, settlements can be considerably higher. When claiming against an uninsured driver, our specialist team will make sure nothing is overlooked. We look carefully at both the immediate costs and the longer‑term consequences to ensure your settlement reflects the full impact of your accident.

Understanding interim payments

We understand that waiting for a claim to conclude can place real financial pressure on you and your family, especially when your injuries are serious and the costs of treatment or day‑to‑day support begin to build.

In cases involving more significant injury, interim payments may be available while your claim is still ongoing. Where your circumstances allow, we can request payments that help with immediate needs such as rehabilitation, financial loss or essential home adaptions, so you don’t have to wait until the final settlement to access much needed support.

Specialist road traffic collision solicitors

Our serious injury team supports people injured in road traffic collisions, including the complex areas of hit and runs, uninsured driver claims and untraced driver claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your uninsured driver claim?

Uninsured driver claims, or claims involving an untraced driver, can feel overwhelming. Our specialist serious injury solicitors understand how these cases work and will manage the legal steps on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery. We work to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family, drawing on our extensive experience in supporting people with serious and life‑changing injuries.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist solicitors with extensive experience in MIB uninsured and untraced driver claims
Deep understanding of the MIB Uninsured Drivers’ Agreement and Untraced Drivers’ Agreement
Proven track record of securing compensation in complex hit-and-run and uninsured driver cases
Experience securing interim payments to provide financial support during the claims process
We handle all negotiations and communications with the MIB on your behalf
Compassionate support throughout, keeping you informed and in control at every stage
Trusted by clients across England and Wales, with strong independent client reviews
‘No Win, No Fee’, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

Finding out the driver who injured you has no insurance, or that they fled the scene and may never be found, can feel deeply unfair. Alongside your recovery, you may be facing uncertainty about your finances and how you will cover the costs of treatment, care or time away from work. That pressure is very real.

Many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed and unsure whether they have a case. Some worry about the legal process; others simply don’t know where to start. We’ve supported people in similar situations, including a delivery driver who was left unable to work after a being injured by an untraced driver, and a motorcyclist who suffered serious physical and psychological injuries when an uninsured driver turned across his path.

In each situation, we guided them through their claim and secured compensation that reflected the full impact of their injuries, helping them move forward with greater stability.

That is what we’re here to do. We take on the complexity of the process, gather the evidence needed to support your case, and fight for compensation that truly reflects what you have been through. You should not have to face this alone.

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Rehabilitation support

We go beyond legal advice to support you, not just your case, making sure the right care and practical help are in place throughout the compensation claim process.

A message from our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team

We work alongside Fletchers Solicitors’ legal experts – listening carefully to your needs, helping you understand what support is available and creating a personalised recovery plan.

Led by rehabilitation manager Julie Chorlton, we bring together expertise across healthcare, therapy and welfare support, and can help arrange access to treatment and financial support. We also work with accredited mental health professionals, giving you and your family access to counselling quickly.

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FAQs about uninsured or untraced driver claims

Can you claim compensation from an uninsured driver?

Yes. If the driver who injured you had no insurance, you can still pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. The MIB provides a route for people harmed by uninsured drivers to recover their losses.

Can you claim compensation from an untraced driver?

Yes. If the driver fled the scene and cannot be identified, you can make a claim under the MIB’s Untraced Drivers’ Agreement. This covers injuries and financial losses caused by hit and run drivers.

What is an uninsured driver?

An uninsured driver is someone who causes a collision but has no valid insurance in place. If you’re injured by an uninsured driver, you can still pursue compensation through the MIB.

What is an untraced driver?

An untraced driver is someone who causes a collision and cannot be identified, often because they fled the scene. These claims are handled under the MIB’s Untraced Drivers’ Agreement.

Should I report an accident with an uninsured driver to the police?

Yes. A police report or incident reference number is required for MIB claims. Reporting the accident promptly helps confirm what happened and ensures important evidence is recorded.

What evidence is needed to support an uninsured motorist claim?

Key evidence includes a police report or incident reference number, witness statements, dashcam or CCTV footage, photographs of the scene and your injuries, and medical records. We help gather everything needed to build a strong case.

How do I make a claim against an uninsured or untraced driver?

Claims are made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. We gather the evidence, prepare your application, and handle all communication with the MIB. If the driver cannot be identified, your claim will be processed under the Untraced Drivers’ Agreement.

What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?

The MIB is a national organisation funded by UK insurers. It compensates people injured by uninsured or untraced drivers, including victims of hit and run collisions, so you are not left without support when the at‑fault driver cannot be held responsible through their own insurance.

How long do I have to make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau?

Most people have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you were under 18, the time limit starts from your 18th birthday. If you are unsure, we can confirm your position.

How long does a Motor Insurers’ Bureau claim take?

Timeframes vary. Straightforward cases can resolve sooner, while claims involving serious injuries or disputed evidence may take longer. We progress your claim as efficiently as possible and keep you updated throughout.

Can I claim if I was a passenger in the vehicle that was hit by an uninsured driver?

Yes. If you were a passenger in the vehicle that was hit, you can usually make a claim for your injuries. The MIB looks at what happened and confirms your eligibility.

Can I claim compensation if I was a passenger in an uninsured vehicle?

You may be able to claim compensation as a passenger in an uninsured vehicle, provided you were not knowingly travelling in a car without valid insurance. If you knew the vehicle was uninsured or stolen, you won’t be able to claim compensation.

Can I claim if my accident involved a foreign‑registered vehicle?

You may be eligible through the MIB’s Green Card System, which ensures victims of accidents involving foreign‑registered vehicles can still receive compensation.

Will I need to pay legal costs if my claim is unsuccessful?

No. We work on a No Win No Fee basis, so you will not pay legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.

What support will I receive during my claim?

We handle every part of the process, including all communication with the MIB. Where possible, we seek interim payments to help with immediate costs and keep you informed at every stage.