Uninsured driver promise

Getting hit by an uninsured driver is frustrating, but you shouldn't be penalised for someone else's mistake. This page explains the uninsured driver promise, what to do if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured vehicle, and the penalties for driving without insurance.

Here's what we'll cover:

• What the uninsured driver promise protects you from.
• Steps to take if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
• The penalties and consequences of driving without insurance.

The uninsured driver promise is protection included in many comprehensive car insurance policies. If you're hit by a driver without insurance and it wasn't your fault, you won't lose your no claim discount and you won't have to pay your excess when making a claim.

You'll need to provide the other driver's details to start the claims process. Your insurer typically handles compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), who support victims of uninsured drivers.

At Allianz, the uninsured driver promise is included as part of Allianz Online Silver and Gold policies.

The difference between having this protection and not having it can be significant.

With the uninsured driver promise

If your policy includes this protection and you're hit by an uninsured driver who's at fault, you're protected:

• Your no claim discount stays intact.
• No excess to pay.
• Full support for personal injury and damage to property claims through your insurer.

Without the promise

• Without this protection, even though you're the innocent party, you could face: A reduced no claim discount, affecting future premiums for years.
• Paying your excess upfront, potentially hundreds of pounds.
• Premium increases at renewal despite not being at fault.
• Pursuing compensation for personal injury and damage to property through the Motor Insurers' Bureau yourself.

Driving without insurance in the UK carries serious consequences. If caught, you could receive a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on your licence. However, if your case goes to court, the penalties are much harsher – you could face an unlimited fine and even disqualification from driving.

The police also have the power to seize your vehicle if it's being driven on a road or in a public place without valid insurance. This means you'll face an additional £150 fee to release your vehicle, on top of any fines and penalty points.