Insurance or Not, Getting Hit By Uninsured Drivers Is Going To Cost You

The number of drivers in UK behind the wheel without proper insurance has risen to approximately 1.4 million. This highlights the fact that if an accident ever occurs involving an uninsured driver, those who have their insurance intact will be in doubt whether their cover compensates for the same.

One of UK’s most prominent car insurance comparison websites recently analysed the cover policies handed out by some insurance providers and was shocked to see that the policy wording greatly differed on the matter of an accident involving an uninsured driver.

Although most ‘comprehensive’ policies do provide full cover and the assurance that the driver won’t have to pay excess or stand to lose his/her ‘no claims’ discount, most insurers have introduced complications in the small print of the policy. Some of the cases analysed revealed that, in the instance of an accident involving an uninsured driver, insurers would only cover the motorist if he provided them with a number of details like make and model of the offending vehicle, vehicle registration number and names or addresses of witnesses present, if any.

A premier insurance expert, Pete Harrison, had this to say on the matter: “With 1.4 million uninsured motorists loose on the roads, the odds are high that a car accident may involve someone who does not have any cover in place. In this situation, I would advise motorists to check the small print of their policy to understand what is and isn’t covered as the devil is in the detail.”

Furthermore, some companies have clauses stating that the insurer will cover the expenses incurred if the motorist can provide comprehensive cover, along with evidence that the accident was an error on the part of the uninsured driver, who will be traced. Even if he does so, he needs to possess the Motor Legal Expenses Cover to be eligible for cover. Note that the Motor Legal Expenses Cover also comes at an additional price.

“Motorists should really consider the benefits of taking out comprehensive car cover as not only does it cover you in the event of an accident with an uninsured,” continued Pete Harrison, “Not only does it offer the most benefits compared to Third Party or Third Party Fire & Theft policies, contrary to popular belief, it is generally cheaper than these policies.”

He also had an advice for all motorists in the event that they were involved in an accident.

“If you are unfortunate to be involved in a car accident, then try to collect as many details as possible such as vehicle registration number, the make and model of the car, driver details, as well as the names and addresses of witnesses present as this will help with the processing of the claim. I’d also recommend taking photographs of any incident or collision where possible; if you can’t do this on your mobile phone, then keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment, as this evidence could be crucial.”