HELP! Accident while accidentally uninsured...

Didley

I borrow a friend's car last week, believing myself to be covered 3rd Party on my own insurance. I was then in an accident (not my fault - someone else drove into the back of me, and has already admitted full responsibility) and while reporting it to the police it became apparent that I was driving uninsured. Of course, this is my own fault (I should have been sure) and I will have to face the legal consequences of this.

BUT... what I am now wondering is whether the other driver's insurance company will try to use my uninsured status to wheedle out of paying for the repairs and the hire car and everything else. I'm worried because, of course, my own insurance company won't be fighting my side for me.

Any advice would be much appreciated...!

D.

loofer

I should think almost any personal injury claims company should be able to help you out. My brother may take the case on, if you want. PM me if interested.

Basically the PI solicitors act on your behalf to claim for losses as a result of the other party's fault. Costs could include personal injury (obviously), loss of earnings etc and of course damage to car. You (or your friend's) insurance don't have to get involved.

You will still get done for not driving with adequate 3rd party insurance cover and you are also expected to declare this accident to your current insurance provider and for the next 5 years or so.

Fonz_2

I'm not sure on the exact answer, I think in reality they'd be a bad insurance company if they didn't try to use it against you.

The more concerning bit is the fact that you could end up with 6 points on your license for driving without insurance

Silk

Are the police taking action against your friend too ?
"You are guilty of the offence of permitting the vehicle to be used by an uninsured driver and face a licence endorsement of 6-8 points and a fine"

iolanthe07

As a matter of interest, why weren't you covered third party on your own insurance? I thought this was automatic.

mattymoo

The two matters are separate. The police will deal with the CRIMINAL aspects of the case - no insurance. You, and any solicitors or claims firm you appoint will deal with the CIVIL aspects - claim for repairs, injury, out of pocket expenses.

The other sides insurers are not judge and jury on criminal matters so they cannot use it against you unless it affects the civil liabilities. For instance, if the police said you were drunk or your vehicle was defective, that would impact on the civil case. Lack of insurance did not make you drive any differently or change the fact that their driver was responsible.

Well done for taking it on the chin (and not whinging like some might) - hope you get the civil side sorted and move on from there.

mattymoo

iolanthe07 wrote: »

As a matter of interest, why weren't you covered third party on your own insurance? I thought this was automatic.

Some insurers (cheap no frills type policies) have started to withdraw the cover but you would be told this at renewal time. There is also usually an age limit - over 25's only iirc.

soolin

iolanthe07 wrote: »

As a matter of interest, why weren't you covered third party on your own insurance? I thought this was automatic.

Insurance is never 'automatic' if you need to be covered for something you must check the small print in your own personal policy.

Dave101t

officer, i was accidentally not insured!
great