Report Uninsured Vehicles: A Quick Guide

In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have motor insurance for your vehicle if you use it on roads or in public places. If you know of someone who is driving without insurance, you can report them to the police. To make a report, you will need the vehicle's number plate (registration number), make, model, colour, and location. You can make an anonymous report online or by calling 101. If the case goes to court, the driver could be disqualified from driving and face a fine of up to £1,000.

Report to the police

If you know of a vehicle that is being driven without insurance, you can report it to the police. In the UK, you must have motor insurance to drive your vehicle on roads or park on public or private land unless the vehicle has been declared as off the road with a 'Statutory Off-Road Notification' (SORN).

You can report a vehicle with no insurance to the police if it is being used on a road. You will need to contact your local police and provide the following information:

The vehicle's number plate (registration number)

It is important to note that if the vehicle is abandoned, the police will not be able to deal with it, and you will need to report it to your local council.

The police will investigate your report, and the driver may face consequences, including a fine of up to £1,000, having their vehicle seized or destroyed, or even being disqualified from driving if the case goes to court.

In addition to reporting to the police, you can also check and confirm if a vehicle is insured by visiting the askMID website.

Report to the DVLA

If you believe a vehicle has no road tax and has not been declared as 'Statutory Off Road Notification' (SORN), you must report it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

You can report an untaxed vehicle to the DVLA by checking if the vehicle is taxed before you report it—this is a free service. Then, make a note of the vehicle's registration number, make, model, colour, and the street name, town, and postcode where you saw it. You will not be able to report the vehicle without these details. Finally, report the vehicle online. Your report will be anonymous and will be investigated.

If the vehicle is registered as 'in trade' with the DVLA, it is excluded from continuous insurance enforcement. However, vehicles kept for your own use are not excluded and must be insured.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance is illegal in most places and can result in serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges. Here are the consequences you may face if you are caught driving without insurance:

Fines

If you are caught driving without insurance, you may be subject to a fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the location and the specifics of the offense. For example, in Georgia, the fine for a first offense is typically between $200 and $1,000, while subsequent offenses can result in higher fines.

Jail Time

In some cases, driving without insurance can lead to jail time. This is usually imposed for more serious offenses or repeat violations. For instance, in Georgia, a conviction for driving without insurance can result in up to 12 months in jail.

Loss of Driving Privileges

If you are caught driving without insurance, your driver's license may be suspended or revoked, resulting in the loss of your driving privileges for a certain period. The length of the suspension or revocation will vary depending on the location and the specifics of the offense.

Increased Insurance Rates

If you are caught driving without insurance, you may face higher insurance rates in the future. Insurance companies consider uninsured drivers to be high-risk, and as a result, your insurance premiums may increase significantly.

Civil Lawsuits

If you are involved in an accident while driving without insurance, you may be subject to a civil lawsuit. This means that you could be held financially liable for any damages or injuries caused in the accident, which can result in significant financial burden.

Vehicle Impoundment

In some cases, driving without insurance can result in your vehicle being impounded or even destroyed. This is particularly true if you are a registered keeper of an uninsured vehicle.

Criminal Record

In some jurisdictions, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor offense. This means that a conviction will go on your criminal record, which can have long-term consequences, such as affecting your ability to find employment or housing.

To avoid these penalties, it is important to always maintain valid insurance coverage for your vehicle. Staying informed about the specific laws and regulations in your area can also help you understand the requirements and avoid any unintentional violations.

What to do if you collide with an uninsured driver

If you're in a collision with an uninsured driver, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect yourself legally.

Firstly, if there are any injuries, immediately call the emergency services and request assistance. Do not leave the scene of the accident without calling the police, even if there are no visible injuries and the accident seems minor. Leaving the scene can put you at further risk and has legal consequences.

Secondly, gather as much information as possible about the accident, the other vehicle, and the driver. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any other relevant details. Document the other vehicle's make, model, registration number, colour, and any unique identifying features, such as modifications. Also, try to get the other driver's contact and insurance information. If they are uninsured, they may be uncooperative, so get the police involved if necessary. Remember to collect contact details from any eyewitnesses and ask them for their account of what happened.

If the collision is a hit-and-run, try to find witnesses and gather their details. Check for nearby cameras or video doorbells that may have captured the incident. Dashcam footage can also be extremely helpful in these situations. Take photos of any evidence, such as traces of paint from the other vehicle on your car or the road, as this can strengthen your claim.

By law, you must report any car accident to the police within 24 hours if it caused damage or injured people or animals. Call 999 if it is an emergency and there are injuries that require immediate attention. For non-emergencies, call 101. Provide details such as the date, time, and information about all vehicles involved.

In terms of insurance, if you have comprehensive car insurance, you can file a claim with your company. Your collision and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will cover damage to your car and necessary medical bills. If you only have third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) or third-party only (TPO) insurance, you may not be covered by your insurer, and you will have to pursue other options, such as claiming compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) in the UK, or similar organisations in other countries.

How to check if your vehicle is insured

There are several ways to check if your vehicle is insured. Here are some options:

Check for an Online Policy

If you know which insurance company you or your family have used in the past, you can start by checking their website. Many insurers offer online accounts where you can log in and review, update, or renew your coverage. If you know the insurance company and the email address associated with your account, you may be able to log in and check if your coverage is up to date.

Search Your Vehicle

Most people keep a copy of their car insurance policy or card in their vehicle, so it's worth checking your glove compartment or other storage compartments. Even if you find paperwork from a previous year, you can contact the insurance company to find out if the policy has been renewed.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have an existing account with a particular carrier, you can log in to their website or mobile app to check your auto insurance policy documents, proof of coverage, and payment history. You can also call your insurance company directly to confirm your coverage status.

Review Financial Documents

If you have access to the vehicle owner's financial records, you can review their bank or credit card statements for payments to an insurance company. Then, contact the insurance company to confirm that the policy is still in force and get coverage details.

Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

You can request car insurance information from your local DMV, especially if you have received an order about a lapse of liability insurance. You will likely need to fill out a form and provide your contact information, the reason for your request, and the vehicle's license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Note that some DMVs may charge a fee for this service.

Check with the Secretary of State

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to check with the Secretary of State for proof of car insurance coverage. For example, Illinois verifies car insurance coverage twice a year, so you may be able to obtain coverage details for a specific period.

Request a CLUE Report

You can request a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report directly from LexisNexis. This report contains up to seven years of history regarding your car insurance claims and includes your policy number, details about covered property, and specifics about claim dates and amounts paid out. You can obtain a free report every 12 months, similar to a credit report.

Check with Major Auto Insurance Companies

If you have the vehicle's VIN number and some basic details, you can contact major auto insurance companies to see if there is already a policy in place. They will likely need information such as the VIN or license plate number, or the name and basic details of the vehicle owner.

Check with Local Police

In some cases, local police departments may be able to check if a vehicle is insured. While driving without insurance is a serious infraction, whether they release this information to you will depend on the local policies.

Frequently asked questions