My Car Was Hit and Their Insurance Won’t Pay

Written by Ian BeevisUpdated 10 July 20252 min read

If your car was hit and the other driver’s car insurance won’t pay, you still have options. In the UK, claims can be disputed for many reasons, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the bill. You can often claim through your own insurer, escalate the case, or turn to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the other driver is uninsured or untraceable.

This kind of situation is common in car accident claims, and knowing your rights is the first step to getting it sorted.

Key points

Why Won’t Their Insurance Pay?

There are a few common reasons the other driver’s insurer might refuse your claim:

They dispute who was at fault
You or the other driver didn’t report the incident properly
There’s not enough evidence
The driver wasn’t actually insured
The insurer is slow or unresponsive

What to Do If Their Insurer Won’t Pay

If the other insurer refuses to pay, here is what you can do:

1. Speak to Your Own Insurance Provider

Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, your insurer can often handle the claim and then recover costs from the other driver’s insurer.

2. Gather All the Evidence You Can

Photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports can all strengthen your case and pressure the third-party insurer to pay up.

3. Use the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)

If the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, you can make a claim through the MIB, which is designed to help victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers.

4. Consider Legal Cover

If you have legal expenses insurance (often included in comprehensive policies), your insurer may help you challenge a denied claim – sometimes even covering legal costs.

Can I Still Claim on My Own Policy?

Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

You may have to pay your excess
Your no claims bonus could be affected unless it’s protected
Your insurer may still recover costs from the other party later

If you’re reviewing your current policy or want better legal protection in future, you can compare car insurance with legal cover to stay better protected.

My Car Was Hit and Their Insurance Won’t Pay image

What if the other driver gave false information?

Report it to the police. If they’re untraceable or uninsured, claim through the MIB.

Can I sue the other driver directly?

Yes, especially if you have legal cover, but it’s often a last resort.

Will I definitely get my excess back if it wasn’t my fault?

Not always. It depends on whether your insurer can recover the costs successfully.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Usually within 3 years for personal injury, or as soon as possible for vehicle damage.

In Summary

If the other insurer won’t pay, start by speaking to your own provider
Gather strong evidence to support your side of the story
Use the MIB if the other driver is uninsured or untraceable
Legal expenses cover can help you challenge a denied claim

Compare Car Insurance with Legal Cover

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