Someone Hit My Car – Whose Insurance Do I Call?
Table of Contents
If someone hits your car, you should call your own car insurance provider first, even if you weren’t at fault. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process, deal with the other party’s insurer on your behalf, and help get your vehicle repaired or replaced.
You don’t have to contact the other driver’s insurer directly, your provider handles that for you.
Key points
What to Do Immediately After Someone Hits Your Car
- Get the other driver’s details – Full name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, insurance company name and policy number (if they have it)
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and damage
- Get witness details (if available)
- Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan to claim
Should I Contact the Other Driver’s Insurer?
No, not usually. It’s better to let your insurer handle the process.
They’ll:
- Contact the other driver’s insurer on your behalf
- Investigate who’s at fault
- Recover your costs if you’re not responsible
- Arrange repairs or a courtesy car (depending on your policy)
Trying to handle it yourself can get complicated, especially if liability is disputed.
What If I Don’t Want to Claim on My Insurance?
If the accident wasn’t your fault and you want to avoid paying your excess or affecting your no claims bonus:
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You can make a claim directly with the other driver’s insurer (a “third-party claim”)
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But it may be harder to manage, and you won’t get as much support
Your own insurer may still help manage the process, even if you’re not claiming on your policy.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured, or you can’t trace them:
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Report it to the police immediately
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You may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
The MIB handles claims involving uninsured or untraceable drivers in the UK. You’ll need to provide as much evidence as possible (witnesses, dashcam, police report).
Do I have to tell my insurer if I’m not making a claim?
Yes. Most policies require you to report any incident, even if you don’t claim. Failing to do so can affect future claims.
Will my premium go up even if it wasn’t my fault?
Possibly. Insurers may still adjust your premium based on the risk, even if you weren’t to blame.
Can I claim without the other driver’s insurance details?
Yes, but it’s harder. Provide as much evidence as you can, and your insurer will try to track them down.
What if I have dashcam footage?
That’s great, share it with your insurer. It can help prove fault and speed up your claim.
In Summary
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Always contact your own insurer first, even if you weren’t at fault
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Your provider will manage the claim and contact the other driver’s insurer
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Consider dashcams and legal cover for extra protection
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If the other driver is uninsured, contact the police and MIB
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Reporting the incident protects you—even if you don’t make a claim
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