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What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

<h1>How Common Are Uninsured Drivers in New Zealand?</h1><p>Unlike many countries, car insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand. Estimates suggest around 8.5% of vehicles on New Zealand roads are uninsured.</p><p>If the driver who caused the accident isn't insured, recovering the cost of your repairs is more complicated — but you still have options.</p><h2>Get Their Details — All of Them</h2><p>An uninsured driver is the situation where collecting full and accurate details matters most.</p><p>As well as the usual information (full name, address, driver licence, rego, make, model, colour), confirm:</p><ul><li><p>Their date of birth (it's on their driver licence)</p></li><li><p>A working mobile number — call it on the spot to confirm</p></li><li><p>An email address</p></li><li><p>Whether they own the vehicle or are driving someone else's (the owner may be liable too)</p></li></ul><p>Take a photo of the front and back of their driver licence.</p><p>Without accurate details, recovering money from an uninsured driver becomes very difficult.</p><h2>Call Police</h2><p>If a driver is uninsured and unwilling to provide their details, call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> and request Police.</p><p>Police attendance creates an official record of the accident, which strengthens your position later.</p><p>For non-emergencies, you can also report via <a href="tel:105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">105</a> or their <a href="https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">website</a>.</p><h2>Your Options for Getting Paid</h2><h3>If You Have Comprehensive Insurance</h3><p>If you have comprehensive insurance, lodge a claim with your own insurer.</p><p>You'll usually have to pay the excess up front, but your insurer may pursue the uninsured driver to recover costs and refund you.</p><h3>If You Only Have Third Party Insurance</h3><p>If you only have third party insurance, check whether your policy includes an uninsured motorist extension — some NZ policies include this up to a set limit.</p><p>Check your policy wording or call your insurer to confirm.</p><h3>If You're Uninsured Yourself</h3><p>If you’re uninsured yourself, you can pursue the at-fault driver directly for repair costs, usually through a Letter of Demand and if that doesn't resolve it, you can file a claim through the Disputes Tribunal.</p><h2>The Disputes Tribunal</h2><p>The Disputes Tribunal is quicker, cheaper and less formal than court, and you can claim up to $60,000.</p><p>You usually represent yourself — no lawyer required.</p><h2>What About ACC?</h2><p>ACC covers personal injury from motor vehicle accidents in New Zealand regardless of fault — but it does not cover vehicle damage or property loss.</p><p>If you or anyone else was physically injured in the accident, make sure an ACC claim is lodged separately.</p><h2>Can I Still Get a Replacement Vehicle?</h2><p>Right2Drive's no-cost accident replacement vehicle is recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer, so an uninsured at-fault driver usually means we can't offer the service in the standard way.</p><p>That said, every situation is different — call <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> and we'll talk you through your options before you</p><p></p>

Vehicle Accident Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in New Zealand

What to do after the accident has happened and you’ve left the accident scene. 

What to Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene (Hit-and-Run)

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

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Other Articles

Vehicle Accident Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in New Zealand

What to do after the accident has happened and you’ve left the accident scene.

What to Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene (Hit-and-Run)