I would think it would unfold something like this:-

The police will probably put it to the owner of the car that they do not believe the story that the person who "borrowed" the car took it without the owner's permission.

They will also remind the owner that the penalties for permitting someone else to drive uninsured are the same as if you were caught driving with no insurance. These penalties are a fine of up to £5,000, an endorsement of between six and eight penalty points on your driving license and a possible disqualification from driving.

They will then again ask the owner to name the driver.

If he again will not name the driver he cops the full monty as above as he is now responsible.

If he does name the driver that's a whole new ball game.

The driver can then be investigated for assault, taking without owner's consent, leaving the scene, not reporting an accident, driving without insurance, plus any other driving offences around the cause of the accident as it is on dashcam video.

As you then have the driver's details you could take out a civil action after any criminal court case to recover your financial shortfall.

I'm not sure as the whether the owner could be deemed responsible in a civil court for your costs if he doesn't name the driver.

Edited by focussed on 02/05/2020 at 23:59

Whilst i have nothing else to offer following the two excellemt replies above other than i hope the OP gets some justice here and the old bill nicks that thug big time, this does highlight how having legal protection insurance is worthwhile, maybe even more desirable with what we are more than likely about to receive in the coming recession/depression.

In 1972 I was hit from the rear when I stopped at a zebra crossing. My 18 month old car was severely damaged and the other car's engine dropped on the floor. I was in shock and managed to get the other driver's address but no insurance information. When I 'phoned him the following day he refused to give me any information about his insurance and refused to inform them. I managed to get his insurance details and contacted his company but they refused to deal with me ass the insured had not made a claim.

My brother was a police officer and he advised me to sue the driver and recommended a solicitor. Some time later it went to the County Court, and the barrister who represented me came to an agreement with the insurance company and the matter was settled out of court. I was paid damages and reimbursed for costs. I am sure the insurance company was not very happy with the insured as it must have cost them a lot more as they would also have had to pay the legal costs.

Take the driver to court and he will soon contact his insurance company if he is going to be out of pocket.

"Take the driver to court and he will soon contact his insurance company if he is going to be out of pocket"

He can't because the "driver" is unidentified.

It's no good trying to take the owner to court because he wasn't driving.

We're still waiting to hear the outcome of all this.

The OP is totally reliant upon what the police do next. My guess would be they should insist the RK of the car disclose the driver details or they could arrest him for obstruction of justice or similar. Until that happens nothing will move. Do not expect an insurance company to intervene. The car insurance may insist the actual driver foot the bill via a private prosecution. Only viable if the offender has any assets. Maybe your own insurance would be amenable to assist you in that. Worth asking. Good luck and give us an update.

Cheers Concrete