If you’ve been involved in a car accident and only managed to grab the other vehicle’s registration plate before they drove off — you’re not alone. Every day in the UK, people search “find vehicle from reg” because they’re trying to trace the driver of a car involved in an incident.

Whether it was a hit-and-run or the other driver failed to stop, here’s what you need to know — and how a personal injury solicitor may still be able to help you claim compensation.

Can You Identify a Registered Keeper from a Number Plate?

The short answer is: yes, but you must have a legal cause.

The DVLA holds records of registered keepers of UK vehicles and you can access that information freely as a member of the public from the Government. However, this can be time consuiming and confusing to people who do not do it regularly. There are legal ways this information can be requested on your behalf — usually through a solicitor acting on your behalf.

💡 If you've been injured in the accident, a solicitor may be able to make a request for this information to pursue a claim.

What to Do After a Crash If You Only Have the Reg

If you’re dealing with this situation, take these steps:

1. Write down the reg number (and take a photo if possible)

2. Note the time, location, and direction of travel

3. Check for CCTV or dashcam footage nearby (shops, homes, public transport)

4. Report the incident to the police

5. Speak to a solicitor ASAP – especially if you’ve suffered an injury

Can the Police Help You Identify the Driver?

Yes – if the incident is reported as a hit-and-run, or if someone failed to stop after a road traffic accident under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the police have the power to trace the vehicle owner via the DVLA.

However, this process may be slow or not prioritised if no immediate threat or injury is reported.

What If You Don’t Know Who Hit You?

This is where legal advice matters most. If the driver can’t be traced or was uninsured, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) — a body that compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

To succeed with a claim through the MIB, timing, evidence, and proper procedure are essential. A solicitor can help you build and submit the claim — at no upfront cost.

We Help Clients Who Only Have the Reg Plate

At Inson Legal Limited, we regularly help people just like you — clients who were injured in road accidents and didn’t manage to get full details of the driver. We can also help in some circumstances where there are no injuries and you perhaps need to claim for vehicle repairs.

Whether you’ve been:

• Hit by a car while walking or cycling

• Involved in a road accident where the other driver sped off

• Injured and only caught the vehicle reg…

…we can step in to trace the driver, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Start Your Claim with a Real Solicitor - Chris Hutchinson, Not a Call Centre

No forms to fill. No robots. Just a straight conversation with a solicitor who understands both the legal system and the real-world stress of being involved in an accident.

📞 Call Chris Hutchinson today on 01204 263147
📧 mail@insonlegal.co.uk
🌐 www.insonlegal.co.uk

FAQs About Vehicle Registration Lookup After an Accident

Q: Can I find the owner of a car with the reg plate alone?
A: Yes through Government processes but a solicitor can request keeper details via the DVLA if it’s in connection with a legal claim.

Q: Can I claim if I don’t know who hit me?
A: Yes. You may still be able to claim via the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) if you were injured.

Q: What if the other car drove off but I’m not injured?
A: You may still report it to the police, but personal injury compensation is only available through legal channels if you were injured. You can still recover the cost of repairs if you are able to identify the other vehicle involved.

How to Find a Vehicle from a Reg Plate After a Car Accident in the UK