Motor Insurers Bureau and Foreign Driver Claims

When the at-fault party is uninsured or untraced. The fight for compensation from insurers can be complicated and lengthy. The situation becomes particularly difficult when the person responsible for the accident cannot be identified. Below, we explain the procedure in such cases and the role played by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

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Motor Insurers’ Bureau

The MIB handles the payment of compensation in three situations:

• Untraced Drivers' Agreement (hit and run accident) – the at-fault driver of the accident is unknown 
• Uninsured Drivers' Agreement – the at-fault driver did not have valid insurance
• Foreign registered vehicle – the at-fault driver is from outside the UK.

The at-fault driver of the accident is unknown – Untraced Drivers' Agreement

This situation most often occurs when a driver has fled the scene of the accident, and there are no witnesses or evidence to identify them. In such cases, the MIB pays compensation at a level similar to what the at-fault driver's insurer would have paid.

Important! For the MIB to consider the case, you must report the accident to the police:

• within 5 days – for property damage,
• within 14 days – for personal injury claims.

If you cannot meet these deadlines, the report must be made “as soon as reasonably practicable”.

The at-fault driver of the accident is uninsured – Uninsured Drivers' Agreement

If the driver did not have valid insurance, compensation will also be paid by the MIB. This applies to both personal injury and property damage. As before, the condition is to report the incident to the police immediately.

The at-fault driver of the accident is from another country – Green Card Scheme

This applies to situations where the at-fault driver's vehicle is registered and insured outside the UK. The aim of the scheme is to identify the at-fault driver's insurer and contact its representative in the UK.

If the representative does not operate in the UK, the MIB takes over the case. If they are present in the UK, the MIB helps in case of communication problems. In both situations, the case is treated as if the insurer were a British insurance company.

Who can help in obtaining compensation?

If you are injured in an accident, you have the right to:

• personal injury compensation
• reimbursement of treatment costs, rehabilitation
• loss of earnings
• care and assistance
• travel expenses
• future losses

The amount of compensation depends on the type of injuries and the length of recovery. Importantly, you can start the procedure immediately – you do not have to wait for your treatment to end.

No Win – No Fee

We operate on the No Win No Fee basis meaning:

• No upfront fees when starting your case
• If you lose – you don't pay any fees (as long as you comply with the terms of the agreement)*
• If you win – you pay a success fee for the work done by the solicitors

Why is it worth using our help?

• we provide a fantastic level of service
• we handle cases on a No Win No Fee basis
• we offer a free initial telephone consultation process
• we act quickly and effectively

If you are wondering whether you are entitled to compensation, please do not hesitate in contacting us. During a free consultation, we will answer all your questions and explain, step by step, the procedure in the case of an uninsured or unknown at-fault driver.

* Please note there maybe exceptional circumstances where we may reserve the right to raise a bill for our fees e.g. if you terminate your retainer with us, mislead us or fail co-operate with us during the course of your claim.