A question our specialist personal injury solicitors are often asked is: what happens if the driver who caused my road traffic accident is uninsured or untraceable?
The good news is that if you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident with an uninsured or untraceable driver, it may still be possible to make a personal injury compensation claim using the Motor Insurance Bureau.
The Motor Insurance Bureau (‘MIB’) was set up over 70 years’ ago by the Government to assist those who have suffered loss at the hands of an uninsured or untraceable driver. Its stated aim is to “reduce the level and impact of uninsured driving in the UK” and “compensate victims of uninsured and untraceable drivers fairly and promptly”.
The MIB was set up to manage a fund designated to compensate those injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or untraceable driver. It is funded by an estimated £30 a year from every insured driver’s premiums. There is no limit on how much the MIB can compensate for personal injury (although a £300 excess applies).
The MIB will pay compensation even if you can claim under your own comprehensive insurance policy. Many people hit by uninsured or untraceable drivers claim under their own insurance policy, meaning that they sometimes face substantial excess payments and increased future premiums. The MIB can still indemnify losses that are otherwise insured, and in some circumstances, not insured, under your own policy. Many insurers will also protect your “no claims bonus” when you claim from the MIB.
In most cases, claims against the MIB must be brought within three years of the date of your accident. The standard limitation period of three years applies to uninsured motor claims, which means your claim must be brought within three years of the date of the accident.
If the third-party vehicle is not traced and cannot be identified (e.g. if the registration number was not obtained because the driver left the scene) a claim for damage to property and financial loss cannot be pursued. However, under the scheme, you can still claim for injury.
When accidents are more serious and involve life-changing injuries, we strongly advise you get expert advice from a specialist personal injury solicitor.
A solicitor with expertise in road traffic accident claims, will be able to secure maximum compensation. There is a danger that if you don’t use the services of a specialist personal injury solicitor, your compensation claim may not be investigated properly and will settle for a lesser amount than it should.
At Novum Law, we help people who’ve been involved in road traffic accidents every day.
Our team of specialist road traffic accident solicitors are experts in securing the maximum possible compensation for people with serious, life-changing injuries.
We offer ‘No Win, No Fee’ which means you can make a road traffic accident claim with no financial risks to you.
To find out more about making a motor insurance bureau claim and to get free, no-obligation advice, call Freephone 0800 884 0777 or email: info@novumlaw.com.
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