What Recourse Do You Have When Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Even though the law requires it, every driver in the UK does not have motor vehicle insurance cover. Estimates place this number at more than a million drivers. Unfortunately, this circumstance leads to greater costs to insured drivers since their premiums are higher to cover the amounts that insurers must place into a special fund. This fund is mandated by the MIB or Motor Insurance Bureau in an effort to make funds available to drivers who find themselves involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured driver.

What You Need to Do at the Accident Scene

Follow the duties and responsibilities provided by the Road Traffic Act of 1988 and your insurer when the accident occurs. This includes sharing contact and insurance information, taking the names and contact information of witnesses, and contacting both the police and your insurer. Follow any guidelines that you are aware of.

In addition to these steps, it is important to get the registration number of the motor vehicle. This is especially important if the driver turns out to be uninsured. Typically, uninsured drivers provide false information regarding their names and contact information. They might even give you the name of an insurer without providing any relevant paperwork or proof of insurance cover. The MIB requires you to have the correct vehicle registration number if placing a claim.

Take notes and write down all of the information that you are given. Even if it isn't accurate, it might provide clues as to the driver's true identity. If you have a camera or cell phone with photo-taking capability, take a picture of the other driver and the vehicle. You can offer this to the insurer or the MIB when you make your claim.

When to Place a Claim against an Uninsured Driver to the Motor Insurance Bureau

If you decide to place a claim against an uninsured driver to the Motor Insurance Bureau, you must follow a specific timeframe:

• The motor vehicle accident must have been reported to the police.
• The claim for injuries must be placed in the first three years following the accident.
• The claim for damages to property must be placed during the six years that follow the accident.

How Does the Motor Insurance Bureau Process the Claim against an Uninsured Driver?

The Motor Insurance Bureau conducts a thorough investigation that will accomplish the following:

• Establish the facts of the motor vehicle accident.
• Confirm the identity of every individual involved in the incident.
• Check the police reports that were completed concerning the accident.
• Request and review impartial reports on the damages of the motor vehicle from mechanics.
• Request and review impartial reports on the motor vehicle accident from witnesses.
• Request and review medical reports on injuries sustained in the motor vehicle accident.
• Request and review information obtained from your insurer or the DVLA or Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
• Request and review an impartial report regarding the motor vehicle accident.

Intro: Unfortunately, there are a lot of uninsured drivers in the UK. Fortunately, the MIB has created a fund to help those drivers who are involved in a motor vehicle accident with one of these drivers. Learn more and protect yourself.

Steven Hoggard is a keen writer about car insurance and home insurance products.