If the driver of the vehicle that caused your injuries was uninsured or left the scene of the accident without giving their details, you may still be able to make a road traffic accident claim.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) was established for the sole purpose of ensuring that the innocent victims of road accidents are compensated if they are involved in a collision with a negligent uninsured or untraceable driver.

A claim against the MIB is similar to a claim against the insurance company of an insured driver in that compensation will only be paid where the other driver was at fault for the accident and, only then, where your injuries and losses are supported by evidence.

The main difference with claims against the MIB is that in order to receive compensation you must comply strictly with the MIB’s rules. For example, the MIB can refuse to pay you compensation if you have not reported the accident to the police.  After an accident the other driver must give you their insurance details by law. If they refuse, or say they are uninsured, you must report it to the police and get a crime reference number to support your road traffic accident claim.

You must also report the accident to the police, within 24 hours, when the other driver is untraced, either because it was a ‘hit and run’ accident, or because the other driver provided false information e.g. wrong address, incorrect insurance details. Failure to do so will jeopardise your claim.

Claims against the MIB can be complex and generally take longer than claims against an insurance company. The MIB won’t pay any compensation until they have thoroughly investigated your claim and this can include obtaining a statement from the uninsured driver, and obtaining a police report. Furthermore, if court proceedings are necessary the correct procedure must be followed otherwise your claim could be rejected.