Uninsured Drivers
What to do if you have an accident with an uninsured driver
Its a sad fact that a percentage of drivers in the UK are uninsured. However, all is not lost if you are unfortunate enough to be hit by an uninsured driver. The motor insurers bureau have a compensation scheme which can provide compensation to victims of uninsured drivers. Here is the process you need to follow:
- Make sensible inquiries to see if the motorist is insured. This will include contacting the motorist in person, and tracing the registered keeper via DVLA and contacting them.
- Make a formal complaint to the Police. You are entitled to do this as a refusal to give insurance information is a criminal offence under Section 154 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
- Contact your insurers. Your insurance policy requires all accidents to be reported and your insurers may be able to trace the other party's insurers. Your insurer also has access to the Motor Insurers' Database which may contain details of the motorist's insurers.
- Advise your legal expense insurers. If you have no insurance for legal expenses, speak to your local solicitor concerning an arrangement under which you can be protected against legal costs.
- Download an Application form from the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) site and send it to MIB providing as much information as you can about the motorist.
- Collect as much documentary information as you can concerning your losses. MIB will also need details of any insurance policies which you hold which may cover those losses. If your vehicle has been damaged, try and get two alternative estimates, but if the vehicle is not drivable one will be sufficient. Do not delay your claim to wait for estimates to arrive.
