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 him.
-
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.
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