Recently, I was involved in a road accident whereby a car hit mine, took off before I could note the number plate of the car. I have registered a police report but have not been able to track the driver. Some commentators said that the car was not insured. All this is new to me and I do not know how to go and seek compensation. I was told of something called the Motor Insurance Bureau. Will someone explain to me how it functions?
If you have been in a hit-and-run-car or hit by an uninsured driver, you are not left without a solution. In the UK, there is the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) that facilitates victims in such scenarios.
What is a Motor Insurance Bureau ( MiB)?
MIB is an organisation that aids in paying any individual, who has sustained injuries or losses, as a result of using uninsured or untraced drivers. When the driver who caused the accident left the scene and could not be identified, or when he/ she had no valid insurance; MIB comes to your rescue so that you can still recover compensation.
What Types of Claims Can You Make Under Motor Insurance?
Under the MIB you could be entitled to:
- Personal injury (medical treatment, suffering and pain)
- The repair to the vehicle (in certain cases, based on the kind of insurance you have and the type of claims you have)
- Other direct losses that are associated with the accident
There are two schemes run by the MIB, one dedicated to the uninsured drivers, another, to the cases of untraced drivers (hit-and-run cases). They all have eligibility criteria, although both of them are intended to enrich injured and innocent road users.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Motor Insurance Claim
- The above listed to be reported to police immediately after the accident
- Collect any (photos, witnesses information, medical files)
- Go to the official MiB site
- Select the right scheme, and file you claim online
- Follow up any documents they may want
The MIB becomes a backup when there is no insurance company to rely on. That is particularly necessary, in your case, the driver being unknown or uninsured. By all means, you are entitled to receive compensation, do not be discouraged by the fact that the driver cannot be found.
