How do I claim compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB)?

According to the latest figures, 26,000 people are injured every year on the UK's roads by uninsured or untraceable drivers. With most road accident claims, you would claim compensation through the defendant's insurance company.

But what are your options if the other driver has no insurance or fails to stop at the scene of the accident?

What is the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB)?

If you are in a collision with a driver who flees the scene of the crash, you should inform the police and your insurer without delay. Both will both try and locate the negligent motorist.

If attempts to identify the driver fail, or if the driver does not have insurance, your next port of call should be the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) is an independent body that pays road accident compensation to the victims of uninsured or unidentified drivers. The MIB is funded by contributions from car insurance premiums.

The MIB is a fund of last resort, meaning that you can only make a claim only when:

• The driver who caused your injuries was uninsured at the time of the accident, or
• All attempts to establish the identity of the other driver have been exhausted.

You can also claim through the MIB if you were injured in the UK by a foreign-registered vehicle or if you were involved in an accident abroad.

See also:

Critical things to do after a road accident

How do I make a claim through the MIB?

Before filing a claim with the MIB, you must notify your own insurer.

If the accident was a hit and run, you must notify the police. To help the police trace the missing driver, you should pass as many details as possible to the police, including:

• the car's registration
• type and colour of the vehicle
• the direction the other vehicle was travelling when it left the scene.

Once it is established that the driver is uninsured or cannot be located, you can start a claim. Claims can be submitted electronically through the MIB website.

Once you have completed the online form, the MIB will investigate your claim. The process is much like any other car accident insurance claim.

The MIB will try to ascertain whether the other driver was at fault. They will gather witnesses, medical reports, and any other evidence, and use the facts to verify your claim.

To start a claim directly through the MIB, click here.

What will the MIB compensate me for?

The MIB can pay compensation for anything a motor insurance policy would normally cover, including personal injury and damage to your vehicle.

You can also claim for loss of earnings, medical and personal care costs and, if your injuries are particularly serious, the cost of adapting your home and car to meet your new needs, such as installing wheelchair ramps or a stairlift.

You can also claim for loss of a no-claims bonus or any excess charged by your own insurer in handling the claim.

See also:

What can I claim for in an injury claim? Complete list…

Can a solicitor help me make a claim through the MIB?

Yes. A personal injury solicitor can help you make a claim through the MIB. If you were injured by an uninsured driver, the MIB will cover the solicitor's legal costs.

If you were hit by an untraceable driver, the MIB will not cover your legal costs and you won't be able to recover them from the other side as you won't know the identity of the defendant. If your claim involves an untraceable driver, your solicitor will normally ask you to sign an agreement that will cover their fees if your claim is successful. These fees would then be deducted from your compensation award.

Calculate my injury compensation

Calculating how much compensation you can claim for an injury can be complicated.

Our injury compensation calculator tells you if you may have a claim, how much compensation you could claim, and what you can claim for.

Find out what your injury claim could be worth now.

How did your injury happen?

The claims process for a road traffic injury will depend on where and how the accident happened. Click the icons below for more information:

Road accidents Passenger injuries Cycling accident Motorcycle accident Other accidents

Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.