A driver’s lack of insurance or failure to stop does not necessarily leave an injured person without a remedy. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau operates agreements for eligible claims, but notification, evidence and cooperation requirements matter.
Key points
What to know at a glance
- Report the incident to police promptly
- Preserve every clue to the vehicle
- Use the correct MIB route
- Cooperate fully and consistently
- Prove injury and losses as in any other claim
Uninsured and untraced claims
An uninsured claim generally involves an identified driver without effective cover. An untraced claim may involve a hit-and-run or unknown vehicle. The applicable agreement and procedure differ, so the facts should be classified correctly.
Police reporting
Report a hit-and-run or suspected uninsured driving promptly and obtain a reference. Give accurate vehicle, location and direction details. Delay may affect investigation and compliance with the relevant scheme.
Independent evidence
Look for witnesses, dashcam, CCTV, debris, paint transfer and photographs. Record partial registration, make, model, colour and driver description. Nearby homes and businesses may overwrite footage within days.
MIB application and cooperation
The application requires detailed information and authorisations. The MIB may investigate liability and loss, obtain records and ask follow-up questions. Failure to cooperate or inconsistent information can cause difficulty.
Injury and financial loss
Medical evidence and proof of earnings, treatment, care and expenses remain necessary. The scheme is not an automatic payment fund; liability, causation and quantum still require evidence.
Insurance and other parties
There may be arguments about policy status, vehicle use, employer responsibility or another insured vehicle. A solicitor can identify whether a conventional insurer claim, MIB route or both should be pursued.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim after a hit-and-run?+
Potentially through the untraced-driver arrangements, subject to eligibility and procedure.
What if I was a passenger?+
A passenger may have a claim, though knowledge of uninsured use can be relevant.
Does the MIB pay vehicle damage?+
The applicable agreement and circumstances determine recoverable property loss.
How quickly should I apply?+
Promptly. Scheme and statutory deadlines must be checked.
Primary legal sources
Legislation and official guidance
These sources are provided for transparency. Legislation may be amended or commenced in stages, and reading the statutory text is not a substitute for advice.