If an uninsured or untraced driver has hit you, here is what you should know.
The Accident
It’s a typical journey to work, and suddenly you get hit by another car. You take the usual steps of stopping to exchange details. Then it turns out that the other driver does not have insurance. An uninsured driver has hit you. What should you do next?
As they have no insurance cover, there is no way of claiming from their insurance, which can leave you uncertain. If it is the case that the driver has no insurance, then you may be able to claim from your own insurance policy for the damage to your vehicle without losing your No Claims Discount. In certain other circumstances, you may also be able to claim from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), which is the body that compensates victims of uninsured or untraced driving by others.
The MIBI states, “The MIBI Agreement provides for the payment of compensation of vehicle/property claims; however, the alleged offending vehicle must be identified using a valid registration plate.” This means that you cannot claim if you don’t have the registration number.
You may wish to contact a solicitor for advice and guidance in certain circumstances.
To submit a claim to the MIBI, you can download and print the Claim Notification Form by clicking here.
Being hit by an uninsured driver can be stressful and leave you with several questions. Here’s what to do and how we can help.
What To Do First?
If it is necessary, you should call emergency services straight away, including the Gardaí, if needed. The next thing you should do is take down as much information as you can, including:
- The make, model and registration number of the other car. The registration number is crucial if claiming the MIBI.
- The other driver’s name and address.
- Contact details of any witnesses.
- Photos and information on any of the damage.
- The time, date and place where the accident happened
If the Gardaí are not present at the scene, call the Gardaí next and let them know that the other driver has no insurance. Do not try to agree with the uninsured driver.
You should notify your insurer immediately when you are involved in a motor accident. You may claim for the damage to your car without losing your No Claims Discount. Your insurer will always review your case and advise you on the next steps.
What If The Uninsured Driver Drives Away After Hitting Me?
This can make an already stressful situation even more stressful for you. It can be difficult to claim as you have no details to take to your insurer or the MIBI. You should contact the Gardaí and your insurer as soon as possible.
Read more here if you want to claim against an unidentified vehicle.
Can I Claim For Personal Injury?
Yes, you may be able to claim for personal injuries in a situation involving an uninsured driver. This includes if the fault for the motor accident is with the other driver, even if he or she leaves the scene. Usually, you would claim compensation from their insurance company, but as there is no insurance in this case, you may wish to contact a solicitor for assistance. A solicitor will guide you through the process which will involve notifying your claim to the MIBI within certain strict guidelines. During the process, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) will assess any personal injuries.
PIAB will assess your claim, and you can complete an application form online.
To submit a claim to the MIBI, you can download and print the Claim Notification Form by clicking here.
Below are other commonly asked questions about this topic. We have a full list of FAQs on our website; if you can’t find your answer or would prefer to talk to an agent, call us on 014092600.
How Do I Know I’m Insured?
The insurance disc will be on display on the passenger side of the front windscreen and will have information on the current policy. Driving a car other than your own may confuse insurance, as sometimes drivers assume their insurance covers this without checking. Always check your own insurance policy to see if you have cover for driving other cars before driving a car other than your own.
I Purchased a New Car. What Do I Need to Do Next?
If you purchase a new car, you must immediately contact your insurer to add it to your policy or buy a new one. You shouldn’t drive the car without letting your insurer know because you are now driving your new car without insurance.
Driving Other Cars – Can I Do This?
There may be a time when you need to drive your partner or your friend’s car for whatever reason. Not every driver has the cover for driving other people’s cars, and it is a benefit that comes with many car insurance policies and can be added to other policies. If it is included in your policy, it will most likely apply if:
- You’re the policyholder.
- You have permission from the vehicle owner to drive it.
- You use the car for the same purposes as your policy covers you.
- You’re just borrowing it.
- You are over 25. Depending on the insurer, it is often unavailable to young or novice drivers.
With KennCo Insurance, you are covered for driving other cars. This is available if you are over 25 years old and hold a full Irish driving licence. Some exclusions apply to some occupations.
