What happens if I am involved in an accident with an uninsured driver? Is there anyone who can help?
When the unexpected happens, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) may be able to help!
The MIBI is a non-profit-making organisation registered in Ireland whose vision is to protect the interests of the victims of uninsured drivers. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or is untraced, you might still be able to claim compensation.
The MIBI have three main claim types – uninsured, unidentified, and foreign registered vehicle claims – which we take a look at in turn below. If you think you fall into any of the below categories, visit the MIBI website to find out more and to make a claim.
Uninsured Vehicle Claims
The MIBI compensates victims who have been involved in road traffic accidents caused by uninsured vehicles.
Vehicle/Property Damage Claims
The MIBI Agreement provides for the payment of compensation of vehicle/property claims however the alleged offending vehicle must be identified by means of a valid registration plate. In instances where the alleged offending vehicle cannot be identified by means of a valid registration plate, the MIBI has no liability to pay compensation for vehicle/property damage.
MIBI No Claims Discount Protocol
Where the damaged vehicle is comprehensively insured MIBI has agreed with its Member Companies, under the terms of the MIBI No Claims Discount Protocol that the vehicle insurer will deal with the vehicle damage claim. The Protocol guarantees the protection of the claimant’s motor No Claims Bonus.
Where a property (non-vehicle) is damaged by an uninsured vehicle, and where that property is covered by a policy of insurance, the claimant must make a claim against that insurance policy. MIBI will refund any policy excess however the claimant’s house insurance No Claims Discount may be impacted by the property insurer.
Personal Injury Claims
The MIBI Agreement provides for the payment of compensation for personal injury claims in respect of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured vehicles.
On receipt of a fully completed Claim Notification Form (available here), the MIBI will commence its investigations. Please note only the receipt by the MIBI of a fully completed Claim Notification Form will constitute formal notification of a claim. The initial investigation includes (a) establishing the facts, (b) establishing the insurance position of the alleged offending vehicle and/or driver and (c) obtaining a Garda Report.
When all requisite information is received, including, insofar as is possible, confirmation that the alleged offending vehicle was uninsured, the MIBI will pass the claim to one of its Claims Management Service Providers to continue and complete the investigation. They will accept Personal Injuries Resolution Board notification or service of proceedings. In due course, following a thorough investigation of the circumstances and liability, the claim will be settled by the Claims Management Service Provider, on the MIBI’s behalf, and compensation paid as appropriate.
Unidentified Vehicle Claims
The MIBI compensates victims involved in road traffic accidents who have sustained personal injury caused by an unidentified vehicle.
Vehicle/Property Damage Claims
The MIBI Agreement does not extend to the payment of compensation in circumstances where damage has been caused to vehicles and/or property caused by an unidentified vehicle.
Personal Injury Claims
The MIBI Agreement provides for the payment of compensation for personal injury claims in respect of road traffic accidents caused by unidentified vehicles.
On receipt of a fully completed Claim Notification Form (available here), the MIBI will commence its investigations. Please note only the receipt by the MIBI of a fully completed and signed Claim Notification Form will constitute a formal notification of a claim. The initial investigation includes (a) establishing the facts and (b) obtaining a Garda Report.
When all requisite information is received the MIBI will then pass the claim to one of its Claims Management Service Providers to continue and complete the investigation. They will accept Personal Injuries Resolution Board notification or service of proceedings. In due course, following a thorough investigation of the circumstances and liability, the claim will be settled by the Claims Management Service Provider, on the MIBI’s behalf, and compensation paid as appropriate.
Foreign Registered Vehicle Claims
the MIBI, as Green Card Bureau, deals with claims from parties involved in accidents, in Ireland, caused by vehicles registered outside the State.
Vehicle/Property Damage Claims
The MIBI, in its capacity as Green Card Bureau, covers all vehicle and property damage claims caused by vehicles registered outside the State, the country of origin of which is a member of the Green Card system. In order to pursue a claim for vehicle or property damage it is vital to establish, as a minimum, that the registration plate attached to the offending vehicle is a valid one issued in the country of origin. If this cannot be established, the claim for vehicle or property damage cannot be pursued.
Personal Injury Claims
The MIBI, in its capacity as Green Card Bureau, covers all personal injury claims caused by vehicles registered outside the State, the country of origin of which is a member of the Green Card system.
Some investigations will include:
Confirming the validity of the registration plate with the MIBI’s counterparts in the country of origin of the vehicle.
Establishing the insurance position of the alleged offending vehicle.
When all the requisite information is received including confirmation of the insurance position of the alleged offending vehicle, the MIBI will pass the file to the Nominated Agent (in Ireland) of the foreign insurer. If no such agent has been appointed the MIBI will pass the file to one of its Claims Management Service Providers to continue and complete the investigation.
The Nominated Agent or Claims Management Service will accept Personal Injuries Resolution Board notification or service of proceedings. In due course, following a thorough investigation of the circumstances and liability, the claim will be settled by the Claims Management Service Provider or Nominated Agent and compensation paid as appropriate.
Watch the videos below to hear about how people have been helped by the MIBI!