Where Should You Submit a Claim When Involved in an Uninsured Driver Accident?
By: Steven Hoggard
Submitted: 2009-10-28 08:55:47 | Word Count: 603
As the number of uninsured drivers increases, the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured driver also increases. How should you react? Are you going to know that the other driver is uninsured? Where should you submit your claim for the motor vehicle accident- with your insurer or with the Motor Insurance Bureau? Do you know what the Motor Insurance Bureau is or does?
Will You Know the Other Driver is Uninsured?
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In many situations, an uninsured driver will not admit that he has no insurance cover on his motor vehicle. Instead, he will offer a false name and false contact information. However, you should complete the guidelines provided by your insurer and the Road Traffic Act of 1988, making sure that you obtain the correct vehicle registration number.
Should a Driver Involved in an Uninsured Driver Accident Submit His Claim to His Insurer?
If the driver only has Third Party or Third Party, Fire, and Theft Insurance Cover, then he can not submit a claim to your insurer. When this type of situation exists, your best recourse is to obtain compensation from the uninsured driver. If this individual provides accurate information, you might be able to do so. If he does not provide his real name and contact information and you are unable to find this information, you will not be able to obtain compensation from him.
If a driver has Comprehensive Insurance Cover, then he might want to place his claim for the uninsured driver accident with his insurer. The repairs to the vehicle will be carried out more swiftly than if he attempts to place a claim with the MIB (Motor Insurance Bureau) or the other driver.
If you are at risk of losing your No Claims Discount should you place a claim against your insurance, then you might prefer to place the claim with the MIB instead. While the process will be slower and you might be without your vehicle for a while, you will protect your discount for your car insurance cover. Another situation that might deter you from placing the claim against your personal car insurance cover is one in which you have a large excess to pay. This cost might be prohibitive enough to steer you to make your claim with the MIB.
What Does the Motor Insurance Bureau Do?
The Motor Insurance Bureau or MIB attempts to act in place of the other driver if he would have had insurance coverage on his motor vehicle. The processing of the accident claim generally takes longer because all of the information must be verified from numerous sources. Plus, an attempt is made to locate the uninsured driver and that step often takes a great deal of time, especially when false information has been provided.
Are There Circumstances That Will Prevent You From Receiving Compensation?
If a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident had full knowledge that the driver is uninsured, then he cannot place a claim with the MIB. This includes claims for injuries, loss of property, or death. Additionally, if the uninsured driver’s vehicle cannot be traced, then you might not be entitled to compensation for damages to your motor vehicle or personal property.
Intro: Do you know where to submit your claim if you are involved in an uninsured driver accident? You have three options if you have Comprehensive Insurance Cover. Find out what all of your options are so that you can make the right decision.
