The MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) is a special organisation established to compensate victims of negligent uninsured and untraced drivers (hit and run) and who have no other source to claim compensation from. It was established in 1946 as a central fund to compensate the victims of such road accidents and covers the following jurisdictions:- England, Scotland, and Wales Northern Ireland Isle of Man Alderney Guernsey Jersey Sark Gibraltar A separate scheme operates in the Republic of Ireland for hit and run accidents. If your hit and run accident happened in the Republic of Ireland we can still help you and represent you in making a claim. The MIB is funded by all motor insurers. Each motor insurer has to make an annual contribution to the fund based on their share of the market. Ultimately it is the public who pay as the cost is passed on by the insurance companies in the form of increased motor premiums. It is estimated that the cost is between £15 - £30 per motorist each year. Each year the MIB makes substantial payments to the victims of hit and run accidents. In 1946-1947 it only paid compensation of £11,500 but by 2004 the compensation level was in excess of £250 million per annum. Total compensation since 1946 is in excess of £2 billion. The MIB deal with 2 main areas of claim:- 1. Untraced Drivers The Untraced Drivers Agreement provides for compensation to be paid in respect of personal injury and property damage arising from a hit and run accident. This applies to accidents even where the driver cannot be identified. For example, he may have fled the scene or provided false details. In cases of bodily injury there is no financial limit to the level of compensation. But in the case of property damage, the MIB does not pay the first £300 and there is an upper limit for property damage of £250,000. Compensation for damage to property is limited to accidents on or after 14 February 2003 but only if the accident is reported to the police within 5 days, or as soon as reasonably possible. However, you can only recover for vehicle damage in a hit and run accident when the other vehicle is identified or traced and even then a £300 excess is applied. 2. Uninsured Drivers It is a sad fact of life that there are many motorists on our roads who drive without any insurance. It is established that 5% of UK motorists are uninsured. The UK has one of the highest levels of uninsured driving in Europe. Fortunately uninsured drivers are now facing a crackdown and the MIB now supply police forces with information about suspected uninsured vehicles. If you have been the victim of an accident with an uninsured motorist we can help you. Your claim is pursued against the MIB who will pay your damages and costs. The MIB may then take steps to recover any damages they pay to you from the uninsured motorist. Whenever you have been the victim of a hit and run accident there are a number of important steps to remember:- 1. Where possible try to secure details of the registration number of the vehicle which hit you. Also make a note of the model and colour of the vehicle and any distinguishing features of the driver e.g. gender, age, height etc. The MIB will request these details although it is not essential to have them. In some cases you will be unable to provide any such details. 2. Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Ask the police to provide you with a reference number to evidence the fact that you have reported the accident. It is also useful to make a note of the name, badge number and station of the police officer you reported the matter to. 3. Visit a hospital or your GP as soon as possible so that an official record is made of your injuries. 4. Where possible obtain details of any independent witnesses and keep a record of their contact details. 5. It is helpful if you can take photographs of any damage caused to your vehicle. You should also obtain a repair estimate.