The Uninsured Drivers Agreement: What You Need to Know
Car insurance is a legal requirement for drivers across the UK. However, not everyone follows the rules, and there are plenty of uninsured drivers on the roads. In fact, according to the Motor Insurers` Bureau (MIB), there were over 130,000 claims for accidents involving uninsured drivers in 2019. That`s why the Uninsured Drivers Agreement (UDA) was created.
What is the Uninsured Drivers Agreement?
The UDA is a legal agreement between the MIB and all UK insurers. It ensures that victims of accidents caused by uninsured drivers can still receive compensation for their damages. The agreement covers all types of motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and vans.
How does it work?
If you`re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the first step is to report the incident to the police. You should also inform your insurer, who will then contact the MIB. The MIB will investigate the accident and, if it`s proven that the other driver was uninsured, they`ll pay out compensation to cover your damages.
What does the compensation cover?
The compensation offered by the MIB is designed to cover the same costs that would be covered by a standard car insurance policy. This includes damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and any other costs incurred as a result of the accident. However, there are some limitations to the compensation offered, especially in cases where the uninsured driver cannot be identified or located.
Are there any exclusions?
There are some limitations to the UDA. For example, if you were driving without insurance, you won`t be able to claim under the agreement. Similarly, if you were driving a vehicle that wasn`t roadworthy, you may also be excluded from making a claim.
It`s worth noting that the UDA does not cover damages to your vehicle caused by an accident that was your fault. In this scenario, you`ll need to rely on your own insurance policy to cover your costs.
What happens to the uninsured driver?
If the uninsured driver is identified, the MIB has the right to recover the compensation paid out from them. They may also be prosecuted for driving without insurance, which can result in a fine, points on their license, or even disqualification from driving.
If the driver is not identified, the MIB may try to recover the costs from the vehicle owner or anyone else involved in the accident who could be held liable.
Conclusion
Although the Uninsured Drivers Agreement may seem complicated, it provides an essential safety net for drivers in the UK. If you`re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it`s important to report the incident to the police and your insurer as soon as possible. This will ensure that you`re covered by the UDA and can receive the compensation you`re entitled to.