Tel: 020 8520 1021. Email: david.dolties@cch-solicitors.com
Tel: 020 8520 1021.
Email: david.dolties@cch-solicitors.com
Insights
When you hear 'MIB' in the UK, don't expect Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones to show up in snazzy black suits. Our very own MIB might not deal with extraterrestrial encounters, but the Motor Insurers' Bureau is certainly a guardian in its own right. Established in 1946, this pivotal entity plays a crucial role in the UK's automotive world, offering a safety net to those affected by accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers.
This article delves deep into the MIB's mission, history, and the significant impact it has on motorists across the UK.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) serves a critical function that many motorists are unaware of. Established in 1946, this organisation was created to protect victims of accidents caused by uninsured and untraced drivers. In this article, we will provide an overview of the MIB's history, purpose, and ongoing relevance.
The MIB emerged in response to a growing crisis of uninsured driving in the UK. In the 1930s, over 30% of drivers were estimated to be without insurance at a time when motor vehicle use was accelerating. This created an urgent need for a solution to aid the many victims of crashes involving uninsured motorists. The MIB was established as an industry-funded effort to fill this void.
Since its founding, the MIB has continually updated its policies and procedures to adapt to changing conditions. Revisions in the 1980s addressed complex multi-vehicle crashes. Further changes aligned operations with European Union regulations in the 1990s. Most recently, the MIB added online claims filing and provisions for victims of terrorism. This flexibility has kept the MIB current.
Despite being mandatory, around 1 million UK drivers remain uninsured. These motorists are involved in a disproportionate share of hit-and-run accidents. For insured drivers, the cost of uninsured driving is estimated at £33 annually per policyholder, amounting to over £500 million UK-wide. Though enforcement helps, these figures confirm that uninsured driving remains a substantial issue requiring the MIB's assistance.
It is important to recognise that real lives are affected by the reckless behaviour of uninsured motorists. Sharon Wells' story vividly illustrates the turmoil uninsured driving can cause. In 2015, an uninsured driver caused Ms. Wells to lose her unborn child and endure years of medical procedures. She credits the MIB with providing vital compensation when the at-fault party evaded responsibility. Others echo similar experiences of the MIB's aid making recovery possible.
The MIB is empowered through two key agreements between insurers, government, and the MIB itself:
Injury solicitors are also critical in helping claimants navigate the often complex MIB claims process to obtain entitled compensation.
Firms like CCH Solicitors in London are essential in guiding victims through the MIB claims process. These legal experts ensure that the victims' rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation they are entitled to. Their expertise is particularly crucial in complex cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, where navigating the legal and procedural aspects can be overwhelming for the victims.
While the MIB is tailored to the UK, examining similar programs worldwide provides useful perspective. France's program is funded by fees from insured motorists rather than via insurers. Some Canadian provinces use public funding. Comparing models highlights the MIB's strengths and weaknesses.
Though invaluable for over 70 years, the MIB still faces challenges. Approximately one in 25 UK drivers remain uninsured. New vehicle technologies will also require adaptation. But the MIB has proven its ability to evolve to meet the needs of British motorists for generations. As long as uninsured driving poses risks, the MIB's safety net remains essential.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau is more than a financial compensator; it is a cornerstone of the UK's motoring community, embodying a collective commitment to responsibility and support. Its role is vital in ensuring that victims of accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers are not left to face their challenges alone.
If you have give CCH a call and we will help you assess your options and see how we can assist with a claim through the MIB. Call us today on 020 8520 1021 and ask to speak to David Dolties.
Cartwright Cunningham Haselgrove & Co is a long-established firm. In 2022 we were proud to announce the acquisition of local personal injury specialists Romain Coleman Solicitors who were established in 1964.
