Protecting yourself against uninsured drivers

Uninsured drivers blight the UK’s roads with as many as one driver in twenty choosing to opt out of insurance. Studies show that uninsured drivers are also more likely to be convicted of drink driving. With anti social behaviour of this kind so prevalent the rest of us are left to pay for accidents involving people who are happy to break the law rather than pay for a policy.

So, where does that leave the rest of us? According to duck2water Car Insurance, www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk, if you have been unlucky enough to have an accident with an uninsured driver you can still claim compensation. It can be more complicated than claiming straight from your insurance company, but claiming from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (the MIB) can provide you with financial relief when you need it most, although claiming through the MIB should be a last resort.

The MIB was set up in 1946 and protects the majority of drivers from the perils of having an accident with an uninsured driver. It is a private company that compensates the victims of negligent uninsured drivers. The services of the MIB are available to everyone and according to the MIB themselves ‘every insurer underwriting compulsory motor insurance is obliged, by virtue of the Road Traffic Act 1988, to be a member of MIB and to contribute to its funding.’ So, if you are insured you have access to the services of the MIB. You don’t need to approach the MIB yourself; this will be done by your insurance provider. For more information about claiming insurance after an accident with an uninsured driver take a look at the MIB website at http://www.mib.org.uk/Default.htm

What happens to these dishonest drivers while innocent motorists are desperately trying to claim compensation after an accident? Well, the future might hold prison sentences for those who chose to flout the law. Currently uninsured drivers face a fixed penalty but tougher new punishments might be the way forward. It seems however that the majority of uninsured drivers are under 25 and avoid buying insurance because they can’t afford it. As a result the government plans to work with insurance companies to provide young drivers with cheaper insurance.

How do we protect ourselves from the uninsured driver? As long as you are insured you will be able to claim compensation from the MIB if you are unlucky enough to come face to face in an accident with someone who hasn’t insured their car. Hopefully the future will hold tougher punishments for those who break the law and cheaper insurance for people who feel they can’t afford the premiums. That way we can look forward to the day when we don’t have to pay high premiums because some of the population chose not to pay at all.

-ENDS-

Editorial notes: www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk is an online car insurance provider which offers massive savings on existing premiums and gives the customers quick quotes and the ease of buying online.

For more information contact Sophie Evans – 0808 144 0136
www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk
Online car insurance provider.