Being involved in a road traffic accident is stressful enough, but when the other vehicle is foreign-registered, the situation can feel even more complicated. The good news is that you can claim compensation in the UK if the foreign driver was at fault, by claiming through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau.

What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is a non-profit organisation set up to compensate victims of accidents caused by uninsured, untraced or foreign drivers. It operates under agreements with the Department for Transport and is funded by a compulsory levy on all motor insurers who underwrite compulsory motor insurance in the UK. Essentially, UK drivers’ insurance premiums contribute to its funding.

If you’ve been hit by a foreign vehicle and cannot claim directly from their insurer, the MIB steps in to ensure you’re not left out of pocket. They handle claims for injury, property damage, and other losses when normal routes to compensation are unavailable.

What is the Green Card System?

The Green Card System is an international insurance arrangement covering 47 countries across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It ensures that victims of accidents involving foreign vehicles are not disadvantaged. If a foreign driver causes an accident in the UK, the MIB acts as the “Handling Bureau” and processes the claim on behalf of the foreign insurer. This means you can claim in much the same way as you would if the accident involved a UK-registered vehicle.

What Can I Claim For?

If you’ve been injured or suffered losses due to an accident with a foreign vehicle, compensation can include:-

  • Personal injury – pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.

  • Medical expenses – treatment and rehabilitation costs.

  • Loss of earnings – including past losses and future income if your injuries affect your ability to work.

Legal costs are usually covered, and most claims can be pursued on a No Win, No Fee basis. The standard time limit for making a claim is three years from the date of the accident, although exceptions may apply and you should seek legal advice about this.

Final Thoughts

If you have been crashed into by a foreign vehicle in the UK, don’t panic. Thanks to the MIB and the Green Card System, you have clear routes to claim compensation for your injuries and losses. Gather as much evidence as possible: photos, registration details, and witness statements, and seek legal advice promptly to protect your rights. Our specialist team here at Farleys are on hand to offer a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. Contact us today on 0845 287 0939, by email, or through the online chat below.