MIB Claims in Scotland — Uninsured & Untraced Drivers
Quick Answer
The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of uninsured and untraced (hit and run) drivers in Scotland. You can claim through the MIB even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or was never identified. Report the accident to the police and contact a solicitor experienced in MIB claims.
What Is the Motor Insurers' Bureau?
The MIB is funded by all UK motor insurers to ensure that victims of uninsured and untraced drivers are not left without compensation. It operates two main schemes: the Uninsured Drivers Agreement (for identified but uninsured drivers) and the Untraced Drivers Agreement (for hit and run cases where the driver cannot be identified).
Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
If the driver who caused your accident is identified but has no insurance, the MIB steps in under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement. Your claim is handled much like a standard insurance claim, and you are entitled to the same level of compensation.
The MIB appoints an insurer to handle the claim on their behalf. Your solicitor deals with this insurer to negotiate your compensation.
Claims Against Untraced Drivers (Hit and Run)
If the driver cannot be identified — a hit and run — the MIB considers your claim under the Untraced Drivers Agreement. Key requirements:
You must report the accident to the police within 14 days
You must apply to the MIB within 3 years of the accident
There is a £400 excess on property damage claims (but not personal injury)
The MIB assesses and decides the claim — there is no trial
How to Make an MIB Claim in Scotland
Report the accident to the police — within 14 days for untraced driver claims
Gather as much evidence as possible — photos, witness details, dashcam
The MIB investigates and makes a compensation offer
How Long Do MIB Claims Take?
MIB claims typically take longer than standard insurance claims — usually 12 to 24 months. This is because the MIB conducts its own investigation and the process has additional procedural steps. However, you are entitled to the same level of compensation as you would receive from a standard insurer. Learn more about the typical claim timeline. All claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
Last reviewed: 15 March 2026 by Personal Injury Claims Scotland
Car Accident Claim Scotland | No Win No Fee | Free Consultation
Injured in a car accident in Scotland? Our specialist personal injury solicitors will fight for your compensation — no win, no fee, 100% of your award.
Personal Injury Claims in Scotland
Our experienced personal injury lawyer team handles all types of car accident claims, whiplash injuries, motorcycle accidents, cyclist accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit and run claims, and uninsured driver claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Scotland
Been in a car accident in Scotland? Follow these steps to protect your health, your rights, and your compensation claim.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 999
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 999 immediately if anyone is hurt. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussion may not appear for 24–72 hours.
Step 2: Exchange Details
You are legally required to stop and exchange details: full name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Photograph vehicle damage, road layout, traffic signs, weather conditions, and skid marks. Save dashcam footage immediately. Collect witness names and phone numbers.
Step 4: Report the Accident
Report to Police Scotland if anyone is injured, the other driver fails to stop, or you suspect drink-driving. Report within 24 hours.
Step 5: See a Doctor
See your GP or A&E even if you feel fine. Whiplash, back pain, and psychological injuries like anxiety and PTSD often have delayed onset. A medical record strengthens your claim.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurer
Most policies require you to report any accident promptly. Stick to the facts, do not admit fault, and do not accept a quick settlement without legal advice.
Step 7: Contact a Solicitor
Get free, no-obligation advice from a Scottish personal injury solicitor. A good solicitor works on a no win no fee basis.
Scotland-Specific Considerations
Scotland has a 3-year time limit for personal injury claims (vs 2 years in England). There is no whiplash tariff cap in Scotland. Cases are heard in Scottish courts under Scots law. Under contributory negligence, your compensation is reduced proportionally rather than eliminated.
How Does a Personal Injury Claim Work?
Step 1: Free consultation — tell us about your accident. Step 2: We handle everything — evidence, medical reports, negotiations. Step 3: You receive your personal injury compensation.
Types of Accident Claims We Handle
We handle car accident claims, whiplash claims, motorcycle accidents, cyclist accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit and run claims, bus and taxi accidents, rear-end collisions, roundabout accidents, motorway accidents, and van/HGV accidents across Scotland.
Accident Claims Across Scotland
Our personal injury solicitors help people make accident claims in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Stirling, Perth, Paisley, Livingston, Falkirk, Hamilton, and the Scottish Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Scotland?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim in Scotland.
What does No Win No Fee mean?
No Win No Fee means you don't pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on the type and severity of your injury, plus financial losses like lost wages or medical expenses.
Do I have to report a car accident to the police in Scotland?
You must report to Police Scotland if anyone is injured, if the other driver fails to stop, or if you cannot exchange details at the scene.
Can I still claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. Under contributory negligence rules in Scotland, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you were at fault, but you can still claim.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after an accident?
Absolutely. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussion may not produce symptoms for hours or days. A prompt medical record strengthens your claim.
