Road Traffic Accident with a Foreign Driver in the UK: Can You Still Claim Compensation?

Being involved in a road traffic accident is upsetting at the best of times. When the other vehicle is foreign-registered, it can add an extra layer of uncertainty and concern. Questions often arise around jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and whether compensation can realistically be recovered.

Fortunately, UK law provides clear mechanisms to protect innocent victims and in many cases, you can still bring a personal injury claim, even if the at-fault driver is from overseas.

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we assist clients who have been injured in accidents involving foreign drivers, ensuring their claims are pursued efficiently and in accordance with UK regulations.

Can You Make a Claim Against a Foreign Driver in the UK?

Yes. If you are injured in the UK due to the negligence of a foreign driver, you may still be entitled to claim compensation. These claims are usually handled through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which acts as a central compensatory body when conventional insurance claims routes are unavailable or impractical.

Foreign driver claims are governed by a combination of UK legislation, international insurance agreements, and protocols established under EU and post-Brexit arrangements.

What Is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau is a UK-based, non-profit organisation established to ensure that victims of road traffic accidents are compensated when the at-fault driver is uninsured, untraced, or driving a foreign-registered vehicle.

The MIB operates under agreements with the Department for Transport and is funded by a levy paid by all UK motor insurers. In simple terms, every insured driver in the UK contributes to the system, ensuring innocent victims are not left without compensation.

Where a claim cannot be pursued directly against a foreign insurer, the MIB can step in and deal with the claim. Further information about its role and processes can be found on the official MIB website.

Foreign Drivers and the Green Card System

Many foreign drivers are insured under the Green Card System, an international motor insurance arrangement covering over 40 countries across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa.

When a foreign-registered vehicle causes an accident in the UK, the MIB acts as the UK “Handling Bureau” for that insurer. This allows the claim to be dealt with in the UK, under UK claims procedures, rather than requiring you to pursue an overseas insurer yourself.

This means that, from a claimant’s perspective, the process is often very similar to making a claim following an accident involving a UK-registered vehicle.

What Can You Claim For?

If liability is established, compensation may be recoverable for both general damages and special damages, including:

General Damages

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA)
• Psychological injuries, including travel anxiety or PTSD

Special Damages

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of earnings (past and future)
• Loss of pension contributions
• Care and assistance (professional or gratuitous)
• Travel expenses related to treatment
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

In appropriate cases, interim payments may be available to assist with financial pressures during recovery.

Most claims can be pursued on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning there is no upfront legal cost.

What Should You Do After an Accident with a Foreign Driver?

If you are involved in an accident with a foreign-registered vehicle, it is important to:

• Obtain the driver’s details and vehicle registration
• Take photographs of the scene and any damage
• Gather witness details if possible
• Seek medical attention for your injuries
• Obtain legal advice as soon as possible

Early legal advice can help ensure evidence is preserved and your claim is submitted correctly.

Time Limits for Foreign Driver Claims

In most cases, the limitation period for bringing a personal injury claim in the UK is three years from the date of the accident, pursuant to the Limitation Act 1980.

However, limitation rules can vary depending on:

• The claimant’s age
• Mental capacity
• The involvement of overseas insurers or jurisdictions

It is therefore crucial to obtain legal advice as early as possible to avoid limitation issues.

A Comment from Ayoub Khan, Managing Director

“Foreign driver claims are often more technical than standard road traffic accident cases, involving international insurance arrangements and specialist procedures under the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. With the correct legal expertise, these claims can be pursued just as effectively as domestic cases. At Aston Knight Solicitors, we ensure our clients are not disadvantaged simply because the at-fault driver is from overseas.”
– Ayoub Khan, Managing Director, Aston Knight Solicitors

How Aston Knight Solicitors Can Help

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident involving a foreign-registered vehicle, do not assume you have no claim. Legal remedies are available and early advice can make all the difference.

Contact our specialist team today.