The other driver had no insurance, or drove off. What now?

1. Report it to the Gardaí

If a Garda is not at the scene, you must report the accident to a Garda nearby or at a Garda station as soon as possible. If the other driver drove off, report that too. Ask for the Garda's name and station.

Source: Citizens Information, "Motor vehicle collisions".

2. Gather what you can

• The other car's registration, make, model and colour. A photo of the plate is best.
• Photos of your damage and the scene.
• Witness names and numbers, and any dashcam or doorbell footage nearby.
• The time and exact place.

3. The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland

If the crash was caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver, you may be able to claim from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). It has its own rules about what it covers, so check with MIBI directly.

Source: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, "Making a car insurance claim": "If the car accident was caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver ... you may be able to claim from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland."

4. Tell your own insurer

Let your own insurer know about the accident. For most insurers it is a condition of the policy. Telling them is not claiming from them.

When we can help, and when we can't

Our service is for crashes where the other driver is identified, insured and at fault. Sometimes a driver who left the scene turns out to be insured once the car is traced. Ring us and we will tell you honestly whether we can take it on, and point you to the right place if we cannot.