Motor vehicle insurance

Implementation of the Fourth Motor Insurance Directive

The UK’s implementation of the EC’s Fourth Motor Insurance Directive (European Parliament and Council Directive 2000/26/EC) took effect on 19 January 2003 by means of the Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) (Information Centre and Compensation Body) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No 37).The broad effects of the Regulations are to confer upon UK residents injured within the EEA and other signatory countries the right to recover compensation in England from the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB); and the establishment of the Motor Insurers’ Information Centre (MIIC) to provide insurance information to victims of accidents abroad so that the claim can be pursued. Equivalent rights are conferred upon nationals of other EEA Member States who are injured in the UK, although this is not a matter of English law but rather a matter for the law of each other Member State.