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If you’ve been involved in an accident with a foreign vehicle, the experience can be both distressing and confusing, especially when you’re unsure how to claim compensation. Accidents involving foreign-registered vehicles often raise questions about insurance, responsibility, and which country’s rules apply. This guide is here to provide clear guidance and support.
Essential Information
- You may still be eligible to claim in the UK after an accident with a foreign-registered vehicle, even if the driver is from another country.
- The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) Green Card System can help you claim against a foreign driver.
- Essential evidence includes registration numbers, the driver’s country of residence, and photos from the scene.
- The usual 3-year time limit applies, but different rules may apply if you’re claiming on behalf of someone else.
- Compensation can cover not only your injuries but also property damage, medical costs and loss of income.
At Legal Helpline, our trusted panel of solicitors specialise in No Win No Fee claims. They’ll help you understand your rights and support you throughout the claims process. Contact an advisor for free today to discuss your circumstances:
- Call 0333 0000729
- Fill out our Contact Us page.
- Use our live on-screen chat box.
Jump To A Section
- Can I Claim For An Accident With A Foreign Vehicle?
- What Evidence Should I Collect After A Foreign Vehicle Accident?
- What Is The Motor Insurer’s Bureau Green Card Scheme?
- How Much Compensation Could I Get For Foreign Vehicle Accidents?
- Is There A Foreign Vehicle Accident Claim Time Limit?
- How A Solicitor Can Help Me Make A Claim Against A Foreign Vehicle
- More Information
Can I Claim For An Accident With A Foreign Vehicle?
Yes, you may be eligible to claim compensation if you were injured in an accident with a foreign vehicle, provided the other driver was at fault.
All road users in the UK, including those visiting from abroad, are required to drive with care and attention to prevent injury to themselves or others on the road. This duty of care can be adhered to by following the rules in both The Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988.
When a driver of a foreign vehicle fails to uphold this responsibility and causes a collision and injury, it may be considered negligence.
Some examples of negligent driving by a foreign registered vehicle that could lead to a valid personal injury claim include:
- A foreign driver runs a red light while under the influence of alcohol, colliding with your car and causing serious injuries such as a head trauma and spinal damage.
- A visiting motorist pulls out from a junction without checking properly, leading to a T-bone collision and leaving you with a fractured arm.
- A foreign vehicle travels the wrong way down a one-way street, causing a head-on car crash that results in whiplash injuries and chest trauma.
Even though the other driver is from abroad, they are still expected to follow the same rules as any UK road user. If they fail to do so and cause you injuries, you could pursue a foreign vehicle accident claim.
Not sure whether you’re eligible to claim? Contact our advisors today for a free consultation.
What Evidence Should I Collect After A Foreign Vehicle Accident?
After an accident with a foreign vehicle, the first priority is to ensure your safety and that of others involved. If anyone is injured or there is significant damage, you should call the emergency services immediately.
Once everyone is safe, gathering the right evidence is key to a successful foreign vehicle accident claim. Supporting your claim with accurate and complete information can make a significant difference to the outcome. Your evidence must show how you were injured due to a breach of duty of care.
Find Out The Driver’s Country Of Residence And Insurance
Ask the driver for:
- Their country of residence.
- Name and address.
- Driving licence number.
- Insurance details, including policy number and insurer name.
These details will assist in identifying whether the MIB Green Card Scheme applies. The Green Card provides foreign drivers with compulsory minimum insurance for the country in which they are operating their vehicle.
Get The Vehicle’s Front And Back Registration Numbers
Always note the registration numbers on both the front and back of the foreign vehicle. This information:
- Identifies the origin country.
- Helps determine the vehicle’s insurer.
- Can be used in checks through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
This is especially important for foreign lorries or other commercial vehicles that travel across international borders frequently.
Take As Many Photos As You Can
Visual evidence is highly persuasive in road traffic accident claims. Take clear photographs of:
- All vehicles involved and any damage.
- The road layout and weather conditions.
- Your injuries, if visible.
- Any green card or international certificate provided by the other driver.
Other Evidence To Collect
Alongside the above, you should also try and collect:
- Dash-cam or CCTV footage of the accident.
- Copies of your medical records that clearly show what injuries you have suffered from the accident.
- A personal diary where you’ve recorded all of your symptoms and treatment.
- Contact details from any witnesses to the accident, as they could potentially provide a statement during the claims process.
It can seem daunting to have to collect all of the above types of evidence by yourself. This is where our panel of solicitors can help. A part of their services includes collecting evidence for their clients to ease the pressure of the claims process as much as possible. Please contact an advisor today to find out whether you can connect with our panel and receive this help.
What Is The Motor Insurers’ Bureau Green Card Scheme?
The Green Card Scheme, operated by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), plays a key role in helping UK residents claim compensation after a road traffic accident with a foreign vehicle. While you would usually exchange insurance details with the other driver after an accident, things work a little differently when the vehicle is registered outside the UK.
The Green Card Scheme allows foreign registered vehicles to legally enter and drive in participating countries, including the UK, by confirming they meet the minimum compulsory insurance cover required in the country they’re visiting. This system also ensures that if you are injured in an accident with a foreign vehicle, compensation can still be awarded through the MIB without needing to deal directly with a foreign insurer.
The scheme provides several key benefits:
- It allows visiting motorists to travel across international borders while showing they have valid insurance.
- It acts as proof that the foreign driver is insured in line with the laws of the country visited, such as the UK.
- It enables injured parties to bring claims through the MIB, rather than tracking down or dealing with insurers based in other countries.
Furthermore, the UK and most of Europe are part of the Green Card Free Circulation Area (GCFCA). This means that physical green cards are no longer required when driving between member states, simplifying the process for both drivers and those making claims.
Our panel of solicitors can handle the entire process of setting up your claim through the MIB via the Green Card Scheme, removing the stress of dealing with foreign insurers yourself and ensuring your case is professionally managed from start to finish.
How Much Compensation Could I Get For Foreign Vehicle Accidents?
The amount of compensation you could receive after an accident with a foreign vehicle will depend on how your injuries have affected you physically, emotionally, and financially. One key element of your claim will be general damages, which compensate you for the physical and emotional suffering caused by your injuries.
Several factors can affect the amount you receive in general damages, including:
- The severity of the pain and how long it lasts.
- Whether the injury is permanent or temporary.
- The psychological impact, including trauma or anxiety.
- Whether your injuries restrict your ability to work or enjoy daily life.
- How invasive and extensive your treatment has been.
- Recovery time and whether full recovery is expected.
The value of general damages is often assessed with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides guideline compensation brackets for a wide range of injuries.
The majority of figures in the table below are out of the JCG and show examples of some types of injuries that could be suffered in a road traffic accident. The top figure, however, is our own, and the bottom two figures are examples of the tariffs in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
This table, though, is for general guidance only. Your own award will be based on your specific circumstances and the evidence available.
| Injury type | Severity | Guideline compensation figures | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple serious injuries plus special damages | Serious | Up to £1,000,000+ | Compensation covering more than one serious injury, plus associated financial losses, such as medical expenses. |
| Brain damage | Very severe (a) | £344,150 to £493,000 | Cases include "locked-in" syndrome where there's a substantially limited life expectancy. |
| Less severe (d) | £18,700 to £52,550 | While there is problems with concentration and memory, the person can return to work and a normal social life. | |
| Leg | Severe (b)(i) the most serious injuries except for amputation | £117,460 to £165,860 | Cases include extensive degloving. |
| Less serious (c)(iii) simple tibia or fibula fractures or soft tissue injuries | Up to £14,450 | Simple tibia or fibula fractures, where there's either a full recovery or only minor ongoing symptoms. | |
| Shoulder | Severe (a) | £23,430 to £58,610 | Damage to the brachial plexus that leads to significant disability. |
| Moderate (c) | £9,630 to £15,580 | Cases include soft-tissue injuries with minor symptoms that last around 2 years. | |
| Whiplash | Whiplash injury with psychological damage | £4,345 | Lasts between 18-24 months. |
| Whiplash injury | £4,215 | Lasts between 18-24 months. |
To get a personalised estimate based on your injuries, speak to our advisors today. Call for a free consultation and let an advisor help you understand what your foreign vehicle accident claim could be worth.
What Other Damages Could Compensation Help To Cover?
A successful foreign vehicle accident claim can also include special damages, which compensate you for the financial losses that have directly resulted from your road traffic accident.
Some examples of special damages that may apply in a car accident or foreign vehicle claim include:
- The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
- Lost income from time off work due to your injuries.
- Medical expenses, such as private treatment, physiotherapy or medication.
- Travel expenses, including to and from medical appointments.
- Costs for car hire or alternative transport while your vehicle is off the road.
- Replacement of damaged personal items such as clothing, glasses or mobile phones.
- The cost of care or assistance if you needed help with daily tasks during recovery.
Special damages are vital because they ensure you are not left out of pocket as a result of the accident with a foreign vehicle. They aim to restore your financial position to what it was before the incident occurred.
To be awarded special damages, you will need to provide clear evidence of your losses, such as receipts, invoices, payslips or medical records.
Call Legal Helpline today for tailored advice on building your compensation claim.
Will The Whiplash Reforms Apply To An Accident With A Foreign Vehicle?
In most cases, the Whiplash Reform Programme will not apply to claims involving a foreign-registered vehicle.
These reforms changed how certain road traffic accident claims are handled in England and Wales, particularly when it comes to whiplash injuries. Under the reforms, a different claims process must be followed if all the following apply:
- You were a driver or passenger of a vehicle.
- You are aged 18 or over.
- Your injuries are valued at £5,000 or less.
However, accidents involving foreign drivers are generally exempt from these changes, allowing your claim to proceed under the standard process, regardless of the injury’s value.
Not sure which route your claim falls under? Our advisors can assess your case and explain your options clearly. Call Legal Helpline today for free guidance and tailored support.
Is There A Foreign Vehicle Accident Claim Time Limit?
Yes, if you were injured in an accident with a foreign vehicle, you’ll generally need to begin your claim within 3 years from the date the accident occurred, as outlined in the Limitation Act 1980.
However, there are two exceptions where the standard time limit may be paused or extended:
- Claims on behalf of children. If the injured person was under the age of 18 at the time of the road traffic accident, they cannot pursue a claim themselves. In this case, the 3-year limitation period is paused until their 18th birthday. From then, they have until their 21st birthday to begin a claim. A litigation friend, usually a parent, guardian or trusted adult, can act on the child’s behalf and make a claim for them at any time before they turn 18.
- Claims for individuals lacking mental capacity. If the injured person is unable to make legal decisions due to a lack of mental capacity, the time limit is suspended indefinitely. A litigation friend can step in to represent them and make a claim at any time. If the individual regains mental capacity, the 3-year time limit will begin from the date of recovery.
To find out more about acting as a litigation friend, call an advisor today.
How A Solicitor Can Help Me Make A Claim Against A Foreign Vehicle
Making a foreign vehicle accident claim can be more complex than a typical road traffic accident, especially when dealing with foreign insurers, cross-border regulations and unfamiliar legal terms. Working with a solicitor can make the process smoother, less stressful and significantly improve your chances of success.
Our panel of No Win No Fee solicitors can assist with every aspect of your claim, including:
- Helping you access rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, psychological support, occupational therapy and other forms of treatment to aid your recovery.
- Arranging an independent medical assessment to support your claim with professional evidence.
- Collecting essential evidence.
- Clearly explaining complex legal terminology so you feel informed and confident.
- Talking you through each stage of the claims process to ensure you know what to expect.
- Negotiating with insurers to reach a fair and justified settlement.
- Liaising with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, foreign insurers, courts and any third parties on your behalf.
- Assisting with applications for interim payments to help cover immediate costs before your case concludes.
- Setting up a taxi account if you’re unable to drive and need help covering transport costs.
Another key benefit of working with our panel is that they offer a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) to all of their clients, which is a specific type of No Win No Fee agreement. Here’s what a CFA typically includes:
- No upfront solicitor fees. You won’t be asked to pay anything for your solicitor’s work at the start of your claim.
- No solicitor fees if your claim is unsuccessful. You only pay for your solicitor’s work if your case succeeds.
- A success fee is only payable if you receive compensation, which is a small percentage that’s capped by law.
Let our panel of experienced solicitors support your claim from start to finish. Call an advisor today to find out how they can help.
Contact Legal Helpline’s Advisors
Don’t let the stress after an accident with a foreign vehicle stop you from getting the compensation you deserve. With a dedicated panel of solicitors by your side, claiming has never been more straightforward. Contact an advisor today at any time for free, confidential advice:
- Call 0333 0000729
- Fill out our Contact Us page.
- Use our live on-screen chat box.
More Information
If you’d like to read more, here are some similar guides:
- Learn about pedestrian accident claims.
- Find out how to make a holiday accident abroad claim.
- How to claim against a drunk driver.
Other useful resources include:
- Gov.UK – information on vehicle insurance.
- THINK! – information on road safety laws.
- NHS – how to administer first aid.
If you’ve been involved in a road accident with a foreign vehicle, don’t wait. See whether you can claim compensation with expert support from our panel of solicitors.
