The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) announced that as of 1 January 2019, they will handle all third party motor claims which involve terrorists driving vehicles with the intent to injure or kill people.
Currently, anyone that has been directly affected by a terrorist incident in the UK can seek compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
UK Motor Insurers took part in a vote, which resulted in more than 75% voting for the MIB to deal with and settle claims lodged by victims who had been involved in a terrorist incident where a vehicle was used to injure or cause death.
At present, the MIB only deal with personal injury claims from people who are involved in motor vehicle accidents where the third party was unidentified or uninsured. Earlier this year a consultation had taken place to determine the level of support across the market for change to be implemented so that liability of the Article 75 insurer moved to the MIB.
Chairman of the MIB, Steve Maddock commented:
The motor insurance market has clearly signalled that it was right to consider if individual insurers or the market as a whole carry the risks associated with motor claims arising from terrorist attacks. The outcome of the vote indicates strong support to mutualise the risk and enable the MIB to act in the event there are further terrorist activities. It is a good outcome for the industry and the public and one which is supported by the Department of Transport.
Whilst there has been no terror-related attacks in Scotland since June 2007, where terrorists attempted to drive a Jeep loaded with propane canisters into the terminal of Glasgow Airport, there has been more vehicle related terror-related incidents in the UK over the last 18 months.
Last year was undoubtedly one of the worst for terror-related vehicle offences committed in the UK. On 22 March 2017, Khalid Masood drove a hire car across Westminster Bridge resulting in the death of four pedestrians and injuring dozens more.
On 3 June 2017, terrorists Rachid Redouane, Khuram Butt and Youssef Zaghba drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge. Eight people were killed.
And on 19 June 2017 a man died, with several others injured when a male drove a van into a group of Muslim worshippers outside a North London mosque.
At the moment the threat level remains at SEVERE across the whole of the UK, which means an attack is highly likely.
If you, or anyone you know has been injured as a result of a vehicle related terror incident, you can contact our experienced personal injury lawyers on 0800 988 8082 to pursue a claim.
