The Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund provides a solution for victims of traffic accidents in Utrecht when the perpetrator is unknown or uninsured. This fund serves as a safety net for those affected.
When can you claim from the Guarantee Fund?
- The perpetrator is unknown (for example, a hit-and-run driver)
- The perpetrator has no insurance
- The perpetrator's insurance company is bankrupt
- The vehicle involved was stolen
What damage is covered?
| Type of Damage | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Personal injury damage from an unknown perpetrator | Full compensation |
| Material damage with injury and unknown perpetrator | Compensated with €250 deductible |
| Only material damage from an unknown perpetrator | No compensation |
| Damage caused by an uninsured perpetrator | Fully covered |
Conditions for a claim in Utrecht
- The accident took place in the Netherlands
- You have filed a police report in Utrecht
- You have made sufficient efforts to trace the perpetrator
- The claim is not time-barred
Steps for submitting a claim
- Report the incident to the police in Utrecht
- Gather evidence of the incident
- Submit your claim to the Guarantee Fund
- The fund investigates your application
- If approved, you receive compensation
Recovering damage from the perpetrator
If the perpetrator is later identified, the Guarantee Fund will attempt to recover the amounts paid out. This also applies to uninsured drivers or hit-and-run drivers in Utrecht.
Can I get non-pecuniary damages via the Guarantee Fund?
Yes, the Guarantee Fund covers all personal injury damage, including non-pecuniary damages, as it would with a standard insurer.What is the duration of a procedure with the Guarantee Fund?
The processing time is comparable to that of a regular insurer. Complex cases may take several years.May I engage a lawyer for my claim?
Yes, you may engage a lawyer and the costs will be reimbursed as out-of-court costs, just like in a regular insurance claim.Frequently asked questions about the Guarantee Fund in Utrecht
When am I entitled to compensation from the Guarantee Fund?
You can apply for compensation if the perpetrator is unknown, uninsured or bankrupt, or if the vehicle was stolen. The accident must have taken place in the Netherlands, you must have filed a police report in Utrecht and made efforts to trace the perpetrator. Personal injury damage is fully compensated, but material damage only in cases of injury with a €250 deductible.
How can I submit a claim to the Guarantee Fund?
First file a police report in Utrecht and gather evidence such as photos and witness statements. Then submit your claim via the website or by mail to the Guarantee Fund. Attach all relevant documents, such as a police report. The fund assesses your application and pays compensation if approved.
Is material damage fully compensated?
No, material damage from an unknown perpetrator without personal injury is not compensated. In cases of personal injury, a €250 deductible applies to material damage. Damage from an uninsured perpetrator is fully compensated. Check the conditions carefully.
What if the perpetrator is traced later?
If the perpetrator is found, the Guarantee Fund will recover the costs from that person. This process is handled by the fund, even if the perpetrator was uninsured or fled the scene.
Can I request an advance for urgent expenses?
Yes, for urgent medical or other necessary expenses, you can request an advance. Contact the Guarantee Fund for an assessment. This advance will later be settled against the final payout.
How long does it take to process my claim?
Processing time varies. Simple cases can be resolved within a few months, while complex cases in Utrecht may take longer, sometimes several years.
Contact and support in Utrecht
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. For court cases, contact the District Court Midden-Nederland at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.