The Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund provides assistance in cases of damage caused by an unknown or uninsured driver. The fund serves as a safety net for victims in Westland and beyond.
When can you claim from the Guarantee Fund?
- The driver who caused the damage is unknown (for example, a hit-and-run driver)
- The at-fault party has no valid insurance
- The at-fault party's insurance company is bankrupt
- The vehicle was stolen at the time of the accident
What damage is covered?
| Type of damage | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury damage by unknown at-fault party | Full compensation |
| Material damage with bodily injury and unknown at-fault party | Compensated with €250 deductible |
| Only material damage by unknown at-fault party | No compensation |
| Damage by uninsured at-fault party | Fully covered |
Conditions for a claim
- The incident must have taken place in the Netherlands
- A police report must have been filed
- You must have demonstrably attempted to trace the at-fault party
- The claim has not prescribed
Step-by-step plan for a claim
- Report the incident to the police
- Gather evidence of the accident
- Submit your application to the Guarantee Fund
- The fund assesses your request
- If approved, you receive the compensation
Recourse against the at-fault party
If the at-fault party is later identified, the Guarantee Fund attempts to recover the costs from that person. This also applies to uninsured drivers or hit-and-run drivers in Westland.
Will I receive non-pecuniary damages via the Guarantee Fund?
Yes, the fund fully covers bodily injury damage, including non-pecuniary damages, comparable to a standard insurance claim.What is the duration of a procedure with the Guarantee Fund?
The processing time is the same as with a regular insurer. In complex cases, this may take several years.Can I engage legal assistance for my claim?
Yes, the costs for a lawyer are reimbursed as out-of-court costs, just like in a regular insurance claim.Frequently asked questions about the Guarantee Fund in Westland
When am I entitled to compensation from the Guarantee Fund?
You can apply for compensation if the at-fault party is unknown, uninsured, or bankrupt, or if the vehicle was stolen. The accident must have occurred in the Netherlands, you must have filed a police report, and made efforts to find the at-fault party. Bodily injury damage is fully compensated, material damage only in case of bodily injury with a €250 deductible.
How do I apply for compensation from the Guarantee Fund?
First file a police report and gather evidence such as photos and witness statements. Then submit your claim via the website or by mail to the Guarantee Fund. Attach relevant documents, such as the police report. After assessment, you will receive a decision on the compensation.
Is material damage always compensated?
No, only material damage by an unknown at-fault party without bodily injury is not compensated. In case of bodily injury, a €250 deductible applies to material damage. For an uninsured at-fault party, everything is fully covered.
What if the at-fault party is traced later?
The Guarantee Fund recovers the costs from the at-fault party as soon as they are identified. This process is handled by the fund; you do not need to do anything.
Can I request an advance for urgent expenses?
Yes, for urgent medical or other expenses, you can request an advance. Contact the Guarantee Fund for an assessment of your situation.
How long does the processing of a claim take?
The time depends on the complexity of the case. Simple claims are handled within months, complex cases may take longer.