The Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund provides a solution for victims of traffic accidents in Leiden and surrounding areas when the perpetrator is unknown or uninsured. This fund acts 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 | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Personal injury damage by unknown perpetrator | Full compensation |
| Material damage with personal injury and unknown perpetrator | Compensated with €250 deductible |
| Material damage only by unknown perpetrator | No compensation |
| Damage by uninsured perpetrator | Fully compensated |
Conditions for a claim
- The incident took place within the Netherlands
- Report has been made to the police
- You have made sufficient efforts to trace the perpetrator
- The claim is not time-barred
Step-by-step plan for a claim
- Report to the police in Leiden
- Collect all relevant evidence of the accident
- Submit your claim to the Guarantee Fund
- The fund investigates your application
- If approved, you receive compensation
Recourse against the responsible party
If the perpetrator is later traced, the Guarantee Fund will recover the paid amounts from him or her. This also applies to uninsured drivers or hit-and-run drivers in the Leiden region.
Can I get non-pecuniary damages via the Guarantee Fund?
Yes, non-pecuniary damages fall under personal injury damage and are compensated by the Guarantee Fund, similar to a standard insurance claim.How long does an application at the Guarantee Fund take?
The processing time is equal to that of an average insurer. In complex cases, this process may take several years.May I engage a lawyer for my claim?
Yes, the costs for legal assistance are often compensated as out-of-court costs, just like in a regular insurance claim.Frequently asked questions in Leiden
When am I entitled to compensation from the Guarantee Fund?
You are entitled to 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 report with the police in Leiden and made efforts to trace the perpetrator. Personal injury damage is fully compensated, material damage only in case of personal injury with a €250 deductible.
How do I start a claim with the Guarantee Fund?
First file a report with the police in Leiden and collect evidence such as photos and witness statements. Then submit your claim via the Guarantee Fund's website or by mail, including all relevant documents. The fund assesses your application and pays compensation if approved.
Is material damage always covered?
No, in the case of an unknown perpetrator without personal injury, material damage is not compensated. In case of personal injury, a €250 deductible applies. In the case of an uninsured perpetrator, everything is fully compensated.
What if the perpetrator is found later?
The Guarantee Fund recovers the costs from the perpetrator as soon as they are traced, without you needing to take action.
Can I request an advance for urgent expenses?
Yes, for urgent expenses such as medical costs, you can request an advance. Contact the Guarantee Fund for an assessment.
How long does the processing of my claim take?
The processing varies from a few months for simple cases to several years for complex cases, similar to an insurer.
Legal assistance in Leiden
For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases related to traffic damage and claims.