I was hit by an uninsured driver in another EU country. Who compensates me?

What the Law Says

EU law guarantees victims of accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers access to compensation regardless of nationality or where the accident occurred.

Under Directive 2009/103/EC on insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, all EU Member States must designate a 'Compensation Body' to pay victims of accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

The Compensation Body is required to treat claims from non-residents the same as those from residents — meaning you, as an EU citizen injured in another Member State, have equal rights to compensation.

This right applies even if the driver fled the scene or has no valid insurance. The Compensation Body steps in to ensure victims are not left without redress.

Statutory Text

Each Member State shall ensure that a body is designated for the purpose of compensating victims of accidents caused by unidentified or uninsured vehicles.

— Directive 2009/103/EC, Art. 10(1)

Sources