Hit and run — An Garda Síochána · Ireland

Direct answer

Report it to An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) within 24 hours — for insurance and for the search: cameras, witnesses and paint traces find more drivers than people think. If the driver is never found, Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) (01 676 9944) — the motor guarantee fund for Ireland — pays for personal injury and, under conditions, for vehicle damage. Your own comprehensive insurance pays first if you have it; if the insurer refuses or delays, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) (01 567 7000) decides.

Call firstAn Garda Síochána

Report toMotor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)

If that failsFinancial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] at [time] my car [plate] was hit at [place] by [description / plate if known] who left the scene. Damage: [what]. Witnesses: [names]. Photos attached. I want to report this and get the case number for my insurer and the guarantee fund."

🪜 Step by step

ScenePhotos of the damage, the position, paint traces, nearby cameras. Ask bystanders for their number.
Report to An Garda SíochánaWithin 24 hours; online in many countries. The report is required by the fund and the insurer.
InsurerComprehensive covers it; report the claim with the police number. Liability-only: go to the fund.
Guarantee fund: Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)Personal injury always; vehicle damage usually with conditions (identified vehicle, or injury alongside). Deadlines apply.
Parked car found damagedSame route; report and look for a note or a witness before you drive away.

📇 All contacts

An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud

Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)Compensation for uninsured and untraced driversWhen the driver is unknown or uninsured📞 01 676 9944 🔗 www.mibi.ie

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)Free, binding complaints against insurersAfter the insurer's final response📞 01 567 7000 🔗 www.fspo.ie

Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie

❓ Frequently asked

Will my premium go up?

A claim on your comprehensive policy for a hit-and-run is usually treated as no-fault; check the policy, and ask Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) if the insurer applies a penalty.

The driver left a note — can I trust it?

Contact them and their insurer in writing; if the details are false, report it as hit-and-run.

I was on a bike

Same: police report, then the fund for injury — cyclists and pedestrians are exactly who it is for.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“hit and run who pays Ireland”
“car damaged driver drove off”
“motor guarantee fund Ireland”
“report hit and run police”
“parked car hit unknown driver insurance”

🧭 Is this still correct?

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🚗 My car was hit and the driver drove off — who pays, and who do I contact?