Hit-and-Run Accident in Poland: What to Do If the Driver Flees

Had an accident where the other driver sped off without leaving their details? Or been hit by a car with no number plates? It's a stressful situation, but you are not without options. Poland's compensation system has a specific mechanism for exactly this: the Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny (UFG) — the Insurance Guarantee Fund. It's a public body funded by all Polish insurance companies, and it's obliged to compensate you even if the driver responsible is never traced. Below we explain what to do in the first hours after the accident, how to report it to the police, what your chances of compensation are, and how to submit a claim to the UFG.

The first hours — securing the scene and reporting to the police

If the driver has fled, your first and most important step is to report the accident to the police immediately. This is essential — both as a legal obligation and for the strength of your later claim.

What to do:

1. Call 112 (the Polish emergency number) — report the accident and give the exact location. Tell the operator that the other driver left the scene.

2. Try to remember (or note down) as much as you can: - the colour and make of the other vehicle, - the number plate (even a partial one — for example, just the region letters, if that's all you caught), - the direction the vehicle drove off in, - a description of the driver, if you saw them, - whether the other vehicle showed visible damage from the collision.

3. Secure the scene, if you can do so safely: - switch on your hazard lights, - put out a warning triangle if you have one.

4. Look for witnesses — anyone who saw what happened is valuable. Note down phone numbers, names and addresses.

5. Take photographs — of everything: the damage to your vehicle, the scene, road signs, any debris, tyre marks if visible.

6. Wait for the police — don't leave the scene until they arrive and record it.

The police report — what needs to be in it

When the police arrive (or if they were already there), make sure the report clearly includes:

• an explicit note that the other driver fled the scene, and which direction they went,
• a detailed description of their vehicle (make, colour, damage),
• a description of the driver (gender, appearance, clothing, if seen),
• the number plate, even partial,
• witnesses' phone numbers and details,
• details of any injuries you sustained,
• a statement that you intend to make a claim to the Insurance Guarantee Fund (UFG).

Keep a copy of the report — the reference number will be needed later when you submit your UFG claim.

UFG — the Insurance Guarantee Fund

If the driver responsible was never identified, or turns out to have had no compulsory motor insurance, the Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny (UFG) — Poland's Insurance Guarantee Fund — steps in to pay you compensation instead. It's a public body funded by contributions from all Polish insurers, and it exists precisely to protect people in situations like this.

When the UFG pays out:

The UFG covers compensation in two scenarios:

1. The driver is unidentified — it wasn't possible to identify them or trace the vehicle (for example, they drove off and were never found),
2. The driver had no compulsory (OC) insurance — the vehicle was registered, but wasn't covered by the mandatory third-party liability policy.

What the UFG does not cover:

⚠️ The UFG does not cover damage to property (i.e. your vehicle) if the driver is unidentified. In other words: - if the other car drove off and it's unknown whose it was, you have to fund your own vehicle repairs (unless you have your own comprehensive/collision cover — the Polish equivalent, autocasco or AC), - however, the UFG always covers personal injury (bodily harm), regardless of whether the driver is ever identified.

If the driver is later identified but turns out to have had no OC insurance, the UFG then covers both the property damage and any personal injury directly.

Summary: | Situation | Property damage | Personal injury | |-----------|-----------------|------------------| | Driver unidentified | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered | | Driver has no compulsory insurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |

How to make a claim to the UFG — step by step

The procedure is relatively straightforward and does not require legal representation (although it is worth considering, especially for a serious case).

Documents to prepare:

1. The police report (you should have a copy),
2. A scan of your vehicle registration document (dowód rejestracyjny — the Polish equivalent of a V5C logbook),
3. A scan of your own OC (third-party liability) insurance policy,
4. Photographs of the vehicle damage,
5. If you were injured — medical records (referral letters, test results, hospital discharge summaries),
6. Receipts for any private medical treatment you paid for,
7. Evidence of lost earnings, if you missed work as a result.

Where to send the claim:

Claims are submitted to the Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny (UFG). Address:

Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny ul. Chłodna 23 00-891 Warszawa, Poland

Email: [check current details on ufg.pl] Phone: [check current details on ufg.pl]

Always check ufg.pl for the current address and the claim form to download, as details can change.

The claim form:

The UFG uses a standard claim form (sometimes referred to as the "UFG compensation application"). It includes fields for: - your personal details, - police details (the report reference number), - a description of the accident, - the type and amount of your claim.

Fill the form in legibly (or type it), sign it, and send it together with your supporting documents by registered post to the UFG.

Time limit for filing:

⚠️ You have 3 years from the date of the accident to submit a claim to the UFG (under Article 4421 of the Polish Civil Code, Kodeks cywilny — KC). That's a generous window, but don't let it drift — the sooner you file, the sooner you'll get a decision.

Timescales for a decision and payout

Once your claim is submitted, the UFG has: - a maximum of 30 days to issue a decision on whether compensation will be paid, - 14 days to make payment, if the decision is favourable.

In practice, the whole process most often takes 30–60 days (the UFG sometimes asks for additional documents, which extends the timeline).

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Do I have to find the driver myself to get compensation? No. The UFG pays out regardless of whether the driver is ever traced. The police will look for them (especially if you have a full or partial number plate), but their not being found does not block your UFG claim.

What if the police can't find the driver? Submit your claim to the UFG anyway. A police report confirming that the accident happened and that the driver fled is enough for the UFG to accept your claim.

Will the UFG pay for repairing my car if the driver is unidentified? No. The UFG covers personal injury (if you were hurt), but not vehicle repairs, when the driver cannot be identified. In that case you would need to rely on your own comprehensive cover (autocasco/AC), if you have it, declaring a collision with an unidentified party.

What if the driver is later identified but had no insurance? Then the UFG pays for everything — both vehicle repairs and personal injury. On top of that, the UFG can pursue the at-fault driver directly for reimbursement (a recovery claim), though that's a separate and more complex process that doesn't affect your payout.

How long might I have to wait for the UFG's decision? The UFG has 30 days from a complete submission. In practice it can take 30–90 days if the UFG requests further documents.

What if the UFG refuses my claim? You can appeal the decision or take legal action against the UFG. In most cases, though, if you have a police report describing the accident, the UFG will award compensation for personal injury.

In a similar situation? Tell us about it — we'll review it free of charge

Hit-and-run accident in Poland, but you're based in the UK? You don't need to navigate the Polish paperwork alone. Describe your situation, and we'll match you with a lawyer (adwokat or radca prawny) in Poland and help you submit your UFG claim and manage the whole process on your behalf, under a power of attorney.

Legal notice: This material is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal position current as of June 2026. Every case is different — before making any decisions, please consult a qualified Polish lawyer (adwokat or radca prawny). Twoja Sprawa is a platform connecting clients with lawyers in Poland.