Are you looking for motor insurance information in the UK? In that case, you’ll likely have found the MID, or Motor Insurance Database. For first time users or those who have questions about the MID, this article is filled with information and advice.
What is the Motor Insurance Database?
The Motor Insurance Database, or MID for short, is a centralised record of every insured vehicle in the UK. In basic terms, it keeps a record of every car on UK roads and whether those cars are insured, as well as having details about the policy.
How quickly does the Motor Insurance Database update?
The speed at which your policy is added to the MID will depend on how quickly your insurance company makes updates. The database is updated over 10,000 times an hour, but it is up to your insurer as to how often they choose to update.
At Dayinsure, we guarantee to update the MID every 7 days, however, oftentimes we will do it more often. When you take out temporary cover with us, you’ll also be sent your insurance certificate as proof of cover.
At present, Article 76 calls for all private car policies to be on the MID within seven days of the policy being recorded and, for commercial, fleet and motor trade vehicles to be added in up to 14 days. If, after this time has passed, your policy is not on the database, you should contact your insurer immediately.
Are all cars on the Motor Insurance Database?
All insured cars are on the MID and must be disclosed on the MID. Vehicles that don’t need to be disclosed on the MID are:
- SORN/off-the-road
- untaxed stock
- customer vehicles
So, if you have any vehicles that fall into these categories, or are looking to purchase a vehicle that falls under one of these categories, then you may not find it on the MID.
Am I on the Motor Insurance Database?
The best way to find out if you are on the Motor Insurance Database is to use askMID.com and check. You’ll simply have to enter your Vehicle Registration Number, accept the terms of use and complete a Captcha statement to find out – it takes less than 30 seconds.
This information doesn’t pertain to you specifically, but the car. So, if you are one of a few policyholders on a vehicle you should contact your insurer directly to confirm your policy.
Motor Insurance Database Users
What database do police use to check car insurance?
When checking cars in their day-to-day line of work, whether on the road or as part of a larger investigation, the police and the DVLA in the UK will refer to the MID for car insurance information. This can help them identify uninsured vehicles on our roads.
If your vehicle is not found on the system and is therefore presumed uninsured, it will likely be seized at the scene if proof of insurance (an insurance certificate) cannot be shown. If your car is not found on the system and you cannot locate an insurance certificate, but you believe you are insured, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible.
READ MORE: Temporary car insurance for convicted drivers
Can insurers check the Motor Insurance Database?
Yes, not only is it insurers that upload all of the information to the MID but they will also use it as well. Firstly, insurers use the MID to verify that all of their policyholder’s information is correct. Secondly, in the event of an accident, insurers can use the MID to retrieve insurance information on any vehicles involved which they do not insure.
Can the Post Office check the Motor Insurance Database?
If you are looking to tax your car through the Post Office in Northern Ireland, you will be required to show proof of insurance. For this, the Post Office won’t check the MID and instead ask that you show a valid vehicle insurance certificate or cover note.
FAQs about the Motor Insurance Database
Can the Motor Insurance Database be incorrect?
The information on the MID is submitted by your insurer (or an authorised representative on their behalf) and is unlikely to be incorrect. There are two reasons why it may not be correct: the information you gave your insurer is incorrect, the information has been uploaded to the database incorrectly. In both instances, you should contact your insurer immediately.
There can be cases when your insurance doesn’t show up on the MID straight away as it is pending upload to the MID. This doesn’t mean you aren’t insured; it simply means that the database is yet to be updated with that information. AT present, the MID requires private car policies to be added to the system in up to seven days and for commercial, fleet and motor trade vehicles this is lengthened to 14 days. If after this period of time has passed you cannot see your policy on the MID, you should contact your insurer.
Are details of my accident on the Motor Insurers Database?
If you have had a road traffic accident, you’ll be able to request the insurance details of the other parties involved in the accident on the MID. This can be used to verify the insurance details provided to you by others at the scene, although this should be done at a safe location and not at the roadside immediately after the accident.
For this, you’ll need:
- the date of the accident
- the registration details of the vehicle you wish to check
- your own vehicle details
READ MORE: What to do if you are the victim of a hit and run?
Can the Motor Insurance Database tell me about claims I’ve had?
Yes, you will be able to access information about the claims you’ve had through the MID. The data requests you are able to make of this type are:
- your claims history – data pertaining to motor, home, personal injury and industrial illness incidents that have been reported by insurers which may give rise to a claim. Claims data is held for 6 years from the date the claim was closed.
- your MIB claims history – data pertaining to accidents in which there was a driver who was not insured or left the scene. Claims data is held for 7 years from the date the claim was closed and can be requested by anyone involved in the incident.
- your MIAFTR claims history – data pertaining to claims which have resulted in a written off or stolen vehicle. This information can only be released to the car’s owner.
- no claims discount database – if you want to check your No Claims’ Discount information, this can also be accessed through the MID.
All of this data and more can be requested here.
Can you access the Motor Insurance Database on weekends?
Yes, you can check the MID 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. However, be aware that insurers may choose to only update the MID during normal working hours and therefore, if you buy a new policy during the weekend, it may not appear on the MID until the working week.
The Motor Insurance Database is a useful tool for many, whether that’s just confirming your insurance details or getting the information you need after an accident. With this article, we hope you are able to access everything you need.
If you are looking for insurance cover, our temporary insurance app allows you to get it at your fingertips in only minutes, meaning you can spend more time on the road.
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