How do I check if my vehicle is insured?

Unless your vehicle has a Statutory Off Road notice (SORN) in place, it must still be insured – even if it's just sitting on your driveway collecting dust. The Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) scheme sees to that.

What if someone else is driving the car?

• If they're not listed on your cover, or if their own cover doesn't include driving other cars, they may not be covered.
• Always worth a check.

Why checking your car insurance status may save you a fine (or worse)

Do not rely on an assumption that a policy renewed or that someone added you as a named driver. Check the policy documents and the official vehicle-insurance record.

• You're definitely not alone if you're unsure whether your car is insured.
• Luckily, there's a quick and official way to check.
• No guesswork, no rummaging through drawers for old documents.

Check your insurance in under a minute

There's a handy tool provided by the Motor Insurers' Bureau called the Motor Insurance Database (MID). It's free to use and gives you a straight yes or no on whether your car is currently insured.

For example, you're about to set off on a long drive, and something nags at the back of your mind. A quick visit to the site and you've either got reassurance – or a helpful reality check before you drive uninsured.

• Visit: askMID.com
• Enter your registration number
• Hit confirm and see your result instantly

What if your vehicle isn't showing as insured?

Don't panic – but don't drive it either if your car isn't listed as insured. Here's what to do:

There can be a slight delay between setting up a cover and it showing on the MID. But better to call and confirm than assume and get fined.

• Double-check your cover documents and check your registration was entered correctly
• Call your insurance provider to confirm the cover is active
• If needed, get insured immediately before using the car

Why it's important to stay insured – even off the road

Thinking "But I'm not driving it at the moment"?

In short

Sort it out before you turn the key if there's even a sliver of doubt about your cover. Not only will you avoid fines, points, and possible seizure of your car – you'll drive with confidence, knowing you're properly protected.

• Your insurance is your legal lifeline on the road.
• now's the time to get quotes and check you're fully covered.
• It's quick, it's simple, and it may just save you a small fortune down the line.
• Need to renew or set up a new policy?

for rules, complaints or database checks, these official sources are useful:

• Always know your insurance status – guesswork just isn't worth it
• Use askMID.com to check in seconds
• Don't drive if you're unsure – better safe than sorry (and fined)
• Motor Insurers’ Bureau