Most drivers are unaware of the free service that allows them to check that their car has been properly insured and that they will be able to drive on the roads while covered. Often delays in insuring vehicles means that they are not properly listed on the Motor Insurance Database which means drivers may be stopped by the police.
The AA is encouraging people to do a quick check online to make sure that their vehicle is insured. The AA has said that only seven per cent of people have used the free service, known as AskMID. The study also showed that only twenty per cent of people were aware that it exists. New rules that mean that insurance must be continuous and that people must make sure that their new insurance has come through when their old one runs out. Television advertising and information sent out with tax discs is informing people of the new rules and the AskMID service.
Director of the AA, Simon Douglas has said, “It’s rather disappointing to see these figures as it shows that people are not making sure they are complying with the new continuous insurance rules. People should be aware that the police use the database to find cars that are uninsured. Cameras are able to detect where these cars are and the police will be sent to intercept them. Simple errors on an insurance form can mean that people who think they are insured are actually not.
“Using the AskMID service is incredibly easy. You just have to enter your licence plate number and it will tell you whether you are insured. If you have insurance but are not listed as having any, speak to your insurance company immediately.” Estimates say that over a million cars are being driven in the UK without insurance.
