| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| What it is | The public-facing online tool for checking a UK vehicle's insurance status using its registration number. |
| Data Platform | It accesses the Navigate platform, which is the new home for the Motor Insurance Database (MID) data (replacing the old MID). |
| Managed By | Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB is responsible for enforcing insurance laws and compensating accident victims involving uninsured drivers. |
| Own Vehicle Check | Always Free. You can check your own vehicle instantly. This is vital to ensure your insurer has correctly updated the database. |
| Third-Party Check | Only available if you were involved in a road traffic accident with the vehicle. This typically requires a small fee (around £10) for a one-off search. |
| Legal Basis (CIE) | Supports Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) law. If your vehicle is not insured and not declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), you face penalties. |
| Data Update Speed | Insurers must update the data frequently, but it can take up to 7 days (often sooner) for a new policy to show. |
| Enforcement | Police and the DVLA use this data (via ANPR cameras) to identify and issue warning letters or seize vehicles driven without insurance. |
| Uninsured Penalty | Minimum penalty is £300 fine and 6 penalty points, plus the risk of vehicle seizure. |
| Official Website | askmid.com |
askMID Uses
- Check if your own vehicle is showing as having valid insurance on the database.
- If you've been in an accident, you can use a service on askMID to check the insurance details of the other vehicle involved (there's usually a fee for this).
- The service is now often referred to as Navigate and is managed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Road Use Penalties
| Offence Category | Description of Offence | Fixed Penalty / Fine (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| No Insurance | Driving a vehicle without valid third-party insurance. | £300 FPN |
| No SORN/Tax | Not taxing a vehicle and not declaring a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). | £80 Fine (reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days). |
| Driving SORN Vehicle | Using a vehicle declared SORN on a public road for anything other than a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment. | Fine via Out-of-Court Settlement. |
| No MOT | Driving a vehicle that does not have a valid MOT certificate. | £100 FPN (can be up to £1,000 if it goes to court). |
| New Keeper (V5C) | Failing to notify the DVLA when you buy, sell, or transfer ownership of a vehicle. | Can be up to £1,000 fine if pursued by the DVLA. |
| Using Mobile Phone | Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving (includes holding to check the time, access the internet, etc.). | £200 FPN |
askMID insurance Check
Personal Check
- Visit the official site of askMID or click the button above.
- Enter your vehicle registration number (VRN) in the box.
- Click the "Agree and Continue" button to confirm your ownership.
- Now click on check your vehicle button.
- The status of your vehicle's insurance will be displayed on the screen.
Third Party Check
- Go to the official website: Visit the askMID/Navigate website and click on askMID Lookup
- Provide the necessary details like your info (like name, email, etc), vehicle details (like registration number), accident details (like the date and time).
- Pay the required fee: There is usually a fee for using this service checking your own vehicle.
- Submit the request: After entering the information and payment, now you can submit your request.
askMID / MIB UK Contact Details
| Enquiry Type | Details & Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| General askMID / MIB Support | 0345 165 2800 (UK Standard Rate) Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. |
| Data Issues / askMID Support | askmidsupport@mib.org.uk (Best for vehicle checks showing 'No Insurance Found'.) |
| Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) Queries | stayinsured@mib.org.uk (For queries about warning letters or fines regarding Continuous Insurance Enforcement.) |
| General MIB Enquiries (Claims, etc.) | 01908 830 001 (For claims and general MIB queries, not specific askMID check support.) |
| MIB Postal Address | Motor Insurers' Bureau, Linford Wood House, 6-12 Capital Drive, Milton Keynes, MK14 6XT, UK |
FAQs
What is askMID?
askMID is the public online portal for checking the Motor Insurance Database (MID), which is the UK's central record of insured vehicles. It's now often referred to as Navigate.
What is its main purpose?
Its main purpose is to allow you to check if a vehicle is showing as having valid motor insurance on the Motor Insurance Database.
Who manages the database askMID checks?
The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is managed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Can I check any vehicle's insurance using askMID?
You can freely check your own vehicle's insurance status. Checking another vehicle's insurance is generally only permitted if you've been involved in an accident with that vehicle, and there may be a fee.
Why might my car not show as insured on askMID right away after I buy a policy?
It can take a short time for your insurance provider to update the Motor Insurance Database after you've purchased a policy. If you have proof of insurance from your provider, you are still legally covered.