How to check if a car is insured in the UK

After a car accident, one of the most important first steps is to confirm the other driver has valid insurance. This straightforward guide explains exactly how to check a vehicle’s insurance status in the UK, so you know what to do next.

The official way to check car insurance

The only official, central record of all insured vehicles in the UK is the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

You can perform a vehicle insurance check instantly online using the public-facing website, askMID. The MID is the same system used by the police and the DVLA to enforce insurance laws, so it provides a definitive answer on a vehicle’s insurance status.

How to check your own vehicle's insurance status

It is free to check if your own car is insured. You only need your vehicle registration number to perform the check on the askMID website.

If your car is insured but doesn’t appear, contact your insurance provider to confirm they have submitted your policy details correctly.

How to check another car’s insurance after an accident

You can also use the askMID website to check another driver’s insurance details following an accident. To proceed, you must confirm you have a legitimate reason for the search, such as being involved in a road traffic incident with the vehicle.

This service requires a small fee for an askMID check and will provide you with the insurer’s name and policy number—the essential details needed to start a non-fault claim.

You've checked the database: what happens next?

Once you have the result from the Motor Insurance Database, the next steps you take depend on the outcome.

If the at-fault driver is insured

If the at-fault driver has a valid policy, you are legally entitled to claim for vehicle repairs and other costs directly from their insurer.

For a non-fault accident, it is important that you don’t claim with your insurer. Initiating a claim on your own policy will require you to pay an excess and is likely to affect your no-claims bonus and increase your future premiums.

A better way to manage your non-fault claim

Instead of claiming through your own insurer and facing financial penalties, Auto Claims Assist manages the entire non-fault claim on your behalf. We work directly with the at-fault party’s insurer to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to.

The benefits of our service include:

No cost to you: All costs are covered by the at-fault driver's insurance company.
No excess to pay: You do not have to pay your policy excess fee.
No-claims bonus protected: We protect your no-claims bonus because you are not claiming on your own policy.
Comparable replacement vehicle: You receive a replacement vehicle of a comparable size and specification for the entire time yours is being repaired.
Expert, quality repairs: We arrange for all repairs at a BSI Kitemark-accredited facility, using only manufacturer-approved parts to return your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Dedicated support: You have a single point of contact—your dedicated claims manager—to guide you through the process and handle all communications.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or untraced

If the check confirms the other driver is uninsured, or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run, the uninsured driver claim is handled by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is the official UK body established to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

Auto Claims Assist does not handle uninsured claims. Our role is to provide clear, correct advice and direct you to the MIB as the proper channel for support in this situation.

Frequently asked questions

Is askMID a legitimate website?

Yes, it is the official and legitimate public-facing website for the UK’s Motor Insurance Database (MID), which is the central record of all insured vehicles.

Why shouldn't I claim on my own insurance if I wasn't at fault?

You should avoid claiming on your own policy because you will likely have to pay a policy excess fee to start the claim. A claim against your own policy can also affect your insurance.

What details do I need to make a claim after an accident?

To make a claim, you need the other vehicle’s registration number. The paid askMID search will then provide the two most important details: their insurance details, which includes the name of their insurance provider and the policy number.

How long does it take for the MID to update?

It is important to know that it can take up to seven days for a new or updated insurance policy to appear on the Motor Insurance Database.

What do I do if my own insured car isn't on the database?

If your vehicle is insured but is not showing on askMID, contact your insurance provider directly. They can confirm your policy is active and ensure your details are submitted correctly to the MID.

For a detailed overview of our services and how we can help, visit our page:

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Whether you’re ready to make a claim or simply need advice, our team of experts are here to assist you.

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