MID Database

Iceweasel

How often do they update the info on their database?

Two weeks ago I received a letter from the DVLA telling me that my car did not appear to be insured and I should either insure it or declare SORN etc etc.

Of course it is insured - and has been continuously insured since the day I bought it.

So I duly phoned up my insurers (Allianz) who confirm that the car is insured and this must be a DVLA 'hiccup'.

The assured me that they would contact the MID to correct the error / clarify the situation.

Thirteen days and 3 phone calls to Allianz later my reg number still gives a negative response on the online MID checker.

I'm not overly concerned as I'm carrying my Insurance Certificate with me - just in case some ANPR equipped police car flags me as uninsured.

Allianz tell me not to worry as if I have the certificate with me there should be no problem as the officers can phone Allianz to check it's valid.

They also are adamant that they have sent the correct info to the MID.

My next question to Allianz was 'Is there a 24hr contact line for the police?'

Apparently not, so what happens if I'm stopped outside Allianz office hours? No-one can give me an answer to that.

I've never had much confidence in any gov.uk computer data systems, but is this a frequent occurrence?

Anything else I should do apart from just wait and see what happens?

dacouch

What reg does your Certificate state?

Quentin

Iceweasel wrote: »

Anything else I should do apart from just wait and see what happens?

You could check for yourself:


http://ownvehicle.askmid.com/

Silver-Surfer_2

Iceweasel wrote: »

How often do they update the info on their database?

Two weeks ago I received a letter from the DVLA telling me that my car did not appear to be insured and I should either insure it or declare SORN etc etc.

Of course it is insured - and has been continuously insured since the day I bought it.

So I duly phoned up my insurers (Allianz) who confirm that the car is insured and this must be a DVLA 'hiccup'.

The assured me that they would contact the MID to correct the error / clarify the situation.

Thirteen days and 3 phone calls to Allianz later my reg number still gives a negative response on the online MID checker.

I'm not overly concerned as I'm carrying my Insurance Certificate with me - just in case some ANPR equipped police car flags me as uninsured.

Allianz tell me not to worry as if I have the certificate with me there should be no problem as the officers can phone Allianz to check it's valid.

They also are adamant that they have sent the correct info to the MID.

My next question to Allianz was 'Is there a 24hr contact line for the police?'

Apparently not, so what happens if I'm stopped outside Allianz office hours? No-one can give me an answer to that.

I've never had much confidence in any gov.uk computer data systems, but is this a frequent occurrence?

Anything else I should do apart from just wait and see what happens?

Same as the old days, you'll be required to show them proof of insurance. Once you've shown them your certificate job done.

Nobbie1967

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Same as the old days, you'll be required to show them proof of insurance. Once you've shown them your certificate job done.

Given how easy it is to fake an insurance certificate, don't you think the police will tend to believe the MID?

I'd certainly be taking proof of ID with me in the car.

Silver-Surfer_2

Nobbie1967 wrote: »

Given how easy it is to fake an insurance certificate, don't you think the police will tend to believe the MID?

I'd certainly be taking proof of ID with me in the car.

Why is proof of ID going to make them believe it's not a fake?

Policy dictates they can't seize the vehicle if he produces proof of insurance, so he'll be left to drive off and if they don't believe him they'll need to phone the insurance company or MIB during office hours.

mark5

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

Why is proof of ID going to make them believe it's not a fake?

Policy dictates they can't seize the vehicle if he produces proof of insurance, so he'll be left to drive off and if they don't believe him they'll need to phone the insurance company or MIB during office hours.

The police can rely on their computers a bit much some time. can you access your bank account via 4g or something, if a policeman was trying to impound my car for no insurance after showing him the certicicate, I would show them my bank statement via 4g showing payment to the relevant insurance company. This might swing it a bit more.

Iceweasel

Thanks for the replies so far.

dacouch - my certificate shows the correct registration number.

Quentin - thanks for the link, but how do you think that I knowe that the database has not been updated and that my reg number still gives a negative?

Silver-Surfer - that's exactly what I think - if I show a current certificate they can't prove it isn't valid - but equally of course I can't prove it is. I think that I must be given the benefit of the doubt, and the officers can check with my insurance company if they wish later during office hours.

Nobbie1967 - I always have my photocard driving licence with me so that should do the trick.

mark5 - interesting point - but I don't have any 4g capability.

dacouch

Take your (Relevant) Certificate of Insurance to prove to the police you're insured dispite what the MID shows.

If they then seize your vehicle it will be deemed an illegal seizure and you can look to them for compensation for losses incurred

Silver-Surfer_2

Iceweasel wrote: »

Thanks for the replies so far.

dacouch - my certificate shows the correct registration number.

Quentin - thanks for the link, but how do you think that I knowe that the database has not been updated and that my reg number still gives a negative?

Silver-Surfer - that's exactly what I think - if I show a current certificate they can't prove it isn't valid - but equally of course I can't prove it is. I think that I must be given the benefit of the doubt, and the officers can check with my insurance company if they wish later during office hours.

Nobbie1967 - I always have my photocard driving licence with me so that should do the trick.

mark5 - interesting point - but I don't have any 4g capability.

That's correct if they follow policy.

Just remember a man of a certain age with no previous convictions, on the electoral role and with a full licence to that address, driving a respectable car will get more benefit than some chav with a club number.

marlot

Iceweasel wrote: »

...
I've never had much confidence in any gov.uk computer data systems, but is this a frequent occurrence?...

Surely this is an insurance industry issue? I believe DVLA uses the same source as you or me.