How to Check If a Car Is Insured in the UK

The quickest way to check if your car is insured in the UK is to use the Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s free Check Your Vehicle service.

Enter your registration number and the service will tell you whether a live motor insurance policy is recorded against the vehicle.

It is important to remember that a car showing as insured does not always mean you are insured to drive it. You should also check your policy documents to make sure you are covered as a driver and that the policy covers how you plan to use the vehicle.

At Got You Covered, we know insurance documents can contain a lot of detail. Taking a few minutes to check your cover before driving can help you spot a problem early.

How to check if your car is insured

You can check whether your vehicle is showing as insured online for free.

To do this:

1. Visit the MIB’s Check Your Vehicle service.
2. Accept the terms of the vehicle check.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number.
4. Check whether the vehicle is shown as insured.

You normally only need the registration number for the basic check.

You should also review your certificate of insurance, policy schedule and policy wording. These documents show more detail about the cover you have.

Our insurance glossary can help if you come across insurance terms you do not recognise.

What does the insurance check actually tell you?

The MIB service tells you whether there is a live motor insurance policy recorded against the vehicle.

It does not confirm that every driver is covered.

You should still check:

• whether you are insured to drive the vehicle
• the policy start and end dates
• whether the vehicle details are correct
• whether the policy has been cancelled
• whether your intended use is covered

For example, a policy covering social use may not always include commuting or business journeys. Your class of use explains how you can use the vehicle under the policy.

Can you check if someone else’s car is insured?

The free MIB vehicle check is intended for vehicles you own or have the legal right to drive.

It is not a general service for looking up another person’s insurance.

If you have been involved in an accident with another vehicle, your insurer, solicitor or the MIB may be able to help with the information needed.

If the other driver is uninsured or cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau may deal with certain claims.

What if your car shows as uninsured?

Do not ignore a result showing that your vehicle is uninsured.

First, check that you entered the registration number correctly. Then check your policy documents for the registration, start date and vehicle details.

If you believe you have valid cover, contact your insurer or broker.

The MIB explains that new or renewed insurance can take several days to appear. It recommends checking again after seven days if a recent policy is still not showing.

A delay in the database does not always mean your policy is invalid. However, if you cannot confirm that valid insurance is in place, you should not drive until the issue has been resolved.

It is also worth checking for errors such as an incorrect registration number or an old registration after a private plate change.

Do you need insurance if the car is not being driven?

In England, Scotland and Wales, Continuous Insurance Enforcement means a registered vehicle will normally need to stay insured even if it is not being used.

If the vehicle is kept completely off public roads, you may be able to make a Statutory Off Road Notification, known as a SORN.

Under the current rules, a vehicle with a valid SORN does not need to be insured while it is kept off the road.

A SORN does not allow you to drive an uninsured vehicle on public roads.

Different rules apply in Northern Ireland.

What are the penalties for driving without insurance?

Driving without valid insurance is illegal.

If you are caught driving without insurance, the police can issue a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points.

If the case goes to court, you could receive an unlimited fine or be disqualified from driving. The police can also seize a vehicle being driven without insurance.

There can also be penalties for keeping an uninsured vehicle where Continuous Insurance Enforcement applies, and no SORN is in place.

Does tax or an MOT prove a car is insured?

No.

Vehicle tax, MOT status and insurance are separate legal requirements. A car can be taxed and have a valid MOT but still be uninsured.

If you are unsure, check the insurance status separately and review your own policy documents.

What happens if you have an IN10 conviction?

An IN10 endorsement is commonly used for using a vehicle without the required third-party insurance.

A previous IN10 conviction can make insurance more expensive or reduce the number of insurers willing to offer cover. However, insurance may still be available.

At Got You Covered, we arrange IN10 insurance and convicted driver insurance for drivers whose motoring history can make standard cover harder to find.

If a driving ban was also imposed, insurance for driving would apply after the ban has ended and once the licence has been properly restored.

What can affect your car insurance price?

Insurers look at several factors when deciding whether to offer cover and how much it may cost.

These can include:

• motoring convictions
• previous claims
• your age and driving experience
• your postcode
• annual mileage
• your occupation
• the vehicle you drive
• modifications
• how the vehicle is used
• your no-claims bonus

Two drivers with the same conviction may therefore receive different prices.

You can read more about what affects your car insurance premium.

What should you have ready when applying for cover?

Having accurate information ready can make the quote process easier.

You may need your:

• driving licence details
• vehicle registration
• address and occupation
• annual mileage
• claims history
• motoring conviction details
• information about any previous driving ban
• vehicle modification details
• named driver details
• no-claims bonus information

If needed, see our page on No Claims Discount and how to find proof of it.

Make sure the information you provide is accurate. Missing or incorrect details can affect the policy, price or how a future claim is handled.

Getting insured with Got You Covered

If your current policy has ended, your vehicle is uninsured, or your driving history has made cover harder to arrange, Got You Covered may be able to help.

We arrange car insurance for a range of drivers, including people with previous motoring convictions, previous claims or a low no-claims bonus.

The cover, price and terms available will depend on your circumstances and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.

If you use a van, you can also explore our van insurance.

To discuss your circumstances, contact Got You Covered.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check if my car is insured for free?

Yes. You can use the MIB’s Check Your Vehicle service for free.

Does a car showing as insured mean I can drive it?

Not necessarily. You must still be insured as a driver and covered for the way you intend to use the car.

How long does new insurance take to show?

The MIB says new or renewed cover can take several days to appear. If it is still missing after seven days, contact your insurer or broker.

Can I drive if the database says uninsured but I have documents?

You should confirm the position with your insurer or broker before driving. A database delay can happen, but you should make sure valid cover is actually in force.

Check your cover before you drive

Checking whether a car is insured only takes a few minutes, but it is only part of the picture.

Make sure the vehicle is showing as insured, that you are covered to drive it and that the policy matches how the car will be used.

If previous convictions, claims or a low no-claims bonus have made insurance harder to find, Got You Covered may be able to help. Explore our car insurance options or get in touch with our team.