Tax, Test & Insurance

[David.]

In the UK, Tax & Test can be checked on the GOV.UK website, GOV.UK - Enter the registration number of the vehicle (vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk)

Insurance can be checked by askMID, askMID

I have just learnt that vehicles can now be taxed online or at the Post Office without being insured, Annex_A_-_consultation_responses_summary.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Another link, Check MOT history, What is the vehicle's registration number - MOT History (check-mot.service.gov.uk) useful if purchasing a used vehicle +3 years old.

[Sullivj]

I've got the app 'Vehicle Smart'.  It allows you to check all of these in one place.


You can easily load all of your vehicles onto it, and it gives reminders for when the MOT / Services / Insurance etc, etc are all due. 

[David.]

I've got the app 'Vehicle Smart'.  It allows you to check all of these in one place.

Looks like you still need to use askMID to check if a vehicle is insured.

[Sullivj]

You do, but the app helpfully copies the registration and directs you to askMID

[Levisp]

Looks like a useful app. Just tried the free version. Do you have the paid version ?

[Sullivj]

Yes, I have the paid version, because I have too many vehicles for the free one.  I think it was a one off payment of about £3.


I've been using it for years now.  I also like the flow through link for a basic HPI check at £2.49, which then stores in your 'garage'.

[Levisp]

OK thanks. Its now £4.99 but it then opens up features such as storing insurance data etc.. I'm only tracking 4 vehicles, 2 bikes, my wife's car and my daughter's car. However I still cannot remember when insurance is due always having to look it up. The app puts all that in one place. Neat.

[David.]

I have a Carole Nash Six Wheel Insurance Policy for one car and two bikes, a renewal notice is sent out.

The DVLA send me reminders when the tax is due.

The car MOT is inline with the tax, the XJ650 is MOT exempt, just need to remember the RT. You can sign up to the DVSA to get MOT reminders.

[Levisp]

Tried that once with two cars started off cheaper and then the following year was more expensive than two separate policies with the same company. Tend to chop and change each year. PITA but until they start to reward loyalty I will give them as much grieve as possible. It's now an annual game.

[Levisp]

I too have reminders sent but having data in one easy place seems like a good plan. Ever since I headed off to the Black Forest for 4 days of fun with the wrong MOT certificate and mine expired !! I've been a little more careful. It least it gave my friends a good laugh. Mr organised cocked up.

[David.]

The askMIB link could be useful to help tackle uninsured drivers which the AA claim is costing you and every other honest driver an average £30 a year on your insurance.

Continuous insurance enforcement | The AA

Enforcement

The Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) regularly compares the driver and vehicle records held by the DVLA and the records held on the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

This clearly isn't working, here's an example.





It's crazy that you can tax a vehicle without insurance.

[Levisp]

I regularly visit :


https://twitter.com/sussexroadspol?lang=en


before moving to Norfolk so now checkout


https://twitter.com/nsrapt?lang=en


It is a real eye opener. The number of unlicensed drivers, vehicles with no insurance or MOT and drivers over the drink or drug limit. I have kind of changed my view of the traffic cops. They are really trying to take off the road the very people who would think nothing of running me off the road. Respect.

[David.]

Coincidently, from Monday 15th November for one week, Police forces were working with the MIB to crack down on uninsured drivers.

Cleveland Police

"Roads policing officers will again be supporting a national operation aimed at taking uninsured drivers off the roads.

Op Drive Insured, which is led by the Motors Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and supported by the National Police Chief’s Council, takes place from Monday 15th November for one week.

Officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit will once again support the campaign, by carrying out enhanced enforcement activity across Cleveland and County Durham.

The campaign also aims to highlight the work ongoing all year round to reduce uninsured driving, inform road users of the consequences of uninsured driving and also encourage people to check that they have valid motor insurance.

Figures from the MIB show that every 20 minutes in the UK, someone is injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Inspector Kev Salter, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “We take uninsured drivers off the roads all year round, however, during this campaign we’ll have an extra focus on uninsured drivers and will remove any dangerous uninsured drivers from the roads across Cleveland and Durham.

“Those who do drive without insurance can expect that their vehicle to be seized and to face criminal proceedings. People can also receive a £300 fine and six penalty points on their licence.”

People can check that their vehicle is showing as insured on the Motor Insurance Database, by visiting: www.askMID.com"

Why not help your local force by reporting any uninsured drivers.

[7vwh]

Folks insure a vehicle, get tax then cancel the insurance policy, but still have a certificate. When UK cops stop a vehicle and suspect no insurance they ring MIB direct and can find out if there was an insurance policy, who or why it was cancelled, even down to how many letters the insurance company sent to the policy holder. A surprising amount of policies are cancelled by the company because the proposer failed to send them proof of no claims.

[David.]

Folks insure a vehicle, get tax then cancel the insurance policy, but still have a certificate.

With the example of the vehicle given above, it was not insured and still isn't yet was able to obtain tax. Unfortunately, the offender needs to be caught in the act of driving the vehicle without insurance.