Is my car insured? You can find out by checking the registration against the Motor Insurance Database (MID), the central record of insured vehicles in the United Kingdom, using the free askMID service. The MID is fed by insurers and run by the Motor Insurers' Bureau, and it shows whether a vehicle is currently listed as insured. It does not appear on the free number plate check, which reads DVLA and DVSA records instead.
Part of Used Car History. Start with the main guide: Car Finance Checker: Is There Finance on a Car?
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
Insurance, vehicle tax and MOT are three separate things that people often blur together, and each lives in a different record. Understanding which check answers which question saves time, avoids false alarms and keeps you on the right side of the law, whether the car is yours, a car you are about to buy or a van on a fleet.
How Do I Check Whether My Car Is Insured?
To answer how do i check whether my car is insured, enter the registration on askMID, the public lookup for the Motor Insurance Database, and read whether the vehicle is shown as insured. Your policy documents, insurer app and renewal emails are the other reliable evidence. No lookup of the number plate alone can replace the documents you hold from your insurer.
The two quickest routes
- Use askMID with the registration.
- Look at your latest policy certificate or insurer app.
When to double-check
Check straight after buying a car, changing insurer, renewing, or moving a policy from one vehicle to another, because those are the moments a record can lag behind the paperwork.
What Is The Motor Insurance Database?
The Motor Insurance Database is the central electronic record of vehicles that have a motor insurance policy in the UK. Insurers upload policy details to it, and it is used by the police, the DVLA and other authorities to see which vehicles are insured. It is run by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), and askMID is the public window onto it.
Who feeds the MID?
Insurers add and update policies, which is why the record depends on the insurer sending the information on time.
Who uses the MID?
The police, the DVLA's enforcement team and insurers all rely on it. That is the reason it matters if your own car is missing from it.
What Is AskMID?
askMID is the public online service that lets you check whether a vehicle is on the Motor Insurance Database. You enter a registration and the service tells you whether that vehicle is shown as insured. People also search for it as an askmid car insurance check, and treat it as a name for the service, not an endorsement of any insurer.
- It is free to use.
- It works on the registration, not the owner's name.
- It shows a vehicle's insurance status, not your policy details.
- It is designed for checking your own vehicle or one you have a reason to check.
How Can I Check If A Car Is Insured On AskMID?
You can check a car on askMID in a few steps, and no account is normally needed. Follow the official service's current instructions on GOV.UK or the askMID website.
- Find the registration on the plate or the V5C logbook.
- Open the official askMID service.
- Enter the registration number.
- Read the result: insured, or no record found.
- If you need proof for yourself, keep a note or screenshot with the date.
What the result usually means
An "insured" result means a policy is recorded for that vehicle on the MID. A "no record" result means none was found, which is not the same as proof there is no policy.
What it does not tell you
It does not name the insurer to a passer-by, give the policy number, or say who the policyholder is. Those details are protected.
Is There A Free Insurance Check For A Car?
Yes, a free insurance check car lookup exists through askMID, which is free to the public. There is no need to pay a third party just to see whether a vehicle is listed as insured, though a paid vehicle history check covers other things, such as finance and write-off records. See free vs paid vehicle checks for the difference.
Free vehicle insurance check: what you get
You get the vehicle's MID status for the registration you entered. That is the whole answer, and it is a good one.
Free vehicle insurance check: what you do not get
You do not get cover level, excess, claims history, named drivers or expiry date. For those, you need the policy documents.
How Can I See If My Car Is Insured?
To see if my car is insured, try askMID first, then check your policy documents and insurer account. If the two disagree, the policy documents are your evidence of cover and the MID record may simply need updating by your insurer.
- Search the registration on askMID.
- Check your latest email from your insurer.
- Open the insurer app or online account.
- Look at your bank statement for the premium or direct debit.
Can I Check Vehicle Insurance Online?
Yes. You can check vehicle insurance online with askMID in a browser on a phone or computer, and the result usually appears within seconds. Use the official service rather than a site that asks for payment or personal details.
Check car insurance online: safety tips
Avoid sites that ask for card details just to show a yes or no. The official service is free and does not need payment.
Check car insurance online: what you will need
You need only the registration number. Have the V5C or the car in front of you to avoid typing mistakes.
How Do I Check Vehicle Insurance In The UK?
To check vehicle insurance UK wide, use askMID for the vehicle's status and your own policy documents for the detail. The MID covers insurers operating in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the same way. For Irish-registered cars, see Irish reg check.
Is My Car Insured UK: Does The Same Check Work Everywhere?
The answer to is my car insured uk comes from the same MID, whichever part of the UK the car is kept in. The check works on the registration, so it applies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A car registered in the Republic of Ireland sits outside it.
Check Insurance Status Of Vehicle On The Move
You can check insurance status of vehicle from a phone, so the lookup works in a car park, a driveway or at a seller's address. Use mobile data or Wi-Fi, type the registration carefully and read the result before you hand over money.
- Photograph the plate so you do not mistype.
- Do not rely on a seller's screenshot.
- Run the check yourself.
What Does The Free Number Plate Check Not Show?
The free number plate check shows make, model, colour, fuel, engine size, MOT status and history, tax status and due date, CO2 and Euro status, the V5C issue date and whether a car is marked for export. It does not show insurance, outstanding finance, write-off or stolen status, service history, previous keepers, owner names or addresses. See what a number plate check shows.
Why insurance is separate
Insurance is held by insurers and the MID, not by the DVLA or the DVSA, so a DVLA-based lookup cannot show it.
Where each missing item comes from
- Insurance: the MID and askMID.
- Finance, write-off and stolen data: a commercial history check, finance firms, insurers and the police.
- Owner details: protected personal data.
- Service history: the seller's records and garage stamps.
Insurance, Tax And MOT Compared
| Item | What it is | Held by | How to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Cover against liability for driving | Insurer and the MID | askMID and policy documents |
| Vehicle tax | Vehicle excise duty for using public roads | DVLA | Free number plate check |
| MOT | Roadworthiness test result | DVSA records | MOT check |
| SORN | Declaration the vehicle is off the road | DVLA | SORN status check |
| V5C | Registered keeper record, the logbook | DVLA | The document itself |
Why a valid MOT does not mean insurance
An MOT shows a car passed a test, not that anyone insured it. Insurance can lapse even when tax and MOT are fine.
Why tax does not mean insurance either
A taxed car can still be uninsured, and an insured car can be untaxed. The checks are separate. Read is my car taxed for the tax side.
What Does "insured" Mean On The MID?
"Insured" on the MID means a policy covering that vehicle has been recorded by an insurer. It does not say who can drive it, what it covers beyond the legal minimum, or when it ends. Treat it as a status, not a certificate.
Third party, third party fire and theft, comprehensive
All vehicles used or kept on public roads need at least third party insurance. Higher levels add cover for your own car. The MID is not concerned with the level.
Who is covered
Cover may be limited to named drivers or particular uses, so a vehicle being "insured" does not mean any driver can use it. Check the policy.
What If The MID Shows No Insurance On My Own Car?
If askMID shows no record for your own car, first check you typed the registration correctly, then check your policy documents. If the policy is real, contact the insurer and ask them to confirm the MID record. Do not drive until you are sure you are covered.
- Re-enter the registration carefully.
- Check your policy certificate for the correct registration.
- Contact your insurer and ask for the MID record to be confirmed.
- Keep proof of cover, such as the certificate.
- If you have no policy, arrange cover before driving.
Why a record might be missing
A recent change of vehicle, a new policy or a typing error in the insurer's system can leave a gap. The insurer updates the MID, so they are the first call.
Do not assume it will fix itself
Contact the insurer rather than waiting, because the DVLA's checks use the same record.
Why Might A Valid Policy Not Show On The MID?
A valid policy may not show because of a delay, a data-entry error or a recent change to the vehicle details. A policy bought a moment ago may not have reached the MID yet. If you are in doubt, your insurer can usually confirm quickly.
- A new policy may take a short time to appear.
- A wrong registration on the policy breaks the match.
- A change of car may not yet be reflected.
- Some short-term or temporary cover can behave differently.
What Should I Do If The MID Says My Car Is Not Insured?
If the MID says your car is not insured and you know you have no cover, do not drive it until you have insurance. If you do have cover, contact the insurer and ask them to correct the record. If the car is off the road, consider a SORN. See SORN and insurance.
If you have no policy
Arrange insurance before driving, and check the DVLA's rules on how to SORN your car if it will not be used.
If you just forgot to renew
Contact the insurer straight away. Some insurers can restore cover, others will need a new policy. Either way, do not drive in the gap.
How Can I Check If My Car Is Still Insured?
To check if my car is still insured, look at the end date on your policy certificate, check your insurer account and check askMID. If you pay by direct debit, a cancelled payment can end the policy, so confirm there has been no cancellation notice.
Signs the policy has ended
- A cancellation or lapse letter or email.
- A direct debit that failed.
- A renewal that was not accepted.
Quick confirmation
Ring or message the insurer if there is any doubt. Ask for confirmation in writing.
How To Check Car Insurance Expiry Date
To check car insurance expiry date, look at the policy schedule or certificate, your insurer's app or your latest renewal notice. askMID tells you whether a vehicle is insured now, but it does not show the end date. See the vehicle insurance renewal guide.
Where to find it
- The policy schedule or certificate.
- The insurer's online account.
- The renewal invitation email or letter.
Set a reminder
Put the date in a calendar, in addition to any insurer reminder, so a lapse cannot slip by.
How To Check When Car Insurance Is Due
To check how to check when car insurance is due, look at your renewal date on the policy documents, and remember that insurers usually write to you ahead of it. A renewal being "due" is different from the policy having ended, so read the notice carefully.
Renewal vs expiry
The renewal date is when the policy ends and a new one would start. The renewal notice is the insurer's offer, and you can compare options before it ends.
Auto-renewal
Many policies renew automatically, so check the terms. Insurance premium tax is built into premiums. See insurance premium tax in the UK.
How To Find Out Who My Car Is Insured With
To find out who my cars insured with, check your policy documents, your email for insurer correspondence, your bank statements and any broker or comparison account you used. askMID may help in some cases, but the public lookup is designed mainly to show status, so use your own paperwork first.
- Search your email for the words "insurance", "policy" or "certificate".
- Check your bank statements for the premium.
- Ask the broker or comparison site you used.
- Contact the Motor Insurers' Bureau if you genuinely cannot find your insurer; they can explain the options.
If you are the keeper of an inherited car
Policy details may be in the deceased person's papers or accounts. Check GOV.UK for how to handle a vehicle in these cases.
How Can I Check If My Van Is Insured?
To check if van is insured, use askMID with the van's registration, the same as for a car, and check the policy documents. Vans have their own policy types, so make sure the use of the van matches the cover. See commercial vehicle tax for the tax side.
Business use
A van used for business needs the right class of use on the policy, so check it covers carrying goods or tools if relevant.
Fleet checks
Fleet managers can check each vehicle on the MID and keep policy documents together.
How Do I Check To See If My Car Is Insured Before Buying It?
To check to see if my car is insured before you buy a used car, run the registration through askMID and then ask the seller to show their policy documents. A used car does not carry the seller's insurance to you, so you must arrange your own cover before you drive it away.
Why it still matters before a sale
An insured status tells you the car was being driven legally, which is a small reassurance about how it was kept. It says nothing about condition, finance or history.
Do not drive it home uninsured
Arrange cover for the day of collection. A seller's policy normally ends with the sale, so plan ahead. See what to look for when buying a used car.
Is A Seller's Word Enough?
The short answer
No. A seller saying the car is insured is not proof, and a screenshot can be out of date. Run askMID yourself, check the V5C logbook matches the registration and use a vehicle history check for finance, write-off and stolen markers.
- Match the registration, make and colour to the V5C.
- Check the V5C issue date for oddities; see V5C issue date.
- Run the free number plate check for tax, MOT and mileage readings.
Red flags
- A seller who refuses to let you check the registration.
- A logbook that does not match the vehicle.
- A policy certificate that names someone else.
What Is Continuous Insurance Enforcement?
Continuous Insurance Enforcement is the DVLA scheme that compares vehicle records with the Motor Insurance Database. If a registered vehicle has no insurance on the MID and is not declared SORN, the DVLA can start enforcement action against the registered keeper, even if the vehicle has never left the drive.
Why it applies to parked cars
The law requires insurance for vehicles kept on public roads as well as driven on them, so a parked car on the street still needs cover.
How to avoid a penalty
Keep cover in place, or declare a SORN if the vehicle is off the road. See how to SORN your car.
What Are The Risks Of Driving Without Insurance?
Driving uninsured risks prosecution, a fine, penalty points, possible disqualification and the police seizing the vehicle, and it can leave you personally liable for damage and injury you cause. The exact penalties are set out on GOV.UK and depend on the case, so check the official guidance.
- Prosecution and a criminal record in serious cases.
- Penalty points or disqualification on your licence.
- Vehicle seizure or removal.
- Personal liability for costs after an accident.
- Higher insurance cost later, because the conviction can be declared.
The financial risk beyond fines
The largest risk may be paying for damage or injury out of your own pocket. Insurance exists to pass that risk to the insurer.
The risk of being a passenger
A passenger in an uninsured vehicle may find a claim for injury harder. Ask before you get in.
Can The Police Check My Insurance By Number Plate?
Yes. The police use number plate recognition and the MID to see whether a vehicle is shown as insured, and they can stop a vehicle that is not. That is one reason an error on the MID needs fixing fast. See tracking a number plate for what can and cannot be found from a plate.
What police can see
They can see whether a vehicle is on the MID. They may also check the Police National Computer for other matters.
Why the free lookup cannot do the same
The free lookup is designed for tax, MOT and vehicle details, not for police-style checks.
What Happens If A Vehicle Is Caught Without Insurance?
A vehicle caught without insurance may be seized, the keeper may face prosecution and the driver may receive points or a disqualification. The DVLA may also issue a penalty to the registered keeper under its enforcement scheme. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.
- The vehicle is flagged by the MID or ANPR.
- The police or DVLA make contact.
- The keeper is asked to show cover or declare a SORN.
- Penalties or prosecution follow if they cannot.
Am I Insured To Drive Other Cars?
Not automatically. Some policies once included driving other cars, but many do not now, so read the policy. If you are unsure, do not assume you are covered to drive someone else's car or lend yours to a friend.
Lending your car
Check the policy covers other drivers, and what the conditions are.
Named drivers
A named driver is covered under your policy as written, so check the names and uses before they drive.
Does A SORN Car Need Insurance?
The legal position
A vehicle declared SORN and kept off the road does not legally need insurance, although many keepers keep fire and theft cover. Once you tax or drive it, you need insurance again. Read SORN and insurance.
Optional cover
SORN insurance, covering fire, theft and damage, is a common optional extra.
Can I Tax A Car Without Insurance?
The usual rule
Normally not: you need insurance in place before you tax a vehicle online, because the DVLA checks the MID. Read can you tax a car without insurance for the detail, and the vehicle excise duty background.
When tax and insurance collide
A direct debit for tax can continue after a policy lapses, so check both. An insured but untaxed car and a taxed but uninsured car are both problems, and each is a separate offence.
Does An MOT Need Insurance?
Driving to the test
You do not need insurance for the MOT itself, but you do need it to drive to the test centre, so check cover before you set off. See MOT check to confirm test status, and when does my MOT run out.
After a failed test
Driving a failed car to a place of repair still needs valid cover, and the vehicle must be safe to drive. A dangerous defect means it should not be driven at all.
Is A Motorbike Or Moped Insured The Same Way?
Yes. Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters used on public roads also need insurance, and they appear on the MID in the same way. See motorbike HPI check for history checks on bikes.
Learner riders
Check the policy covers the licence type you hold.
Off-road bikes
A bike used only on private land may follow different rules; check GOV.UK.
Do Classic Cars Need Insurance?
Yes, a classic car used on the road needs insurance, even if it is exempt from MOT or road tax. Many classic owners use specialist policies. If it is kept off the road, consider a SORN.
Exempt from tax, not from insurance
Historic vehicle tax exemptions do not remove the insurance requirement.
What About Imported Vehicles?
Registration first
An imported vehicle must be registered with the DVLA before it is taxed and insured in the UK. Check the registration documents first, because the MID matches on the UK registration number. A recently imported car may not be recognised until the records are in place.
Documents to keep
- The UK registration paperwork.
- The logbook or V5C once issued.
- The policy certificate showing the UK registration.
Are Electric Vehicles Insured Differently?
An electric vehicle needs the same legal insurance as any other, and it appears on the MID in the same way. The policy may include cover for the battery and charging equipment, which is worth reading.
- Check what the policy says about the battery.
- Check charging cable cover.
- Check home charger cover.
Company Cars And Fleets
Responsibility
For a company car or a fleet, the business or the registered keeper is responsible for ensuring the vehicles are insured. Check each registration on askMID periodically and keep policy documents together. Read about company car tax for the tax side.
Records
Keep a fleet register of registrations, policy end dates and named drivers.
Hire Cars, Courtesy Cars And Temporary Cover
Hire and courtesy
Hire and courtesy vehicles are normally insured by the provider, and temporary cover is recorded like any other policy. Ask for the documents and check the terms before driving.
Temporary cover
Short-term policies still need to appear on the MID, so check askMID if you are in any doubt.
Northern Ireland And Irish-Registered Vehicles
The MID covers insurers in Northern Ireland as well as Great Britain, so askMID works for a Northern Ireland registration. A Republic of Ireland registration is a different system, so see Irish number plates for the plate and the official Irish services for records.
What Insurance, Finance And History Checks Show
| Question | Where the answer sits | Free lookup shows it? |
|---|---|---|
| Is it insured? | Motor Insurance Database, askMID | No |
| Is there outstanding finance? | Finance firm, commercial history check | No |
| Has it been written off? | Insurers, MIAFTR, commercial check | No |
| Is it stolen? | Police and commercial check | No |
| MOT history and mileage readings? | DVSA records | Yes |
Why one free check is not enough
A used car can pass every free check and still carry finance. A vehicle history check is the safer step before paying. See car finance checker.
Why insurance is only one piece
Insurance status tells you about current cover, not about the car's past.
Does A Write-Off Affect Insurance?
A write-off category recorded by insurers can affect how a car is insured, and may change premiums. Categories A, B, S and N exist, and they are held on the MIAFTR database, which a commercial history check shows. See check if a car has been written off.
Stolen and scrapped markers
The police hold stolen markers and the DVLA and treatment facilities record scrapping. See check if a vehicle is stolen and check if a car has been scrapped.
What Else Do Other Checks Show?
Insurance does not show mileage, the number of previous keepers or service history. The MOT history gives odometer readings at each test, so see mileage check. Keeper numbers are covered in how many owners has my car had, and car service history explains what garages record.
- Mileage: MOT readings.
- Keepers: commercial history or the V5C.
- Service history: the seller's records.
- Provenance: a combination of all of the above.
Mistakes And Myths About Insurance Checks
Many problems come from simple assumptions. Avoid these.
- Myth: a free number plate check shows insurance. It does not.
- Myth: a valid MOT proves the car is insured. It does not.
- Myth: insurance transfers to the buyer with the car. It usually does not.
- Mistake: relying on a seller's screenshot.
- Mistake: assuming a no-record result means no policy exists.
What If Someone Hits My Car And Is Uninsured?
Immediate steps
Report the incident to the police and your insurer, and record the registration, make, colour and where it happened. The Motor Insurers' Bureau has a role in compensating victims of uninsured drivers in some circumstances, so check its guidance. Do not confront the driver.
Afterwards
Tell your insurer, keep photos and any witness details, and ask them how the claim can proceed.
What If The MID Record Is Wrong?
Who fixes it
If the MID is wrong, contact your insurer first, because insurers maintain the policy records. Keep your certificate as proof, and if the problem persists, check the Motor Insurers' Bureau for how to raise it. Do not drive if you are unsure of your cover.
Keep proof
A certificate, an email confirming cover and a bank record of payment are all useful proof of cover.
Quick Checklist: Is My Vehicle Insured?
- Check askMID with the registration.
- Check the policy certificate and end date.
- Make sure the registration on the policy is right.
- Confirm named drivers and use.
- Set a renewal reminder.
- If it is off the road, consider a SORN.
- Use a rapid car check before buying a used car.
Where Is The Official Source?
GOV.UK and the Motor Insurers' Bureau are the official sources. For the wider topic see used car history checks and DVLA explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my car insured?
You can find out by entering the registration on askMID, the free public lookup of the Motor Insurance Database, and checking your own policy documents. A result of "insured" means a policy is recorded for that vehicle. A "no record" result is not always proof there is no policy, so contact your insurer if you believe you are covered.
How can I check if a car is insured?
Use askMID with the registration number. It is free, needs no account, and normally gives a result in seconds. It does not name the insurer or show the policy details to the public. For anything more, the policyholder should use their policy documents or contact the insurer directly.
Does a free number plate check show insurance?
No. A free number plate check reads DVLA and DVSA records, so it shows MOT, tax, make, model and similar details, not insurance. Insurance sits on the Motor Insurance Database, which you check through askMID. Finance, write-off and stolen data come from commercial history checks, finance firms, insurers and the police.
How do I check my car insurance expiry date?
Look at your policy schedule or certificate, your insurer's app or online account, or your latest renewal notice. askMID shows whether a vehicle is insured now but does not show the end date. If you cannot find the date, contact your insurer, and put it in a calendar to avoid an accidental lapse.
How do I find out who my car is insured with?
Check your policy documents, emails from the insurer, bank statements for the premium and any broker or comparison account you used. If you genuinely cannot find the insurer, the Motor Insurers' Bureau can explain the options. The public askMID lookup mainly shows whether a vehicle is insured, not who insures it.
What if askMID says my car is not insured?
Check you typed the registration correctly, then check your policy documents. If the policy is real, contact the insurer and ask them to update or confirm the MID record. If you have no cover, do not drive until you have it. The DVLA uses the same record, so fix it promptly.
Can I drive a car I have just bought without insurance?
No. A vehicle used or kept on a public road needs at least third party insurance, and the seller's policy normally ends with the sale. Arrange your own cover before collecting the car. You also need to tax it in your name before driving it, and have a valid MOT if one is needed.
Can I check if a van is insured?
Yes. Use askMID with the van's registration, as you would for a car, and check the policy documents. Vans have their own policy types, so make sure the use, such as carrying goods, matches the cover. Fleet managers can check each vehicle in the same way.
What is Continuous Insurance Enforcement?
It is the DVLA scheme that compares vehicle records with the Motor Insurance Database. If a registered vehicle is not insured and not declared SORN, the keeper may face a penalty, even if the vehicle is parked. Keep cover in place or declare a SORN if the vehicle is off the road.
Can I tax a car without insurance?
Normally not. The DVLA checks the Motor Insurance Database when you tax a vehicle online, so you need insurance in place first. If the vehicle is not being used on the road, a SORN may be the right route instead. Check the official GOV.UK guidance for your situation.
What are the risks of driving without insurance?
You risk prosecution, a fine, penalty points, possible disqualification, vehicle seizure and personal liability for damage or injury you cause. The exact penalties depend on the case and are set out on GOV.UK. Insurance also affects future premiums, because a conviction usually has to be declared.
Does an MOT or tax disc prove a car is insured?
No. MOT and tax are separate records. A car can have a valid MOT and be taxed yet be uninsured, or be insured and untaxed. Each needs its own check: askMID for insurance, the free lookup for MOT and tax. The old tax disc is no longer used.
Can I check insurance on a car I am thinking of buying?
Yes, you can run the registration through askMID before you buy. It shows whether the vehicle is currently listed as insured, but you must still arrange your own cover. Use a vehicle history check for finance, write-off and stolen data, since neither askMID nor the free lookup shows those.
Can the police check my insurance?
Yes. The police can check a registration against the Motor Insurance Database using number plate recognition, and can stop a vehicle that is not listed as insured. An error on the MID can therefore matter. Keep your certificate and contact your insurer promptly if the record looks wrong.
Does insurance show on a motorbike check?
A motorbike's insurance status is on the Motor Insurance Database in the same way as a car's, so askMID can check it. The free lookup shows MOT and tax, not insurance. For finance and history, a motorbike HPI-type check is a separate commercial service.
How can I check if my vehicle is insured?
To check car insurance status, enter the registration into askMID, which searches the Motor Insurance Database. This is how to find out if a vehicle is insured in Great Britain, and it is the quickest way to answer "how can you find out if a car has insurance". The same MID car check works for any vehicle, so use it to check car is insured uk-wide, including before you buy.
Is an auto insurance check the same as a MID check?
"Auto insurance check" is mostly American phrasing. In the UK the equivalent is a search of the Motor Insurance Database through askMID, which shows whether a policy is recorded against the registration. It does not show the insurer's policy terms, the driver's name or the cover level, so a seller who wants to prove cover should show a certificate as well.
Does an insurance check show a stolen vehicle or scrapped vehicle?
No. The MID records insurance only. A stolen vehicle marker, a scrapped vehicle record and other vehicle provenance details come from the police, the DVLA and commercial history checks, so run one before buying. A car can show as insured and still have a problem in its past, which is why insurance is only one part of checking a vehicle.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.