Errors within the various systems including the Motor Insurance Database are relatively common, but as a proportion of the total number of insured vehicles on the road it is relatively small. While the insurance database is faster to update and more robust than less sophisticated systems previously used, it is still managed by humans and therefore errors can creep in. The MID itself is reliant on data shared by insurance companies, and while they aim to share information within a short timeframe, delays can happen. Similarly it only takes a single digit error when information is being entered by the insurer can result in your vehicle showing as uninsured.

Police ANPR systems rely on information provided by the MID, so they are reliant on this information being accurate, as well as their own responsibility to ensure that they have the latest information available, so that is another two potential points of failure. Ultimately as a car owner it is sensible to double check your policy details including key information such as vehicle registration and policy start dates, so you can be safe in the knowledge you are covered regardless of what incorrect information may be used by third parties.