Fleet warning after insurance database technical issues

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is still working to fix a technical issue that has seen some new vehicles missing from the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

The problem occurred when it launched its new Navigate cloud platform to house data from its database.

The MIB told Fleet News it had taken “longer than expected” for the Navigate portal to go live for policyholders, but stressed that more than 4.1 billion records had been successfully migrated into Navigate from the MID when it went live on April 30.

However, it says that a “small number” of new policies submitted after April 30 are yet to migrate, but it has still processed 99% of these.

While the technical issue is still affecting some remaining records, the MIB says it is hoping to have 100% migrated by Friday (May 17).

“A significant majority of insurers are now able to manage their policy records using Navigate,” explained a MIB spokesperson.

However, the spokesperson added: “There remains a small number of new records still being processed into Navigate.

“We recognise those data records will not yet be showing in Navigate and we're working closely with the individual insurers affected to resolve this.”

Graham Short, Bauer Media group fleet manager, told Fleet News he was notified by the company’s insurers that a change to the MID portal was due to go live on April 29, following on from the old MID portal closing on April 26 at 5pm.

He said: “After receiving new log-in credentials, and attempting to access Navigate, it was apparent that there were issues with us being unable to access the new platform.

“Within a few hours a follow-up email from our insurers made us aware of a nationwide issue arising from this new MIB upgrade.”

Fleets have been reassured that all insurance remains valid and the authorities have been notified of this technical issue, but drivers of vehicles delivered from April 26 should carry their policy documentation with them to ensure any queries can be dealt with as efficiently as possible.

Short said: “We have been informed that during this technical fault that the authorities will be applying a level of discretion when checking the MID and carrying out vehicle stops.”

He has advised drivers of the need to have their insurance documents with them, accessible through a smart device that can be accessed when safe and stationary, or physically on a printout if they find themselves in a situation where they are stopped by the authorities.

A spokesperson for the MIB said: “We know a key requirement for commercial policyholders is the ability to update vehicle records.

“The bulk upload of vehicle data is working, however, we are aware of issues with updating records through the policy search function of the portal.

“We have been working to resolve this and expect to have this functionality fully operational by May 17.”

The MIB acknowledges that the technical fault is “frustrating”, however it said that an enquiry through the new Navigate system “is not proof of insurance” and cover can be confirmed through insurer helpdesks.

The spokesperson added: “We continue to work closely with the police to ensure their critical connection continues to operate as required.

“We have also been providing additional support to officers at the roadside through extended weekend hours of MIB’s Police Helpline.”

Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), said that while the MID service disruption is causing some issues, feedback from members is that insurers and the authorities are being sensible about the situation.

He added: “Insurers appear to still be covering cars and vans under existing policies even if they are not included on the MID, while the police are generally aware of the issues and are providing a degree of leeway.

“One precaution that some fleets have undertaken is to provide a copy of their motor insurance documentation to all drivers in case they are stopped by the police.

“Of course, fleets should contact their insurers and ensure that vehicles are definitely covered while the situation is resolved, which will hopefully be in days rather than weeks or months.”