Insurer didn’t renew my policy
I was recently pulled over by a traffic officer. They said their automatic records checking system showed that my Ninja was not insured. I told them I was insured and showed them an email on my phone with the insurance certificate. They were not interested and reiterated their record said I was not insured and I was not allowed to take my bike. It turned out that my insurer failed to arrange my insurance even though they had taken payment and issued a certificate. They have apologised not that it makes me any happier. Can the police really stop you riding for a reason you know to be false? I thought you had 7 days to produce documentation?
Anon, by e-mail
Answer
The vehicle was not in fact insured so the police were correct although this was clearly not your fault. The police can stop a vehicle for any reason with reasonable cause to suspect something is awry. If they ask you to stop, you should always pull over when it is safe to do so. You are breaking the law if you don’t.
If you’re stopped, the police can ask to see your driving licence, insurance certificate and MOT certificate. If you don’t have these documents with you, you have 7 days to produce them. You are breaking the law if you don’t produce the requested documents within 7 days.
You can have your vehicle seized if you are stopped on suspicion of driving without insurance and for some other offences.
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