The Fourth EU Motor Directive.

The Fourth EU Motor Directive and the Motor Insurance Database (MID) becomes effective from the 20 January 2003. This affects Fleet Operators and Motor Traders and Firms who will be required to periodically provide details to their insurers of all the vehicles that they own or have in their custody and are insured under their motor insurance policy. This includes vehicles acquired or disposed of during a given period as well as any temporary additions to the policy.

The frequency with which this information has to be supplied to the MID will be specified as part of the enabling process and the current recommendation is that changes will need to be notified within 14 days of the effective date of any change.

Ultimately it is the policyholder who has the legal obligation to provide this information and keep it updated and there will very likely be penalties for failing to meet these obligations.