Money helpdesk: Insurance fears over mail strike

I'M CONCERNED that if the postal strikes continue, my new car insurance certificate might not reach me.

If I get stopped by police and am asked to produce my insurance certificate, and I haven't got one, what will happen and what should I do?

JR, Edinburgh

Ian Crowder of the AA writes:

PROVIDED you have renewed your cover in good time, you should be fine even if your certificate is delayed in the post.

The danger is that if you left your renewal to the last minute, there could be a gap of a few days between expiry of your old policy and when the Motor Insurance Database is updated with the new information. This means you run the risk of being stopped by the police.

It would be wise to have a note of your policy number, which your insurer will happily give you by telephone, and your insurance company's telephone number. The police can then check with your insurer at roadside to confirm that you are covered.