Trading standards issue motor insurance warning

East Lothian Council’s Trading Standards have issued a warning that some young drivers may be on the road illegally after being sold invalid motor insurance by an online company, Aston Midshires Insurance.

Derek Gray, East Lothian Council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, explained:

“Trading Standards Officers across the UK have been alerted to this potentially serious problem by colleagues at Leicestershire County Council who are investigating 30 complaints. Ashton Midshires Insurance sold car insurance aimed at young drivers but it appears that the policies paid for are not valid which means their vehicles are not insured. This means possible serious consequences for the uninsured driver and also for others who may be involved in an accident.”

Aston Midshires Insurance’s headquarters is listed as being at a building on Grove Business Park, Enderby, Leicestershire but the company has no offices there and never did, according to the owners of the building.

Police and the Financial Services Authority are investigating the company. Young drivers, aged 17-25, are being asked to check their motor insurance policy. If they have a policy issued by Aston Midshire they should stop driving any vehicle covered by the policy and immediately contact the Police or Trading Standards. East Lothian Council Tel: 01620 827827