But he claims it need not have happened if the officer had been more aware of what was a simple insurance error.
Adrian Lomax, 60, of Victoria Road, St Annes, explained: "I was on the M6 going to Wigan to see my sister.
"The officer informed me, on his database, my insurance wasn't up to scratch."
Mr Lomax's Toyota was put on a pick-up truck.
Meanwhile, his sister Jill Farrington and her daughter Adele had driven up to meet him.
His niece phoned his insurance company Age Concern - he had changed from the Post Office - and it was discovered his registration number was noted down wrongly on their records as S241 UFV when it is F241 UFV.
But police said the policy had lapsed - which was incorrect.
"The officer was convinced I didn't have insurance," said Mr Lomax.
"I had to use my sister's debit card to release my car from the pick-up truck. It cost £125.
"With his database, he should have been able to spot that, if my niece found it."
Lancashire Police said: "Our officer made enquiries with Mr Lomax's insurance company and were told that the policy had lapsed and not renewed.
"Later the same day, the insurance company was recontacted and said they had made an error.
"I would stress this was a matter few and far between and that as a safeguard, our officers do not just rely on computer records, they confirm with either the motor insurance bureau or insurance company to confirm direct."