Driving License not same address as car, does it matter?

ArsenalFC

I have never bother to change my driving license address and it remain addressed at my mother's place. I have stayed at various locations and have always informed my insurance company of the change and re-register the V5.

What I want to know is, if in the event of a claim (whether my fault or not) can my insurance company refuse to pay out due to my license isn't registered at the same address as the car?

I know someone will probably say its against the law not to change the license address. I have the old paper format license and do not want to change it to the new picture one.

littlereddevil

My daughter was stopped for speeding and got a right rollicking from the police cos her licence didn't match her address. She had to change it and show them but nothing was done.

mistyarthur

I recently had a crash and the car insurance was in my mums name but the car was in my name they didn't like it at first but they still paid out in the end. You probably should change it but at the same time I reckon they would still pay out without much of a problem if you claim ignorance but better safe then sorry I suppose, why do you not want a new one?

canny_yorkshireman_2

it is an offence but police rarely convict just on this but wise to comply with the law and insurance companies hate paying out if they can and ignorence is no defence in law

ArsenalFC

The follow on question I want to ask now, do the insurance company ever ask to see anyone's license in the event of a claim?

The reason I want it to remain as a paper is that I just dont like the idea of too much details. I carry as least details of myself as possible in case of any unfortunate events, i.e. losing my wallet/keys or stolen etc. I guess it better to change it knowing ins company will do anything to not pay up.

mistyarthur

They do ask yeah for a photocopy though. I find it really easy mainly cause it's good for ID and is easier to carry than a passport.
They don't like to but at the same time if it was something so simple as that and they refused to pay out £5000 or so then the papers would doubtless be interested because it could simply be a mistake.

Minimods

ArsenalFC wrote:

The follow on question I want to ask now, do the insurance company ever ask to see anyone's license in the event of a claim?

The reason I want it to remain as a paper is that I just dont like the idea of too much details. I carry as least details of myself as possible in case of any unfortunate events, i.e. losing my wallet/keys or stolen etc. I guess it better to change it knowing ins company will do anything to not pay up.

You have to remember its all on the computer aswell (although with a paper licence possibly not). There isn't much they can't check solely on the computer nowerdays.

Glitterari

I was loathe to change the address on my licence having lived at 5 addresses in the past 3 years. Left it registered to my Mum's address but eventually gave in a few months ago when I started worrying more about it and have changed everything to my current address.

noticed when I changed it that it does say about not letting the DVLA know your new address you could get £1000 fine!

I don't know - you could not carry your photocard with you? Wouldn't the police just ask you to bring it in to the station within the week?

C x

andycarmi

Hi. its a £1000 fine for failing to tell the DVLA of changes of name and/or address!

ouch!! :eek:

ArsenalFC

Its upto £1000 fine, I knew that but didn't scare me as this is just a big number to scare people. I've never heard of anyone got that fine. I will change it now in case on the insurance front.

mistyarthur

Better safe then sorry, just make sure it's a good photo and not a repeat of your passport one!