Car insurance & Driver Number/NI No

Simon7685

I have gone online today to start searching for insurance due for renewal in May. I always go through all the comparison sites to find the best deal, rather than just renew with the same insurer.

This year I have found some comparison sites asking for my driver number and even National Insurance number to get a quote, is this something new to get insurance?

I am a bit hesitant to give out my details just for a quote unless it is a requirement by law. Has there been a change in the law or is just them wanting even more details to sell on to other companies so you get inundated for other things?

I have looked on DVLA site but can't see anything about having to supply these details, so thought I would check on here. It seems a bit much for a quote.

kensiko

Personally haven't come across this before on the sites I have used.

Which comparison sites are asking for drivers license number and NI number?

Johno100

The reason they are asking for NI and Driving Licence number is so your licence details i.e. convictions, class of vehicle you can drive can be confirmed online.

https://www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/driving-record/licence-number?

I would question why they need to confirm this at the quote stage and not when are signing up with the insurer.

InsideInsurance

I think its in July (?) that insurers will be able to electronically check with the DVLA what convictions you've had and so avoid the need to get people to send in their license. Currently some insurers currently randomly sample, some only sample at claims stage and a few sub prime types check everyones.

Its fairly predictable that when insurers can check electronically that the frequency rate will go up massively. I'd guess those collecting ID now are preempting the changes so they have the data ready to run them as and when the service comes on line.

It wont be the law you have to provide it but and insurer has no compulsion to sell you insurance and so will be entitled to make it conditional that you do provide it if they want.

Quentin

Currently those that are asking for your licence number are making it an "optional" question.

rev_henry

InsideInsurance wrote: »

I think its in July (?) that insurers will be able to electronically check with the DVLA what convictions you've had and so avoid the need to get people to send in their license. Currently some insurers currently randomly sample, some only sample at claims stage and a few sub prime types check everyones.

Its fairly predictable that when insurers can check electronically that the frequency rate will go up massively. I'd guess those collecting ID now are preempting the changes so they have the data ready to run them as and when the service comes on line.

It wont be the law you have to provide it but and insurer has no compulsion to sell you insurance and so will be entitled to make it conditional that you do provide it if they want.

I suspected it was pre emptive for the forthcoming changes.

Interesting you say sub prime insurers check everyones. I had a policy through a broker a couple of years ago which required a photocopy of everyone's licence. Can't remember if that was a broker or underwriter requirement. But anyway the broker was only accessible to people who do certain jobs with a high level of trust, so I can't imagine it being classed as subprime.
Its a pain to send photocopies of everyone's licence, especially when you've 2 named drivers who can't find said documents, but I guess it makes it cheaper for everyone as no one is running around on a fraudulent policy which despite being fraudulent will still have obligations under the RTA.

Simon7685

I have double checked and it is an optional answer on compare the market, I was so skeptical when I saw it that I didn't look at it properly. I am still a bit surprised at them at the quote stage to be honest.

I don't have an issue providing it to an insurer if they want it but it not a comparison site, it is bad enough with the amount of info they take and then sell on, or pass on to "selected partners".

Thanks for helping me out.

missile

You could "accidently" transpose a digit or two.

Quentin

missile wrote: »

You could "accidently" transpose a digit or two.

No point - they will find out your "error".


Just leave the question unanswered if you don't want to answer it.

Norman_Castle

I'm surprised its on comparison sites. Surely insurers could quote based on the information being correct and only need conformation if a policy is taken out.
Comparison sites show results for 30+? insurers. I doubt they will all check before quoting.
I've always assumed your NI number was to important to be given to such a wide audience.

https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/your-national-insurance-number
To prevent identity fraud, keep your National Insurance number safe. Don’t share it with anyone who doesn’t need it.

SailorSam

I hope they bring some sort of compulsory check on your licence before you can get insurance.
I know someone that has been driving now about 30yrs without taking a test. I'd love to see them get caught.