Change of name on car insurance

ireallydonthaveaclue

So say my husband’s name was John Paul Smith (example) but he has always preferred his middle name. 

So since he passed his driving test over 30 years ago, his car insurance has always been under Paul Smith. For the sake of continuous no claims discount, every renewal since has even in the name of Paul Smith. 

I have told my husband to change his insurance to John Smith because I’m worried that any future claims may become invalid due to his incorrect name. 

With ncd 30 years down the line, will requesting the insurance company to change his name from Paul smith to John Smith look suspicious/fraudulent? His passport and driving license as always been John Paul Smith. So if they ask for proof, we don’t have a change of name document to show a recent change iyswim?

My other worry is that they don’t believe him and cancel his insurance but this will affect all future insurances. I remember all car, house insurance etc always ask if you’ve ever had insurance cancelled or refused?

what is the best way to resolve this ?

Thanks in advance 

facade

You are legally free to call yourself whatever you like, so long as it isn't for purposes of fraud. I don't see a problem having insurance in the name of Paul Smith, presumably there are bank details from payments and address trail that makes it clear Paul Smith and John Paul Smith are the same person.

A lot of men my age are called John on their birth certificate, and Jack everywhere else.

Sandtree

Names are not a rating factor (would run far too much risk of race/discrimination related issues) and so there will be no issue from a premium perspective. The only question will be tying up that he is the registered keeper etc if the names dont match but that's a modest admin task that may cause a short delay rather than change the ultimate outcome.

Aretnap

If the name on his driving licence/passport is John Paul Smith, then putting down "Paul Smith" on his insurance application is no more and no less fraudulent/suspicious than putting down "John Smith", ie not at all. Both are perfectly reasonable contractions of his full name. 

ireallydonthaveaclue

Thank you all for putting my mind to rest. 

Jacklart

Hey, so I’ve had an accident with my car and need to claim on my issuance. I’ve just realised that my licence is still in my maiden name. My insurance is in my married name. Just looking for some advise, will this void my insurance? Unsure what to do. Thank you 

Car_54

It won't void your insurance. Just change your licence ASAP.