Insurance company asking for driving licence number is thi

[bube8367]

I’m in the process of renewing my car insurance with a new provider, and they won’t let me continue with the online quote unless I enter my full driving licence number. I don’t remember this being required in the past, so I’m wondering if this is now standard practice across insurers or just something specific to this company.

They say it’s to verify my details directly with the DVLA and prevent fraud, but it does feel a bit intrusive. I’m also not sure exactly what information they can see once they have my licence number.

My licence details should be correct, but I did recently move house and haven’t updated my address yet. I’ve read that you’re supposed to use the driving licence d1 form to update or replace your licence if any details are wrong. Could this cause issues with insurance verification if my DVLA record doesn’t match what I’ve entered? Just wondering if others have experienced the same thing and whether providing the licence number is safe and normal these days.

[Cylon2007]

You want thme to insure you but don't waqnt to provide information that helps them check your details are correct??? Just give them the number - assumimg you have a valid one

[MrBen.911]

Totally normal, it's used to verify if you have any points etc. I doubt they check it against address, but if you have moved why wouldn't you just update it?

[davek_964]

MrBen.911 said:

Totally normal, it's used to verify if you have any points etc. I doubt they check it against address, but if you have moved why wouldn't you just update it?

Every quote I've done over the last few years, it was optional.

[GasEngineer]

On the comparison websites it says something like some insurers may give a better price if you provide your DL number.

I always enter it although I've never checked to see if there is any difference providing vs not providing it.

[pigface1001]

I have always given my DL number, cant see what the issue is

[vikingaero]

Some Insurers, such as the naval one, delight in checking and charging you OTT if there is something you have not declared.

[kestral]

I remember when the last thing they wanted at the time of a quote was your driving licence. How things change.

[mmm-five]

GasEngineer said:

On the comparison websites it says something like some insurers may give a better price if you provide your DL number.

I always enter it although I've never checked to see if there is any difference providing vs not providing it.

But usually means "some insurers won't quote if you don't provide xxx - and we potentially won't get as much commission" or "some insurers think you may be telling porkies, so 'fess up".

Even some car hire companies want to check your driving record via a DVLA share code before they'll let you take a car - which is sensible business practice as far as I'm concerned.