Insurance co want my licence number?

[megaphone]

Just renewing my car insurance with a new provider, can't proceed online without giving them my driving licence number, is this now normal?

They say it is to prevent fraud, not sure if they can see my driver details online? Bit more 'big brother'

[OutInTheShed]

It's part of a system that makes NCB easier and reduces their admin, and ISTR some bloke from Cuvva saying they couldn't function without it.
I forget what the scheme is called.

[0ddball]

Just insured 2 bikes with different companies and they never asked. You must just flag up as a dodgy geezer.

[Monkeylegend]

Just insured 2 cars online and it was optional stating that some companies may give you a lower premium if you provided it.

It must work because I have just insured my 2015 BMW 528i for £197 with Saga and my other half's 2013 C3 Picasso for £174 with Sheila's Wheels, a bargain.

[megaphone]

Not dodgy, but I do value my privacy. I avoid sharing my personal details and ID as much as I can. If the quote wasn't the best value I wouldn't have proceeded.

The comparison site had an opt-out option for licence number, I ticked no. Then when it went through to the provider there was no option to opt out.

I suspect this will be the norm over the next few years, more companies hiving information and linking it all up.

[NorthDave]

I'm not sure I see a problem? If you have an accident they are going to want all your details anyway. At least this way they know everything is kosher before starting the policy which I guess should cut down on fraud and lower premiums for everyone.

I'm all for not over sharing but I don't see the issue in this case

[Dingu]

Your options are buy this quote and give them the info or buy another more expensive one.

[Pica-Pica]

Dingu said:

Your options are buy this quote and give them the info or buy another more expensive one.

I think he already said that!

[Mr Tidy]

I think it varies from insurer to insurer.

I never use to get asked for it, but have been asked a couple of times in recent years. I like to retain my privacy, but couldn't see an issue providing it.

[Macneil]

Ive been asked occasionally when getting online quotes, it seems a simple way to verify your details and driving record.

[Gaumon]

Why are you happy to provide 'big brother' with all the other details required for a quote/renewal - yet baulk about providing your licence number?

Probably all car rental companies require access to your licence details - is that too much 'big brother' as well?

[Alex Z]

I'm slightly surprised that it's not been asked for a very long time.

They are insuring you to drive a vehicle on a road, so it's entirely reasonable that they be able to check you are legally entitled to do so, and that you've not misrepresented any endorsements.

[Greendubber]

Alex Z said:

I'm slightly surprised that it's not been asked for a very long time.

They are insuring you to drive a vehicle on a road, so it's entirely reasonable that they be able to check you are legally entitled to do so, and that you've not misrepresented any endorsements.

Correct.

As for personal data, date of birth, address, occupation, where the cars kept during the day, where it's parked at night already submitted, I can't see the problem giving a driver number as well.

[LosingGrip]

So you'll give them your name, date of birth, address, occupation, but wont give your licence number due to likely to keep your privacy?

In case you weren't aware, your licence number is made up of your surname and date of birth. There are a couple of random numbers/letters at the end, but the rest is all from the information they already have.

[vaud]

LosingGrip said:

So you'll give them your name, date of birth, address, occupation, but wont give your licence number due to likely to keep your privacy?

In case you weren't aware, your licence number is made up of your surname and date of birth. There are a couple of random numbers/letters at the end, but the rest is all from the information they already have.

Yup

https://www.drivercheck.co.uk/licence-info/photoca...