Insurance companies and driver licence database

bmwguy

Our group had a bit of a heated discussion in the pub last night regarding what one of the lads is proposing to do.... He has just returned from Australia but has an endorsed driving licence from a few years back...he now plans to get insurance but is not going to declare the endorsement as apparently it expires in a few months. He claims insurance companies dont have access to driving licence records as regards disqualifications, endorsements, penalty points etc and they rely on honesty, they wont check when he takes out a policy. I find this hard to believe, surely they have the ability to research who they are insuring, or would they be just happy to take the money? He agrees fully that in the event of a claim his history might be scrutinised and he could be in trouble. I think he's mad not to declare it but since his endorsement expires in a few months he cant see the point in paying a loading for a full year. Will he even get insurance in the first place without this being flagged?

djimi

I think Id sooner take the punt on going third party for the year rather than not declaring an endorcement if he is trying to save money. If he doesnt declare that endorcement and he ends up with a third party claim then it is going to end up costing him many many times what it will cost him to get insurance legally for this year...

Atlantic Dawn

Some companies do have access to it, I know Aviva do as they gave discount to non penalty point holders from the start as they had access to the database.

bmwguy

Well he is a miserable f**ker anyway anything to save a few quid, I think most of our annoyance came from the fact its another money saving idea from him rather than the moral implications of it. I think it will get picked up when he sends in copy of his licence (although its not stamped or anything) I presume the licence number is linked to database

Atlantic Dawn

bmwguy wrote: »

Well he is a miserable f**ker anyway anything to save a few quid, I think most of our annoyance came from the fact its another money saving idea from him rather than the moral implications of it. I think it will get picked up when he sends in copy of his licence (although its not stamped or anything) I presume the licence number is linked to database

There's more financial than moral implications, his insurer will seek the full amount of any claims made on his behalf when they find out, could result in him being bankrupt and no insurer will touch him for a very long time. Most insurers look for a copy of the licence prior to giving cover, they will most likely find out from the start, then refuse cover and then nobody will insure him as he will have had insurance refused for giving a false declaration.

If he has a collision, can he be charged with insurance fraud? Since he purposely refused to provide important information for his policy.

MugMugs

I don't believe that any insurer has access to this information without making a formal request.

They should ask for a copy of his licence though, shouldn't they?

Stheno

MugMugs wrote: »

I don't believe that any insurer has access to this information without making a formal request.

They should ask for a copy of his licence though, shouldn't they?

Yeah usually you've to send in a copy of your licence when you get insured with a company for the first time in my experience anyway

Atlantic Dawn

Looks like full access to all companies soon...

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/insurers-get-green-light-to-access-motorists-penaltypoint-offences-3209787.html

MugMugs

Basically the OP's friend should be clear. I've got friends who do it too and have done for a few years.

I also know prosecuting Gardai who tell insurers about endorsements

Rafa1977

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Some companies do have access to it, I know Aviva do as they gave discount to non penalty point holders from the start as they had access to the database.

Yes Aviva had access as one of my friends use to work there and he mentioned, unsure about any other companies though.

awec

This post has been deleted.

sogood

I think many insurance companies intentionally rely on the "honesty" of their clients, knowing full well that many people will tell a little white lie or "accidentally" omit some minor detail. The reason being that, in the event of a claim, they have an instant opt out, refusing to pay any claim, but keeping your premium. It is clearly stated on their terms and conditions, that any falsehoods, omissions etc. may well invalidate your insurance.

Penny wise and pound foolish!

flutered

i was with 123.ie, when i changed my car i was told that i was not eligable for insurance cover by them.

guil

sogood wrote: »

I think many insurance companies intentionally rely on the "honesty" of their clients, knowing full well that many people will tell a little white lie or "accidentally" omit some minor detail. The reason being that, in the event of a claim, they have an instant opt out, refusing to pay any claim, but keeping your premium. It is clearly stated on their terms and conditions, that any falsehoods, omissions etc. may well invalidate your insurance.

Penny wise and pound foolish!

The only claim they can get out of paying is one for your own property, they have to cover all third party claims

bmwguy

flutered wrote: »

i was with 123.ie, when i changed my car i was told that i was not eligable for insurance cover by them.

Did you have an endorsement or was it the car you changed to?