What Details Do Car Insurers Check?
Filling out a car insurance application can feel like an interrogation. So many questions, and half of them seem oddly specific. But every answer plays a role in shaping how insurers assess you, your car, and your risk level.
It's not just about the basics like your name and age. Car insurers in the UK cross-reference several key pieces of information before offering a quote or validating your cover. And yes; some of it is verified automatically, whether you realise it or not.
So, what are they really looking at?
Details Car Insurers Check (And Why They Matter)
- Your Driving Licence:
Insurers can verify your licence status, length of time held, and penalty points via the DVLA. If you've claimed you've had a licence for ten years but only passed last summer, they'll know. - Your No Claims Bonus (NCB):
You'll often be asked to provide proof of your NCB from your previous insurer. Most companies accept digital copies, but the discount only applies once verified. Falsifying it? That's one way to get your policy cancelled. - Your Claims History:
Any past claims, even ones not your fault, can affect your premium. These are usually checked through a national claims database such as CUE (Claims and Underwriting Exchange). - Your Car's Details:
The registration number links to a database with your car's make, model, engine size, value, and insurance group. If you've fitted modifications - like alloys or tinted windows; they'll want to know. Leave those out and you risk voiding your policy. - Your Occupation:
Odd as it sounds, job titles influence premiums. Some are statistically linked to higher claims. For example, musicians, journalists, and delivery drivers tend to pay more. A subtle change in job title - still accurate - can sometimes reduce your quote. - Your Address and Postcode:
Postcode is a big one. Areas with higher crime or accident rates usually attract higher premiums. Even neighbouring streets can make a difference. Insurers also check where the vehicle is kept overnight. - Your Annual Mileage:
You'll be asked how far you drive each year. Higher mileage = more time on the road = greater risk. Be honest, but also realistic. Don't guess. It matters. - Your Car Usage:
Social only? Commuting? Business use? Insurers tailor policies to fit. Using your car for delivery work when your policy only covers commuting? That could invalidate your cover if something goes wrong. - Named Drivers:
Their age, experience, and claims history will also influence the quote. If your named driver has a clean record, it could help. But trying to front the policy? That's a legal risk you really don't want to take.
You step into this moment...
You borrow a family member's car regularly and take out your own policy to drive it. But you tell the insurer the car's kept at your address. Months later, it's stolen, from the relative's house. The claim is rejected because the overnight location wasn't accurate. Painful? Absolutely.
This kind of scenario isn't rare. That's why insurers cross-check details - because when something doesn't add up, the payout can hang in the balance.
What Else Might Be Checked?
Some insurers also look at:
- Your credit score: Not always, but sometimes used to assess payment reliability, particularly for monthly payment plans.
- Your car's MOT and tax status: If the car isn't roadworthy, it could affect your policy, even if it's technically insured.
- Previous policy history: Have you had policies cancelled before? That's a red flag.
Everything is about measuring risk. The more accurate and stable your details appear, the less of a risk you are in the eyes of insurers.
So, Why Does Honesty Matter?
Because inaccurate details don't just bump up your premium, they can void your cover entirely. That's no exaggeration. If something major goes wrong and your insurer finds out your car wasn't parked where you claimed, or that you had undeclared points, they can walk away from the claim.
One driver forgot to update their address after moving, then had their car broken into outside the new flat. The claim was denied. All for a postcode that was never updated. Not worth the risk, right?
Time to Check You're Doing It Right?
Getting car insurance isn't just about clicking the lowest price. It's about giving accurate info; because your policy is only as strong as the details behind it. The more precise you are, the more likely you'll get a fair quote *and* a solid outcome if things go wrong.
Click here to compare tailored car insurance quotes now - enter the right details, get matched with insurers who fit your profile, and drive with real peace of mind.