A study carried out by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) shows members of the public would be happy for car insurance firms to be given the authority to check drivers’ records.

It found that many people are in favour of proposed legislation that would give insurance firms the ability to gain access to driving license records in order to check for convictions or endorsements. Industry representatives believe this would allow firms to access information that is sometimes concealed by drivers, for example speeding offences, in order to obtain cheaper car insurance quotes.

The study asked 2,000 respondents whether they would be prepared to provide a driving licence number when obtaining a quote for car insurance. It found that 72% either supported or strongly supported the idea. Only 7% were against, or strongly against, it.

“Honest motorists are fed up with drivers who lie and cheat to try to obtain cheaper insurance,” said ABI director of general insurance and health Nick Starling. “Those who conceal motoring offences not only push up the cost of insurance for everyone, but also run the risk of having any claim rejected.”