New legislation comes into effect today for drivers renewing their car insurance.

Motorists will not be able to renew their current car insurance unless they provide their driver number. 

Dominic Lumsden Head of Sales with People Insurance said it is one small step for drivers.

“It’s just one small extra step when we take out or renew your motor insurance,” he said. 

“So, now you’ll need to provide the driver number for all named drivers on your policy; it’s right there in front of your driver’s licence under Section 4D.

“This simple step is part of a national move to improve road safety, reduce fraud and make insurance fairer for everyone.

“We’re here to make the process easy; it’s one small step for drivers, one big step for safer roads.” 

Traffic on a motorway. Image: eye35.pix / Alamy.com.

Mr Lumsden said insurance will not be renewed without the driver number, as it will be an offence to do so. 

“It’s important to bear in mind that this is a new legal requirement from today,” he said. 

“Your insurance brokerage will not be able to proceed with your renewal or with your new motor policy without this information. 

“So, it’s very important to have your driver’s licence on hand and that of any named drivers on your policy.” 

The measure was introduced as part of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which aims to reduce the number of crashes on Irish roads.

Main image: Traffic in Dublin. Picture by: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie