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Car insurance premiums may fall as driving licence records go online Car insurance premiums may fall as driving licence records go online
(about 3 hours later)
Insurance premiums for motorists may be cut by up to £15 a year after the government announced that all driving licence records were being put online.Insurance premiums for motorists may be cut by up to £15 a year after the government announced that all driving licence records were being put online.
The searchable database for individuals and companies to check speeding endorsements and other details could also bring down the cost of car hire.The searchable database for individuals and companies to check speeding endorsements and other details could also bring down the cost of car hire.
The My Licence project is the latest part of the coalition's digital agenda, which has been gradually moving services on to the internet.The My Licence project is the latest part of the coalition's digital agenda, which has been gradually moving services on to the internet.
Currently insurers are unable to check licence details when they sell policies, and so have to "price in" the risk that drivers either lie to them about endorsements to get a lower quote, or simply make a mistake.Currently insurers are unable to check licence details when they sell policies, and so have to "price in" the risk that drivers either lie to them about endorsements to get a lower quote, or simply make a mistake.
But a system due to be launched by the DVLA in March will allow them to access the information through the gov.uk website using an individual's licence number, national insurance number and postcode.But a system due to be launched by the DVLA in March will allow them to access the information through the gov.uk website using an individual's licence number, national insurance number and postcode.
The Association of British Insurers has estimated that honest motorists could save £15 on their premiums thanks to the data being put online.The Association of British Insurers has estimated that honest motorists could save £15 on their premiums thanks to the data being put online.
Car hire companies will also have their administration burden reduced through being able to check drivers' details online rather than by phone.Car hire companies will also have their administration burden reduced through being able to check drivers' details online rather than by phone.
The paper counterpart to the driving licence card is due to be phased out by 2015, and there will be an assisted service for those who find it difficult to use the internet. The paper counterpart to the driving licence card is due to be phased out by the end of 2015, and there will be an assisted service for those who find it difficult to use the internet.
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said he expected the government would have saved more than £1.2bn through IT efficiencies by the end of this year.Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said he expected the government would have saved more than £1.2bn through IT efficiencies by the end of this year.
"Our digital by default agenda is part of our long-term economic plan to tackle the deficit we inherited," he said."Our digital by default agenda is part of our long-term economic plan to tackle the deficit we inherited," he said.
"To win the global race and save hard-working taxpayers more money, we need world-class public services available online 24/7 from anywhere."To win the global race and save hard-working taxpayers more money, we need world-class public services available online 24/7 from anywhere.
"That is why it is great news that DVLA is about to launch online driving records which can be used by anyone with a driving licence as well as by the insurance industry.
"Back in 2010 our digital offering was limited at best and government IT was a by-word for disaster.		"That is why it is great news that DVLA is about to launch online driving records which can be used by anyone with a driving licence as well as by the insurance industry.
"Back in 2010 our digital offering was limited at best and government IT was a by-word for disaster.
"There are still challenges but with the help of the GDS (Government Digital Service) I am determined that the UK will be the G8's most digital government by next year.""There are still challenges but with the help of the GDS (Government Digital Service) I am determined that the UK will be the G8's most digital government by next year."
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