DRIVERS WILL NEED to provide their driver number to take out a new motor insurance policy or renew an existing policy from the end of this month.

From 31 March, it will be a legal requirement for a driver number to be included as part of information supplied to insurance providers or brokers.

The driver number details will be added to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), which is used by gardaí to identify and apprehend uninsured drivers.

Under road safety legislation, it will be an offence from 31 March for any insurance provider or broker to issue a motor insurance policy where the driver number has not been supplied.

Numbers must be supplied for the primary policyholder but also for any named drivers on the policy.

Every motorist in Ireland has a unique driver number that is listed under section 4(d) on their driver’s licence.

“From 31st March onwards this legislative requirement will be a necessity for anyone who is looking to renew their motor insurance or to take out a new policy,” said David Fitzgerald, CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland.

“For most people this will just mean they will have to take a quick look at their driver’s licence and provide the correct number, listed under point 4(d) on their licence as part of their renewal process. If they have additional drivers listed on their policy, then the driver numbers for those individuals will also have to be provided,” Fitzgerald said.

“This is an important measure that will help bring more safety to Irish roads and greater accountability to anyone who breaks the law,” he said.

“Every licensed driver has their own unique driver number which stays with them regardless of the vehicle they are using. This new legal requirement provides An Garda Síochána with a more comprehensive insight into any offences a driver may have committed, making it even more difficult for drivers who act illegally on Irish roads to evade detection.

“When combined with the impact the database is already making, allowing the Gardaí to identify uninsured drivers in seconds, this will further enhance the policing of Irish roads. We all want safer roads in this country and this adds another layer of effectiveness to IMID, aiding the battle against illegal driving activity.”