Brits moving home have been urged to remember to update their driving licence and car insurance address or risk fines of up to £1,000. New research by temporary car insurance experts Dayinsure found that, among 2,000 adults, more than half prioritise unpacking over completing the important task.
Legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act
Households should ensure they are not skipping essential admin, including updating driving documents and insurance, as experts warn that you could face fines of up to £1,000. The warning comes as the end of August marks one of the busiest periods of the year for moving house.
According to the company's research, two in five (40%) movers stated they update their address within a month of moving in. However, almost one in six (14%) admitted they had never updated their address on their driving licence after moving home. Failing to update your address when you move house is a breach of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Insurance delays risk invalid cover
Drivers were more likely to update their car insurance details, with half (50%) doing so within a week of moving in. A third (33%) admitted to waiting between a month and a year before updating it, while 6% admitted to never updating their insurance policy address.
This could leave many Brits with invalid car insurance with voided cover, risk claim rejections, and face potential police fines of up to £1,000.
Chris Bibby, Dayinsure CEO, said: “Moving home can be a stressful experience; it is easy for important admin, such as updating your driving licence and car insurance, to slip down the priority list.
“However, keeping the DVLA informed about any changes to your address is a legal requirement and should be done as soon as possible after moving.
“You should notify your car insurance provider of your change of address once you’ve moved in, as delaying doing this can invalidate your cover.
“Add both tasks to the top of your moving checklist, alongside bank details and energy provider. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalty points and invalid cover.”
