Insurance Idiot
 

I have started a new policy on my new bike. As per usual at the insurers request i send off the copies of my driving license. I passed my full test on 16/12/05 & then completed the 2 year 33BHP restriction. My photo license is up for renewal this year (it still shows the <25KW next to the bike category). The idiot person in the insurance validation department is trying to inform me that i only have a license for up to a 25KW bike. Wow! clearly she is in the wrong department if she has no knowledge of previous/present motorcycle tests and entitlement. Even telling her to check with the DVLA. I'm awaiting the reply from her after telling her that this is a full valid motorcycle license as recognised by the Police & other insurance companies, along with a copy of my certificate from when i passed.
Why are these people allowed to work in an environment in which they clearly do not have the know how to work efficiently and correctly.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

As far as I know you are still restricted to 33BHP until you send your license to the DVLA EVEN IF you passed over two years ago, for some reason it isn't an automatic license upgrade. I might be wrong but that was my understanding.
Let me know how it works out though, I'll be in the same situation as you next year!

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

I was told by my examiner and the DVLA that my license did not have to be sent off to get it removed as soon as it was up. It was/is universally accepted as a full license.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Well hopefully all should be well then, the bike license is confusing enough without this, so I hope it all sorts itself out without too much more stress for you tomorrow, as I said let me know because I'll have the same problem next year no doubt, especially as my restriction should end part way through my policy. Best of luck!

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

You are restricted for a period of two years from the date that you pass your test. You DO NOT have to send your license back to have it removed. other than it costing you £25 for the privilege, there is no reason for you to.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Shows what I know then, I'm just a bad as they are!

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

I will do. It is simply frustrating for me having to explain i have a full license, when it is already very clear. All the bint has to do is check my license with the DVLA . . . . .

Insurance Idiot
 

Or consult with a colleague from her company if she is unsure.
You've gotta love these people!
Good luck with it :)

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Strange, in 35 years of holding various automotive insurance policies. No company has ever asked to see my licence (Please note the correct spelling). I think I would refuse. I view it (now it has my mug shot on) as a primary form of identity.

Just because somebody wants to see it, doesn't mean they are going to keep the information confidential.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

The rules state that you have a restricted licence for 2 years, which then automatically upgrades to a full licence once the period is up. It has been a universally accepted thing.

Try and see if a highways plod would pull you for it (I would doubt it). If yours is coming up to the 10 year renewal, do it early for the sake of £25 put it through with a new picture. I had to do that when I passed my DAS as the examiner was marginal with mine as my face has changed a bit.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Get a free new licence by changing address?

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

It's pretty common these days, especially for car insurers.

It's annoying as they don't ask for proof of all the million other things you tell them in order to get your quote. The general rule is that if you fib about anything, you're not covered in the event of an accident so I don't see why they single out the driving licence.

It's worse at work - I've had to send copies not only of my driving licence but also ownership documents, insurance and MoT to some two-bit, outsourced, chav-staffed company just to be able to claim business miles. And even though you can check them both online these days, every time your insurance or MoT expires, you have to do it all again. And get your boss to sign the copies, as though they're some sort of experts in fake documents.

Should be something the company sorts with one line in your contract (your responsibility to keep your vehicle road legal and properly insured when using for company business etc). Might be down to an interpretation of their responsibilities under elf and safety laws but it's prob also a handy way to make it hard for people to claim expenses.

Insurance Idiot
 

Only had to send a copy of my licence off once and that was to ebike a year and half ago.

On the business side, not sure if its the same for all companies or not but mine would ask for that stuff to make sure that I am road worthy and correctly insured as whilst on business I am also covered under their liability insurance or something.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Yeah I think it comes down to a legal opinion that they could be held liable if they've not made reasonable checks that you're fully legal. It's a massive pain in the ass though - especially when the scanners broken and your boss who needs to do the signing is on the other side of the country.

Plus they don't help themselves by being vague and evasive as to the reasons behind it - the environmental impact of the 'grey fleet' was one of the ones they put forward.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

Re company asking. Mine use some dodgy outsource company. I refused and cited many reasons. Enough for my employer to get an audit done. Dodgy company failed. They supposedly now comply with my companies requirements. But I still refuse to complete a mandate permitting them to access my DVLA details.

I have told my boss he can see my licence any time he wants. What he has not got is permission to record any details.

This is all down to dodgy legal advice that says that if they permit me to drive illegally, then they are criminally liable. What ever happened to personal responsibility? Or more likely scared that a shyster lawyer will look a broke me working for a multinational organisation and go for the money.

Re: Insurance Idiot
 

After the last email i sent regarding my license it has been sorted and accepted. It came back from a different person, so it looks like it was passed to a member of the team who knew what they were doing.