Not telling the truth to get cheaper car insurance

Aviva research - 83% of motorists say they always tell the truth

17% of motorists would consider “being economical with the truth” to get cheaper car insurance, according to new research by Aviva

20 September 2024, Dublin: More than 4 in 5 (83%) motorists say that they always tell the truth when purchasing their car insurance. However, 17% of respondents to a new survey* from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) will consider telling at least one lie to get a cheaper quote. Not telling the truth about where their car is parked, their occupation, and the number of penalty points that they have are the top lies amongst 5% of those surveyed.

A number of other questions that a percentage of motorists would consider fabricating the truth include prior claims and modifications to the car for the purpose of performance (3%), registering at a different address, involvement in an accident and their age at 2%. Only 1% say they would consider buying a fake no claims bonus.

The Aviva survey found:

  • The percentage of motorists who would consider “being economical with the truth” are primarily male and the majority are aged 25-34 years old.
  • Those least likely to consider not telling the truth are primarily female and aged 55+.

The survey further probed respondents as to whether they had ever engaged in fronting or know of anyone who has done this. Fronting occurs when the main driver of a car declares someone else as their main driver, usually a parent or guardian, to reduce the cost of their insurance premium. The survey found that almost 1 in 10 (8%) know someone who engages in fronting, with more than 1 in 10 (11%) respondents admitting that they had done it themselves. However, of the 11% who claimed to have done it themselves, 5% said that they were not aware that this was not allowed.

  • The profiles of the majority who admitted to either having done fronting themselves or know someone who has are broadly similar to the percentage of motorists who would be “economical with the truth” across a range of questions.
  • However, while the majority (10%) who admitted to having engaged in fronting were 25-34 years old, 8% of 35-44 years old, 3% of 45–54-year-olds and 2% of those aged 55+ claimed the same.

We welcome the research findings that the majority of motorists would never consider providing untrue information when completing an application for their car insurance in order to get cheaper cover. Providing false information when applying for your motor, or indeed any other insurance policy is effectively committing fraud. This includes not disclosing previous claims, penalty points or indeed providing incorrect information as to your occupation, address etc. when asked.

Alan Behan, Motor Product Manager, Aviva

“In addition, knowingly declaring someone else as the main driver of the car when purchasing insurance, also known as fronting, is illegal and could result in the customer having their policy cancelled or indeed a fraud conviction. Insurers allocate significant sums of money and resources to identifying and fighting fraudulent cases on an ongoing basis, the cost of which is passed on to customers in higher premiums. Motorists who fabricate the information on their policy will most likely have any subsequent claim rejected in addition to potentially having a criminal conviction,” concluded Alan Behan.

*The research was undertaken by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva.