Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, has confirmed that from 2014, motor insurers will be able to access details in a move that would “cut out fraudulent car insurance applications by cross-referencing driver data” saving up to “£100 per policy”.

According to a study of 17,883 AA members, an overwhelming 92% of respondents supported the move ‘if it cuts down fraud’, with 72% strongly agreeing with the proposals.

Similarly, most respondents said they have ‘no problem with providing my driving licence number’ to enable their insurer to obtain such information.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “This shows that drivers are fed up with a fraudulent minority trying to get cheaper insurance by telling lies at their expense.”

“We know that an astounding quarter (23%) of motorists wrongly declare their driving history to insurers, either not declaring convictions or disqualifications, or declaring something less significant.

“Many more provide other false information such as age, driving experience or even address in order to obtain a cheaper insurance premium. This is unfair to safer, honest motorists.”

As a result, AA Insurance estimates that some 1m claims are being refused by insurers each year when the correct information emerges.

“Being able to access to the DVLA database will not only immediately prevent fraudulent insurance applications but make the whole process of obtaining cover faster.

“This will result in more accurate premiums and significantly reduce costly disputes in the event of claims.”

However, insurers still have to meet third party damage and injury costs.

However, despite widespread support, two-thirds (64%) of respondents to the survey expressed a worry that the information obtained by insurers could be used for other purposes.

Douglas said that the data will be strictly protected and will only confirm the driver data necessary for an insurance application: “Insurers won’t be able to use it for anything else.”