By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, MOTORING REPORTER
Millions of motorists are providing false information on their car insurance forms, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.
It is believed 16 per cent of all drivers are putting themselves and others at risk by lying to their insurers, new research from temporary car cover Tempcover claims.
This would equate to more 6.7million drivers lying to obtain cheaper cover, from fibs about where their car is parked overnight to failing to declare modifications.
The study of 2,000 drivers reveals the practice of 'postcode porky pies' and other deceptions is leaving millions vulnerable to having their policy voided in the event of a crash.
Most frequently drivers lied about their car's overnight parking location, for example by claiming to have off-road parking or a private garage.
Such lies are being used deliberately by some to get cheaper insurance rates, with over a fifth confessing they gave the wrong address on purpose to reduce premium costs.
6.7million drivers in the UK are lying to their insurers, from fibs about where the car is parked to failing to declare modifications, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal
Among those admitting to misinforming their insurer, one in ten respondents also admitted to providing a false home address, with two-fifths using a previous home or a work address for where they keep their motor.
Others made use of a loved one's address where they know premiums are on average less expensive.
A quarter gave their partner's address, 20 per cent listed their parents, and 7 per cent of those lying went as far as to use a random address.
Nearly half also confessed they don't think it's technically a lie if their parents still live at the address.
But these parking deceptions are only the tip of the insurance falsehood iceberg.
Motorists also admitted to lying about mileage, their driving history, fronting, and failing to declare modifications.
One in five told their insurer the wrong mileage, underestimating it, which might seam harmless but insurers use this to calculate risk.
And if you barely drive this could mean your premium is more expensive if insurers see the lack of recent driving experience as a risk.
Most frequently drivers lied about their car's overnight parking location, for example by claiming to have off-road parking or a private garage
Sixteen per cent stated incorrect driving history, failing to report crucial details such as points on their licence or past convictions, which can affect premiums but also risk invalidating a policy, especially during a claim.
A further 15 per cent of motorists who have lied to their insurers admit to fronting (when an older, more experienced driver is listed as the main policyholder on a car they don't primarily drive), which is often done to secure lower premiums for younger, less experienced drivers. It's illegal and invalidates a policy.
Failing to declare modifications is something 14 per cent say they're guilty of; from tinted windows to alloy wheels, modifications can change the value and risk profile so they must be declared accurately to your insurer.
It's not just that people are purposefully misleading insurers though: The study found that many people are just making honest mistakes.
Among those who provided incorrect information by accident, a quarter didn’t realise the information was wrong and the same number made a typing error, while more than a fifth miscalculated their vehicle usage, and 20 per cent forgot to update their personal details about moving or changing jobs.
How much will fibbing to your insurer cost you?
If an insurer discovers inaccurate information, they have the legal right to cancel or void the policy entirety.
Two-fifths of motorists who admitted to giving the wrong information have been caught, and of those, only a tiny seven per cent said nothing happened as a result.
Drivers who are caught face serious consequences including legal action, further insurance problems, higher premiums and no payout.
Driving without valid insurance is a serious offence that can result in fines of up to £300, six penalty points, and potential disqualification. 44 per cent of people caught were given a fine, 33 per cent received penalty points and 17 per cent were disqualified from driving.
If an insurer discovers inaccurate information, they have the legal right to cancel or void the policy entirety
Nearly a fifth of people caught were refused insurance in the future or found it harder to get covered and 15 per cent had to pay higher premiums afterwards, while 11 per cent were forced to repay costs to the insurer.
Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover explains why motorists need to be honest: 'Insurers use your details - from your address to your driving history - to create a risk profile, and even a little white lie can break that trust and lead to a voided policy.
'This then leaves you without the safety net you thought you had, and without cover when you may need it most.
'There are plenty of legitimate ways to cut the cost of your insurance without bending the truth.
'These include adding a named driver, improving your vehicle’s security by adding anti-theft devices or securely parking it in a driveway or garage overnight.'