Which details to prepare before a vehicle insurance enquiry?

A short round-up of details about the vehicle, driver and how it is used shortens the enquiry and produces comparable quotes.

Reading time: 1 min read
Updated:: 10 August 2026

Vehicle insurance quotes differ above all according to the details the insurer receives. When the details are complete and accurate, the quote is more realistic and comparison becomes straightforward.

Quick answer

Prepare the vehicle registration certificate, details about the driver and how the vehicle is used, and details of your existing insurance. With these details, the enquiry takes only a few minutes and the quotes are comparable.

What you need to do

Gather the vehicle details
From the registration certificate, note the make, model, year of manufacture, engine power and capacity, chassis number and date of first registration.
Define who drives
State the owner, the usual driver and any additional drivers, together with their age and years of driving experience.
Describe how the vehicle is used
State whether the vehicle is used privately or for business, the approximate annual mileage and where it is parked overnight.
Prepare details of your existing insurance
Have your current policy, its expiry date and details of any claims made in the previous period ready.
Decide what you want to protect
Decide whether you need only compulsory third-party liability cover or additional protection for the vehicle as well.

Prepare

Vehicle registration certificate
Personal details of the owner and driver
Annual mileage figure
Existing policy and its expiry date
Claims history for the previous period

Common mistakes

Incomplete driver details, which means the quote is later revised.
Comparing quotes with different levels of cover as if they were the same.
Sending the enquiry on the very last day before the policy expires.

Good to know

If more than one person drives the vehicle, state the youngest regular driver — this is the detail that most often changes the quote.

This text is general practical guidance from the SuravenT platform and is not legal, medical or financial advice. Verify current conditions and regulations with the competent institution or your insurer.