I understand from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government that applicants who apply on-line to renew motor tax are requested to enter the name of their insurer, the insurance policy number and the date of expiry of cover. The information supplied by the applicants is forwarded to the Gardaí on a weekly basis. This facilitates a Garda check on these details if required.
As part of its plans for implementing the 5th Motor Insurance Directive No. 2005/14/EC, my Department is seeking to establish an interface between insurance companies and the National Vehicle and Driver File. This interface will facilitate the verification of insurance details during motor tax renewal transactions.