Sharing Your Facebook Lowers Insurance

2 November 2016, 06:06 | Updated: 2 November 2016, 06:12

First-time drivers will be able to get a discount on their car insurance by allowing their Facebook profiles to be examined to work out what kind of personality they have.

The insurance company Admiral - based in Cardiff -  said those buying their first car could add the option to get a discount of up to 15%.

Admiral said an algorithm would be used to analyse Facebook profiles to work out if new customers would be careful drivers.

On its website, the company said: ``New drivers are often quoted much higher insurance premiums as they have little driving history, zero no claims bonus and are viewed as 'high risk'.

``But we want to help make sure safe drivers aren't penalised and get the best price possible. To do this, we'll look at your Facebook profile to help us get a better understanding of the type of driver you are.

``There's a proven link between personality and how people drive, and our clever technology allows us to predict who is likely to be a safe driver.''

Only a ``snapshot'' of the customer's social media page will be considered while the quote is calculated, Admiral said.

Writing style and the use of calendars or accounting apps will go towards making a decision, The Times reported.

Renate Samson, the chief executive of Big Brother Watch, told the newspaper: ``It's terrifying. Kids are going to be handing over information with no real knowledge about how it is going to be used.

``How can you really tell if someone is a good or bad driver based on your Facebook page?''