Expat Insurance Cover

If you are a non-uk resident visiting the UK for a short period and you intend on driving during your stay, you will likely find yourself in one of the following situations:

• You are renting a car:

If you are renting a car during your stay, insurance cover will be included in the overall cost of rental.

• You are borrowing a car:

If you are borrowing a car from a relative or friend, you will need temporary insurance cover. This can come in the form of a temporary insurance policy in your name; alternatively you can be added onto the existing insurance policy for the car you will be driving as a named driver. 

If you’ve recently returned to the UK and are looking for an affordable, reliable car insurance policy, our expat car insurance is the ideal solution for you.

You can find out more about the expat car insurance policy we offer below.

OUR EXPAT CAR INSURANCE

Foreign driving licences are valid in the UK for 12 months. After this period has elapsed you will have to get a UK driving licence if you are residing permanently in the UK.

• Exchangeable international licences or European driving licences can be swapped for a UK licence after 6 months of residency in the UK.
• Non-exchangeable international licences cannot be swapped for a full UK driving licence. You will have to apply for a provisional driving licence and take a driving test to be issued with a full driving licence.

International drivers are considered a high risk and insurance premiums for foreign drivers on UK roads can be very high. If you have an international driving licence, it pays to shop around for specialist insurance. At Got2Insure we provide competitive car insurance for foreign licence holders and we can even take into account your foreign no claims bonus.

No. International driving permits are not required in the UK.  You will need a valid, recognised driving licence and photographic ID. These licences are valid in the UK for up to 12 months. International permits can be useful if your current driving licence is not printed in English, but they are not a requirement.

Licences issued in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Community (EEC), are valid for driving in the UK until they expire.  You will not be required to exchange it unless you become a permanent UK resident. You will be allowed to exchange this licence without retaking your driving test unless you obtained your EU licence by exchanging a non-EU licence.

Licences issued by Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or a ‘designated country’ (Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe) are valid for driving in the UK for up to 12 months.

It pays to shop around for most products, but when it comes to car insurance for foreign drivers, the price differences can be staggering. 

• Investigate and compare quotes and cover from different providers.
• Find an insurance company that specialises in insurance for foreign drivers.
• Choose a company that will take your foreign no claims bonus into account.
• Look into getting a UK driving licence.

Getting a UK driving licence will make life simpler in the long run for those choosing to remain in the UK for a long period or indefinitely. This option, however, does come at an additional expense. Finding a competitive car insurance company for international drivers, such as Got2Insure will provide an affordable solution for the interim.