Moving to the UK: Car Insurance Guide for Expats
Moving to the UK can be a stressful time, with plenty to worry about, including whether you can drive on UK roads and if car insurance applies. So, to remove some of the anxiety from what can be an overwhelming event, Motorscan has put together the expat’s guide to driving in the UK.
Moving to another country can be stressful and immense. There are many aspects to consider, from where you’ll be living to paying taxes and, of course, driving on UK roads. So, especially for expats moving to the UK and UK citizens who may visit Blighty from time to time, Motorscan has put together a short guide on what you need to know about driving in the UK.
You can continue to drive in the UK with a valid licence issued in your own country for up to twelve months. At this point, you will need to exchange your licence or take a UK driving test. This does not apply to holders of full driving licences issued in a country within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Community (EEC) who can continue to use their foreign-issued driving licence until expiry.
It is a legal requirement to have car insurance if you intend to drive on UK roads. This is the case for UK citizens and those moving to the UK or who hold a driver’s licence issued in a foreign country.
Car insurance remains a mandatory legal requirement to drive on UK roads irrespective of which country your driver’s license is registered.
When you move to the UK, you can obtain car insurance with your foreign-issued driver’s licence.
It’s possible to obtain car insurance in the UK with a foreign driving licence. However, you will likely find it more expensive than UK residents pay, regardless of how impeccable your driving history is. International drivers are considered a higher risk because they are deemed to be less experienced on UK roads and more likely to have an accident.
In the UK, there are three levels of insurance cover available:
You are not required to have an international driving permit (IDP) to drive on UK roads. An IDP is effectively a translation of your existing licence and may only prove beneficial if proving the validity of your foreign licence if it’s in a foreign language.
If your trip or stayover in the UK is short-term and you intend to drive on UK roads, you may want to consider temporary car insurance, which typically provides comprehensive cover. It’s ideal for international drivers who find themselves in the UK for short periods and British expats who’ve moved abroad and occasionally come back to the UK to visit family and friends. It’s always advisable to get more than one quote, so checking insurance comparison sites like Confused.com and QuoteZone is another way for expats to obtain the cheapest temporary car insurance quotations.
Most people want to save money on car insurance when moving to the UK. One way is to swap your licence for a UK driver’s licence if you qualify, which could mean you pay less. Otherwise, it’s recommended to always shop around for insurance quotations and look for companies like Clements that specialise in car insurance for foreign drivers and those who take into consideration your no-claims bonus, such as Marshmallow and Sterling.
It is possible to exchange a foreign-issued driving licence for a UK version which can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to save money on car insurance. However, the UK Government requires that you are resident in the UK for 185 days every calendar year. Consequently, if you haven’t resided in the UK for that period, you can apply after 185 days have elapsed.
Expat insurance is perfect for UK citizens who may be living abroad but require temporary car insurance when coming back to the UK. It’s also perfect for foreign drivers who may be looking at relocating to the UK or find themselves needing temporary car insurance cover to get around the UK roads for short-term stayovers.
