Why is insurance so expensive for people not born in the UK, even is one holds a full UK licence?

When compared for like to like, and the only difference being the person was born in uk and the person was not born in the UK, the premiums are a hefty £200-250 more. Why? This is discrimination? I would understand if the person has just got the licence (maybe a year or two) so as to get used to the driving on UK roads. I have a full UK licence for over 14 years and i am regarded as someone who does not know the UK road and its driving. Please help.

denpat:

Why is insurance so expensive for people not born in the UK, even is one holds a full UK licence?

When compared for like to like, and the only difference being the person was born in uk and the person was not born in the UK, the premiums are a hefty £200-250 more. Why? This is discrimination? I would understand if the person has just got the licence (maybe a year or two) so as to get used to the driving on UK roads. I have a full UK licence for over 14 years and i am regarded as someone who does not know the UK road and its driving. Please help.

This usually isn't a problem if you have been resident in the UK for more than 2 or 3 years. Have you left the country and returned after a long period of time? Have you returned on a frequent basis but with a permanent abode overseas?

This is certainly not discrimination if you look at the reasoning behind this, and the claims arising from those with little/no experience on UK roads or those that are a 'refresher'.

Been in the country for longer than I have been driving and not left the country to drive elsewhere either. Holding a lience for 14 years (driving company cars for over 5 years and personal car for over 8 years, as me being the main driver) and living here for longer than 14 years does not count to little /no experience as to how the UK road system works.

If I held the UK licence for 1-2 years (I would be learner driver) and as you said a permanent adobe overseas, is different.

Dear denpat

As a general rule, motorists born in the UK, understanding of the Highway Code and fluent in English (thus able to read road signs etc), are considered to be less of a risk to underwriters, than motorists from other countries for obvious reasons.

However, as you say, you have held a full UK licence for over 14 years and this does seem to be harsh. Most UK based insurance companies would offer you the same rate as anyone else. How many insurers have you tried?