Car insurance for international drivers in the UK
Key takeaways
The rules about how long you can drive in the UK for with a valid foreign driving licence and ID depend on where you passed your test
Your existing car insurance might cover you in the UK, but check with your insurer first
Buying a car in the UK? You will need a UK car insurance policy
Is car insurance for non-UK residents necessary?
Yes, if you’re planning to drive while in the UK, valid car insurance for non-UK residents is a legal requirement, even if you’re only visiting. The minimum level of cover is third-party only insurance.
Is car insurance for non-UK residents possible?
Yes, you have several car insurance options if you’re a non-UK resident or expat, including:
Temporary cover or short-term car insurance
If you plan to drive a friend’s car or family member’s car while you’re in the UK, there are several insurance companies who can provide you with temporary cover for your short stay. Short-term cover or temporary policies usually lasts from one to 28 days but it’s possible to get cover up to 90 days.
Being added as a named driver
You could be added to your friend’s or relative’s policy as a named driver, although this could be more of a hassle than temporary car insurance. It’s worth comparing both options, as the risk factor can affect the premiums.
Hiring a rental car
If you’re hiring a rental car, you won’t need to worry about car insurance; this will be included in the price. However, you might want to buy separate car hire excess cover, which is often cheaper than the excess insurance offered by hire car companies.
You may need to show the rental company:
An International Driving Permit or a certified copy of your foreign driving licence
ID such as your passport
Proof of return travel
Details of where you’re staying in the UK
Can I drive a company car as non-UK resident?
If you’re driving a company car, it’s your employer’s responsibility to make sure you have the right cover - you’ll need business use insurance. However, fleet insurance policies often exclude non-UK licence holders, so you may need to get a UK driving licence to be covered this way.
Is car insurance for non-UK residents more expensive?
Yes, car insurance with a foreign licence can be higher as insurers:
Often view foreign licence holders as higher risk due to being unfamiliar with UK roads and potentially not being used to driving on the left-hand side of the road
May not take into account your previous driving record abroad and any existing no claims discount
What levels of cover can I get with an international driving licence?
The three main levels of cover available are:
Type of cover | Details |
|---|---|
The highest level of cover which also includes accidental damage to your car, as well as any injuries you incur. Although comprehensive car insurance premiums are higher than those for third-party policies, they provide better protection and potential long-term savings on repairs, making them a more cost-effective choice for many drivers. | |
This level of cover includes costs related to fire damage or the theft of your car | |
This is the minimum level of insurance that you must have by law in the UK. It covers damage to other vehicles and property, but won’t cover damage to your car |
Is foreign car insurance valid in the UK?
Yes, depending on your individual circumstances.
If you’re bringing your own car on a trip to the UK and your insured in the European Union (EU), Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland
Your existing insurance policy will generally provide third-party cover while you’re here. However, it’s always a good idea to check this before driving in the UK
Ask your insurer to give you a ‘green card’ that proves you have the necessary insurance in case you’re involved in an incident
If you can’t get a green card you’ll need a document from your insurer which states their name, your number plate or vehicle identification number and when the cover is valid for
If you’re bringing your own car on a trip to the UK and your licence is from outside the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland
Bring a green card from your insurer with you
If your home country isn’t a member of the green card system or your green card isn’t accepted then you’ll need to insure your vehicle in the UK. Currently, green cards from Belarus and Russia aren’t accepted in the UK
If you want to buy a car in the UK
You will need a UK car insurance policy.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in the UK?
No, generally you don’t need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the UK. However, if your driving licence is in a language other than English or uses different characters, you may need an IDP to hire a car.
How long can I keep a foreign car in the UK?
If you become a UK citizen or decide to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months you’ll need to:
Register it with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also called road tax
Put your car through an MOT test if it’s more than 3 years old
Make sure you have a valid driving licence and insurance
You’ll also have to do this if you plan to make several shorter visits to the country that total more than 6 months during a 12-month period.
If you’re visiting for less than 6 months, your car can remain taxed and registered in your home country.
Find out more about importing a car
How long can I drive with an international driving licence in the UK?
The rules differ depending on where you passed your driving test.
If your licence is from the EU or European Economic Area
You can drive in the UK for as long as your licence is valid or until you’re 70 before swapping to a GB licence and you won’t need to take a driving test
You can exchange your EU licence for GB licence sooner, as long as you’ve been living in the UK for at least 185 days
If you have a non-EU licence or an international driving permit
You can drive in the UK for 12 months from when you became resident. After that you’ll need to exchange it for a GB licence
If you have a licence from Ukraine
You can drive in the UK for at least 3 years after becoming resident if you came to the UK on the Ukraine visa scheme
If you have a licence from a designated country or territory
You can drive in the UK for 12 months from when you became resident. After that you’ll need to exchange it for a GB licence
The designated countries are: Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Republic of North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe
Can I use my existing no-claims bonus in the UK?
Yes, when taking out UK car insurance, you may be able to negotiate a discount based on a no-claims bonus built up overseas if you can present a certificate proving it from your previous insurer. The same is true if you’re a UK resident moving abroad.
However, not all insurers will accept a certificate from a non-UK insurance provider, so you’ll need to have a look at different providers to find one that does.
How can car insurance for non-UK residents be cheaper?
Get a UK licence
One of the easiest ways to cut the cost of insurance in the UK is to get a UK driving licence. Either swap it for your existing licence or take a driving test.
Shop around before you make a decision
If you have several years of no-claims bonus built up in your home country, it makes sense to try to find an insurer that will take this into account when pricing your policy.
Compare different levels of cover
Third-party cover is not always the cheapest option, especially if you have an accident. Check different levels of cover and compare the protection provided, as well as the price
Compare car insurance
It’s easy to compare car insurance with MoneySuperMarket. Just pop in a few details about yourself, the car you plan to drive, and your driving history, and we’ll show you a list of car insurance policies that suit your individual needs.
Then all you have to do is choose the one that offers the cover you need at the best price and click through to confirm your purchase.
Author
Sarah Tooze
Car & Van Insurance Expert
Sarah Tooze has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years, specialising in company cars and vans, and has won a number of awards during her career, including the Newspress ‘Automotive...
Reviewer
Beth Leslie
Senior Insurance Content Editor
Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
