What car insurance do international drivers need for the UK?

Key takeaways

• How long you can drive in the UK on a foreign licence depends on where you passed your driving test; EU licence holders can drive until age 70, while non-EU holders are generally limited to 12 months.

• If you are insured in the EU or certain other countries, your existing car insurance may provide third-party cover in the UK, but you should check with your insurer and request a green card before travelling.

• If you buy a car in the UK, you will need a UK car insurance policy; your overseas insurance will not cover a UK-registered vehicle.

Do I need car insurance as a non-UK resident?

Yes. Car insurance is a legal requirement if you drive in the UK, even if you are only visiting.

The minimum level of cover you need is third-party only insurance, which covers damage to other people and their property but does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence and can result in a fixed penalty, points on your licence, or your vehicle being seized.

What are my car insurance options as a non-UK resident?

You have several options for getting insured in the UK, depending on your circumstances.

Temporary cover or short-term car insurance

If you plan to drive a friend's or family member's car while you are in the UK, you can take out short-term car insurance. Temporary policies typically last from one to 28 days, though some providers offer cover for up to 90 days.

Being added as a named driver

You could ask to be added to your friend's or relative's policy as a named driver. This can sometimes be more involved than taking out a temporary policy, so it is worth comparing both options. Being added as a named driver could also affect the policyholder's premium.

Hiring a rental car

If you are hiring a rental car, insurance will usually be included in the price. However, you may want to consider separate car hire excess cover, which is often cheaper than the excess insurance offered by the hire company.

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 are staying in the UK

Can I drive a company car as a non-UK resident?

If you are driving a company car, it is your employer's responsibility to make sure you have the right cover. You will need business use insurance in place. However, fleet insurance policies often exclude drivers who do not hold a UK licence, so you may need to obtain a UK driving licence before you can be covered this way.

Is car insurance for non-UK residents more expensive?

Car insurance with a foreign driving licence is typically more expensive than a standard UK policy. There are two main reasons for this:

• UK insurers often view foreign licence holders as higher risk, partly because you may be unfamiliar with UK roads and driving on the left-hand side.

• Your insurer may not be able to take your previous driving record abroad or any existing no-claims discount into account when calculating your premium.

The exact difference in cost depends on your individual circumstances, including where your licence was issued, how long you have held it, and which insurer you choose.

What levels of cover can I get with a foreign driving licence?

The three main levels of car insurance cover available in the UK are:

• Fully comprehensive cover: the highest level of protection, covering accidental damage to your own car as well as damage to other vehicles and property, plus any injuries you sustain.

• Third-party, fire and theft: covers damage to other vehicles and property, plus fire damage to or theft of your car.

• Third-party only: the minimum legal requirement in the UK. It covers damage to other vehicles and property but does not cover damage to your own car.

Comprehensive cover usually has higher premiums than third-party policies, but it provides better protection and could save you money in the long run if you are involved in an accident. It is worth comparing all three levels to find the right balance of cover and cost for your situation. Is my foreign car insurance valid in the UK? It depends on where you are insured and what type of trip you are making.

If you are insured in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland

Your existing insurance policy will generally provide third-party cover while you are in the UK. However, you should always check with your insurer before driving here. Ask your insurer to give you a green card, which is a document that proves you have the necessary insurance in case you are involved in an incident. If you cannot get a green card, you will need a document from your insurer confirming their name, your number plate or vehicle identification number, and the dates your cover is valid.

If you are insured outside these countries

You should bring a green card from your insurer with you. If your home country is not a member of the green card system, or your green card is not accepted in the UK, you will need to insure your vehicle here. Currently, green cards from Belarus and Russia are not accepted in the UK.

If you want to buy a car in the UK

You will need a UK car insurance policy. Your overseas insurance will not cover a UK-registered vehicle.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in the UK?

No, you do not usually 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 my foreign car in the UK?

If you are visiting the UK for less than six months, your car can remain taxed and registered in your home country. If you become a UK resident or stay for longer than six months, you will need to:

• Register your car with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

• Pay vehicle excise duty (VED), also known as road tax

• Put your car through an MOT test if it is more than three years old

• Make sure you have a valid driving licence and insurance

These rules also apply if you make several shorter visits to the UK that total more than six months during a 12-month period. Find out more about importing a car to the UK.

How long can I drive in the UK on a foreign licence?

The rules depend 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 turn 70, before you need to swap to a GB licence. You will not need to take a driving test.

• You can exchange your EU licence for a GB licence sooner, as long as you have been living in the UK for at least 185 days.

If you have a non-EU licence or international driving permit

You can drive in the UK for 12 months from when you became resident. After that, you will need to exchange your licence for a GB licence or take a UK driving test.

If you have a licence from Ukraine

You can drive in the UK for at least three years after becoming resident, provided 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 can exchange your licence for a GB licence without taking a test. The designated countries and territories 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 overseas no-claims bonus in the UK?

In many cases, yes. When taking out UK car insurance, you may be able to negotiate a discount based on a no-claims bonus you have built up overseas, provided you can present a certificate from your previous insurer as proof. However, not all UK insurers will accept a certificate from a non-UK insurance provider. You will need to compare different providers to find one that does. The same applies if you are a UK resident moving abroad and want to use your UK no-claims bonus overseas.

How can I reduce the cost of car insurance as a non-UK resident?

Get a UK driving licence One of the most effective ways to lower your insurance cost is to obtain a UK driving licence. You can either exchange your existing licence (if you are from a designated country or the EU) or take a UK driving test.

Shop around for no-claims bonus acceptance If you have several years of no-claims bonus built up in your home country, it is worth comparing providers to find an insurer that will take this into account when pricing your policy.

Compare different levels of cover Third-party only cover is not always the cheapest option overall, especially if you have an accident and need to pay for repairs yourself. Comparing all three levels of cover can help you find the right balance of protection and price.

Consider telematics or black box insurance

If you do not have a UK driving history, a telematics or black box policy could help bring your premium down. These policies use a device or app to monitor your driving, and if you drive safely, you may pay less at renewal. This can be particularly useful if you are a careful driver but cannot yet demonstrate this through UK no-claims history.

How do I compare car insurance as an international driver?

You can compare car insurance with MoneySuperMarket by entering a few details about yourself, the car you plan to drive, and your driving history. You will see a list of policies that suit your needs, and you can choose the one that offers the right cover at the best price.