Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents

For anyone looking to visit or move to the UK, you might want to get behind the wheel of a car. It is important to remember that to do so, you must have car insurance.

Drivers will also need to have a valid licence to drive in the UK – not a provisional licence.

In this insurance guide, we look at everything to do with temporary car insurance.

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance is a short-term car insurance policy that provides cover for a vehicle for a limited period.

These policies typically range from 1 hour to 30 days, although some insurers may offer coverage for up to 90 days.

This type of insurance is ideal for people who are borrowing a car, sharing driving duties for a road trip, test driving, or when using another car temporarily while theirs is being repaired.

Temporary car insurance usually provides comprehensive cover as standard. This means it protects you against damage to your own vehicle as well as damage to other people’s vehicles or property.

Some policies may also include extras such as breakdown cover, but this will depend on the provider and the other options available.

UK insurers could offer temporary car insurance, as long as you hold a valid UK driving licence (or sometimes an EU or foreign one) and have a clean driving record.

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Temporary car insurance for a car from outside the UK

If you're planning to drive your own car into the UK, then your existing car insurance policy may provide at least third-party cover.

However, this all depends on what country your vehicle is insured in and registered to.

Drivers from countries within the European Union (EU), as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Serbia, and Switzerland, are typically covered under their home country’s car insurance policy while driving in the UK.

Additionally, if your country is part of the Green Card insurance scheme, you may also be covered.

The Green Card serves as proof of valid motor insurance and is recognised across participating countries, including the UK. It's essential to check with your insurer before travelling to confirm whether you're covered and whether a Green Card is required. If so, be sure to carry it with you while driving in the UK.

However, if you're coming from a country that is not part of the Green Card system, you will need to arrange separate insurance to legally drive your car in the UK.

There are 47 countries that use the Green Card system.

Can a non-UK resident get temporary car insurance?

Yes, a non-UK resident can get temporary car insurance so they can get behind the wheel of a vehicle and travel around the country.

Just like residents, everyone must have a valid car insurance policy to be legally covered to drive.

Some insurance providers in the UK do offer temporary car insurance to non-UK residents, with policies typically ranging from one day to 28 days.

In some cases, these companies provide an option to extend the coverage for up to three months from the start date of the policy.

However, it is important to understand that this type of insurance is considered specialist cover, which means it can be more expensive than standard policies.

And prices can fluctuate against the normal factors that come with buying car insurance.

Also, non-UK drivers are often viewed as higher risk by insurers due to potential unfamiliarity with UK roads and driving regulations.

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Can I own a car in the UK as a non-resident?

Yes, you can own a car in the UK as a non-resident, but there are a few important things to consider.

You must register the vehicle with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), which requires a UK-based address.

This can be your temporary accommodation, the address of a friend or relative, or a business address.

However, it is important to be able to prove that you can use this address when purchasing the policy.

Drivers must have a valid driving licence from your home country.

If you are from the EU or EEA, then you can drive in the UK (unless you are over 70 years old). The Government has a list of other nations where the driving licences are accepted in the UK, but this can only be used for up to 12 months. After that, you’ll need to apply for a UK provisional driving licence and take a driving test.

As explained, everyone who is driving must have a valid car insurance policy to drive on public roads, while the car must be taxed and have a valid MOT certificate.