Can you buy car insurance with a foreign driving licence?
Yes. There are ways for anyone visiting or living in the UK, who plan to drive on a Non-UK licence, to insure themselves to drive vehicles. The rules and regulations surrounding such insurance are fairly complex, however, in this article, we will aim to simplify that process and point such drivers in the right direction to buy the most appropriate cover for their individual needs.
What are the rules?
Three main sets of rules exist according to where the foreign driving licence was issued. These are covered as follows:
•Drivers with EU issued licences are free to drive here without exchanging their licences until they attain the age of 70. If drivers are approaching that upper age limit, then the maximum would be 3 years. Of the 2 options, whichever is the greater will apply.
•Drivers with international licences issued in certain countries may drive in the UK for 5 years before exchanging their licences, although they may do so sooner if they wish. In any case, they will not be able to exchange for a UK licence until they have been resident here for 6 months. The countries this applies to are listed below.
•Drivers with international licences from any other country may drive here in the UK for a maximum period of 12 months. These drivers are required to sit a test in order to obtain a UK licence after 12 months have passed. This can be done after 6 months, at an individual's discretion.
The countries covered in option 2 are as follows: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Monaco and South Korea.
Where can a foreign driver get insurance?
First of all, you need to decide what sort of policy is required. In the UK, we have annual policies and we have short term policies, both of which cover a very different set of circumstances.