Do you need extra insurance for driving on the left in the UK?

Does Driving on the Left Affect Your Insurance?

Driving on the left itself does not necessarily change the type of insurance you need. However, if you are a visitor to the UK, there are a few things that might affect your cover:

• Your Driving Experience: If you have little or no experience driving on the left, insurers might view you as a higher risk. This could affect the cost or availability of short-term cover.
• Vehicle Type: If you are driving a UK-registered vehicle with a right-hand drive setup, you may need time to adjust, particularly when inspecting roundabouts, junctions, and overtaking.
• Licence Restrictions: Depending on where your licence was issued, there may be limitations on the type of insurance you can obtain.

Whilst insurers won’t necessarily ask if you have driven on the left before, they may assess risk based on your driving history and the country where your licence was issued.

What Insurance Do You Need as a Visitor?

If you are hiring a car, the rental company could typically provide basic insurance, which usually includes:

• Third-Party Liability: Covers damage or injury caused to others but does not cover the hire car itself.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your liability if the car is damaged, though you may still be required to pay an excess.
• Theft Protection: Covers the cost of the car if it is stolen, although this usually comes with conditions.

If you are borrowing a car from a friend or family member, you could likely need short-term insurance to drive legally. This is particularly important for visitors, as most standard UK insurance policies do not automatically extend cover to foreign licence holders.

Should You Consider Extra Insurance?

Whilst additional insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it may provide extra protection in case of an accident or unexpected costs. Here are some options:

1. Excess Cover

Many rental agreements include an excess, which is the amount you must pay towards any claim before the insurance kicks in. Some excesses can be quite high, so taking out excess protection could save you from an unexpected bill.

2. Comprehensive Cover

If you are taking out short-term insurance, consider whether a fully comprehensive policy may be a better option than basic third-party cover. This could provide better financial protection in case of an accident.

3. Breakdown Assistance

Breakdowns can happen anywhere, and examining recovery services in a foreign country may be stressful. Checking whether breakdown cover is included in your policy (or adding it as an extra) could be worthwhilst .

Common Hardships of Driving on the Left

If you are not used to left-hand traffic, it may take some time to adapt. Here are some bumps in the road visitors often face:

• Roundabouts: These operate clockwise, with traffic from the right having priority. Ensure you enter at the correct time and stay in the appropriate lane.
• Junctions and Right Turns: If you are used to driving on the right, making a right turn may require extra attention to ensure you are entering the correct lane.
• Lane Discipline: On motorways, the left lane is for normal driving, whilst the right-hand lane is used for overtaking.
• Pedestrian Crossings: If you are not used to looking right first, take extra care at zebra crossings and traffic lights.

Tips for Visitors Adjusting to UK Roads

To help ease the transition to driving on the left, consider the following:

• Take It Slowly: Allow extra time for your journeys so that you can drive at a comfortable pace.
• Use a Sat Nav: Navigation systems can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on the road rather than directions.
• Practise in a Quiet Area: Before setting off on busy motorways, try driving in a less congested area to build confidence.
• Be Cautious at Multi-Lane Roundabouts: These can be confusing, so plan your approach early and follow the road markings.

Conclusion in Brief:

Whilst you don’t necessarily need extra insurance just because you are driving on the left, visitors to the UK should ensure they have the right level of cover for their trip. If you are renting a car, check what’s included in the rental agreement. If you are borrowing a car, short-term insurance may be needed to drive legally.

Ultimately, being prepared and allowing yourself time to adjust could make driving on UK roads much easier. If you need insurance options for your visit, click below to find out more and get a quote.