How to get insured for driving in the UK if you're an Aussie visitor

Do You Need Insurance to Drive in the UK?

In short, yes. Every car on UK roads must be covered by an insurance policy, regardless of whether you’re driving for a day or a few months. Unlike in some parts of Australia, where you might be covered by default in a rental agreement, UK rules mean that insurance must be actively arranged before you can legally drive.

Even if you already have car insurance in Australia, it may not be valid in the UK. Some travel insurance policies offer car hire cover, but this often only applies to excess protection rather than actual vehicle insurance. That means you’ll still need to arrange proper insurance to drive legally.

What Are Your Insurance Options?

Your choice of insurance depends on how long you’re staying and what type of car you’ll be driving. Here are some common options for Aussie visitors:

• Short-term insurance: If you’re borrowing a car or driving a personal vehicle for a short period, this may be a flexible option.
• Hire car insurance: If you’re renting a vehicle, insurance might be included, but you should check what’s covered.
• Being added as a named driver: If you’re staying with friends or family, they may be able to add you to their policy.
• Annual policies with cancellation options: If you’re staying for a longer period, this might be an alternative to consider.

Each option has its pros and cons, so let’s explore them in more detail.

Short-Term Insurance for Aussie Visitors

Short-term insurance could be a suitable option if you only need cover for a few days or weeks. This type of policy allows you to drive legally without committing to a long-term plan.

Short-term insurance might be useful if:

• You’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member.
• You’ve purchased a vehicle for a UK road trip.
• You need immediate cover before arranging a longer-term solution.

This could be a convenient way to ensure you’re legally covered whilst driving in the UK.

Hiring a Car – What’s Included?

If you’re hiring a car during your UK holiday, insurance is often included in the rental agreement. However, it’s important to check the details to avoid unexpected costs.

Things to look out for:

• Excess charges: Many rental policies come with high excess fees if you make a claim.
• Limited cover: Some policies only provide third-party cover, meaning you won’t be fully protected.
• Exclusions: Some rental policies have age restrictions or may not cover certain types of driving.

If the standard policy doesn’t meet your needs, you may want to consider additional excess cover to reduce potential out-of-pocket costs.

Being Added as a Named Driver

If you’re staying with family or friends and using their car, they might be able to add you as a named driver on their policy. This could be a convenient way to get insured, but it’s not always the fastest option.

Considerations before choosing this route:

• Not all policies allow temporary named drivers.
• The cost of adding a driver varies depending on the insurer.
• The car owner’s no-claims discount could be affected if a claim is made.

If this option works for you, it’s worth arranging it in advance to avoid delays.

Annual Policies – Are They Worth It?

If you’re planning to stay in the UK for several months and may be driving regularly, an annual policy with cancellation flexibility might be an option. Some insurers allow policies to be cancelled mid-term, though fees may apply.

This might be a good choice if:

• You’re staying for an extended period and need ongoing cover.
• You want a standard policy but with the option to cancel early if needed.

It’s always best to check the cancellation terms before committing to an annual policy.

What happens if you’re uninsured for just one journey?

Driving without insurance in the UK can have serious consequences:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points.
• Your vehicle could be seized by the police.
• Prosecution, which may result in a larger fine or even a driving ban.

Even if you’re only driving for a few days, it’s unarguable to ensure you’re properly insured.

How to Arrange Cover Quickly

If you need insurance at short notice, here are some ways to speed up the process:

• Plan ahead: If you know you’ll need a car, research your options before travelling.
• Have your documents ready: Most insurers could need your driving licence details and other relevant information.
• Check with your rental company: If you’re hiring a car, confirm what’s included in the policy.

Sorting out insurance before you arrive might save time and ensure you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you land.

Wrapping Things Up:

Driving in the UK as an Aussie visitor is entirely possible, but you’ll need the right insurance to stay on the right side of the law. Whether you’re borrowing a car, hiring one, or purchasing your own vehicle, there are several ways to get covered.

Short-term insurance may provide a flexible and convenient option, but there are also alternatives like hire car policies or being added as a named driver. The key is to arrange insurance before you start driving to avoid fines and other penalties.

Need Insurance for Your UK Holiday?

If you’re visiting the UK and need cover to drive legally, make sure you have the right policy in place. Press below to find out how it works and get a quote..