How to get short-term insurance as a visitor from New Zealand, Canada, or Australia

Do You Need Insurance to Drive in the UK?

Yes. Every car on UK roads must be insured. Even if you’re only planning to drive for a few days or weeks, you must ensure you have valid cover in place before setting off. Unlike in some countries where insurance may follow the driver, UK rules mean that insurance is always required.

Even if you have car insurance in your home country, it may not be valid in the UK. Some travel insurance policies include hire car cover, but this often only applies to excess protection, not actual vehicle insurance.

What Are Your Options for Insurance?

Your choice of insurance depends on how long you plan to drive and what type of vehicle you’ll be using. Here are some common options:

• Short-term insurance: If you’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member, this could be a practical option.
• Hire car insurance: If you’re renting a vehicle, check whether insurance is included.
• 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 in the UK for an extended period, this could be worth considering.

Each option has its pros and cons, and some may be more suitable than others depending on your circumstances.

Short-Term Insurance for Visitors

Short-term insurance is designed for temporary use and can cover you from a few hours to several weeks. It may be a convenient option if you need quick cover and don’t want to commit to an annual policy.

Short-term insurance might be suitable for:

• Borrowing a car from family or friends.
• Test-driving a car before purchasing.
• Expatriates visiting the UK who need temporary cover.

Not all insurers offer temporary cover to non-UK licence holders, so always check eligibility requirements before applying.

Hiring a Car – What’s Included?

If you’re hiring a car, insurance may be included, but it’s important to check the details before assuming you’re covered.

Things to consider:

• Excess charges: Many rental policies have high excess fees in case of damage.
• Limited cover: Some hire car agreements only offer third-party protection.
• Exclusions: Some policies have age restrictions or may not cover certain driving situations.

If the included cover isn’t sufficient, you may be able to purchase additional protection to reduce excess costs.

Being Added as a Named Driver

If you’re staying with family or friends, they might be able to add you as a named driver on their insurance policy. This can be a convenient option for visitors, but there are a few factors to consider:

• Not all policies allow non-UK licence holders to be added.
• The cost of adding a driver varies between insurers.
• The vehicle owner’s no-claims discount could be affected if you need to make a claim.

Checking with the insurer in advance may be the most logical way to determine whether this option is available.

What If You’re Staying for a Few Months?

If you’re staying in the UK for an extended period and need to drive regularly, a longer-term policy may be necessary. Some insurers allow policies to be cancelled mid-term, though fees may apply.

This could be worth considering if:

• You’re staying for a few months rather than just a few weeks.
• You need a vehicle for regular use.
• Short-term cover isn’t cost-effective for your situation.

What happens if you drive while uninsured?

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 or impounded.
• Further legal action, which may result in a driving ban.

Even if you’re only driving for a short period, ensuring you have the right insurance is practically top priority.

How to Arrange Cover Quickly

If you need insurance at short notice, here’s how to speed up the process:

• Check your options before travelling: If you’re hiring a car, confirm what’s included in the policy.
• Have your documents ready: Most insurers require your driving licence details and other relevant information.
• Consider short-term insurance: If you need flexible cover, this may be a suitable choice.

The Final Chapter:

Driving in the UK as a visitor from New Zealand, Canada, or Australia is entirely possible, but making sure you have the correct insurance could be very wise. Whether you’re borrowing a car, hiring one, or purchasing your own vehicle, there are different ways to get covered.

Short-term insurance may offer a flexible and convenient option, but alternatives like hire car policies or being added as a named driver could also work depending on your situation. Whatever you decide, ensuring you’re covered before you drive might be the most logical way to avoid fines and other legal complications.

Need Short-Term Cover for Your UK Trip?

If you’re visiting the UK and need insurance to drive legally, make sure you have the right policy in place. Tap below for a simple breakdown and a quote..