Insuring a car for a temporary UK visit – what NZ visitors need to know

Can You Drive in the UK with a New Zealand Licence?

Yes! Visitors from New Zealand can drive in the UK using their existing licence for up to 12 months from the date they arrive. This means there’s no immediate need to swap it for a UK licence - perfect for short stays.

However, having a valid licence doesn’t mean you’re automatically insured. That’s a separate requirement, and one that needs sorting before you set off on your first drive.

Do You Need Insurance to Drive in the UK?

Absolutely. Every vehicle on UK roads must be insured. Unlike in some countries where insurance may follow the driver, UK regulations require a valid policy to be in place for any car you drive. If you’re planning to borrow or hire a vehicle, you’ll need to make sure you’re covered before taking it onto the road.

Insurance Options for New Zealand Visitors

There are several ways to get insured for driving in the UK as a visitor:

• Short-term insurance: If you’re borrowing a car from family or friends, this could be a practical option.
• Hire car insurance: If you’re renting a car, insurance may be included in the agreement.
• Being added as a named driver: If you’re staying with family or friends, they may be able to add you to their existing policy.
• Annual policies with cancellation options: If you’re staying for several months, a longer-term option could be worth considering.

How Short-Term Insurance Works

Short-term insurance is designed for those who need cover for a few days, weeks, or even a couple of months. It may be a useful option for visitors who want to drive temporarily without committing to an annual policy.

Short-term policies might be suitable for:

• New Zealanders borrowing a car from a friend or family member.
• Visitors who need a vehicle for a limited time.
• Expats returning to the UK for a short trip.

These policies could allow you to get insured without affecting the car owner’s policy, meaning any claims you make wouldn’t impact their no-claims discount.

What About Hire Car Insurance?

If you’re planning to hire a car, insurance may already be included in the rental agreement. However, there are a few things to check:

• Level of cover: Some hire car policies only provide basic third-party protection.
• Excess charges: Many rental agreements include a high excess, meaning you could be responsible for a significant amount if there’s an accident.
• Exclusions: Some policies have age restrictions or additional fees for younger drivers.

If the included cover isn’t enough, you may be able to purchase additional insurance 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 to their existing policy. Whilst this could be a convenient option, it’s not always available for non-UK licence holders.

Things to consider:

• Not all policies allow visitors to be added.
• Adding a driver may increase the overall policy cost.
• The car owner’s no-claims discount could be at risk if a claim is made.

Checking with the insurer in advance may be the best possible way to determine whether this option is viable.

What if you go for a drive with no insurance?

Driving without insurance in the UK is a serious offence and comes with severe penalties, including:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points.
• The possibility of having the vehicle seized.
• Further legal action, which may result in a driving ban.

Even if you’re only driving for a short time, ensuring you have valid insurance could be most fitting to avoid these consequences.

How to Arrange Cover Quickly

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

• Plan ahead: If you know you’ll need to drive, research your options before arriving.
• Have your documents ready: Insurers may ask for your driving history and licence details.
• Check with hire companies: If renting a vehicle, confirm what’s included in the policy.

Drawing to a Close:

For New Zealand visitors, driving in the UK is perfectly possible with a valid licence, but ensuring you have the right insurance is just about vital. Whether you’re borrowing a car, hiring one, or driving temporarily, there are different ways to get covered.

Short-term insurance may offer a flexible and convenient option, whilst hire car insurance or being added as a named driver could also be worth considering. Whatever your situation, having the correct insurance in place before you drive is clearly recommended to staying on the right side of UK motoring laws.

Need Insurance for Your UK Visit?

If you’re visiting the UK and need insurance to drive, make sure you have the right policy in place. Tap below to get the breakdown and your estimated price..