Is there temporary insurance for expats who return to the UK for visits?

Can Expats Drive in the UK?

If you previously held a UK driving licence before moving abroad, you might still be legally allowed to drive when visiting. However, if you’ve exchanged your UK licence for a foreign one, the rules may vary depending on the country where your new licence was issued.

For many returning expats, the key issue isn’t whether they can drive - it’s how they can legally get insured for the duration of their stay.

What Are the Insurance Options for Expats?

There are a few different ways returning expats can get insured whilst in the UK. The best choice may depend on how long you’re staying and whether you’ll be borrowing a car or hiring one.

1. Short-Term Insurance

Short-term insurance might be a suitable option for expats who are only visiting for a few days or weeks and need flexible cover. This type of insurance could be arranged quickly, making it useful for last-minute plans.

Some of the potential benefits might include:

• Cover for a limited period without committing to a long-term policy.
• Immediate activation in many cases.
• May not affect the car owner’s no-claims bonus.
• Driving licences from the EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand often accepted.

However, eligibility may depend on the type of licence you hold and how long you’ve been out of the UK.

2. Adding an Expat as a Named Driver

Some expats might assume they can be added to a UK car owner’s existing policy as a named driver. Whilst this is sometimes possible, many insurers may not allow it if the expat has been living abroad for an extended period or holds a non-UK licence.

Even if an insurer does allow it, the car owner may see an increase in their policy costs, and any claims made could impact their no-claims discount.

3. Hiring a Car with Included Insurance

If borrowing a vehicle proves too complicated, hiring a car might be an alternative. Most car rental companies include insurance in the hire package, which may be convenient for expats who don’t want to worry about arranging separate cover.

However, rental car insurance often comes with high excess charges, so expats may want to look into excess protection policies to reduce potential costs.

4. Public Transport and Car-Sharing

If driving isn’t unavoidable for the trip, relying on public transport could be a hassle-free alternative. The UK has a well-developed train, bus, and taxi network that may be more practical for short visits.

What Are the Key Considerations for Expats?

When looking at insurance options, expats should consider the following:

• Licence Validity: If you no longer hold a UK licence, check whether your current licence is accepted for insurance purposes.
• Length of Stay: If you’re only in the UK for a few weeks, a temporary solution may be more suitable than a long-term policy.
• Vehicle Ownership: If you’re borrowing a car, make sure the owner understands the insurance implications.
• Cost and Convenience: Compare options to find the most practical solution for your visit.

What happens if you’re driving without insurance?

Driving without insurance in the UK is illegal, and the penalties can be severe:

• Fines of up to £300.
• Six penalty points on your licence.
• The vehicle being seized and possibly destroyed.

For returning expats, ensuring the correct cover is in place before driving is clearly helpful.

The Last Look:

For many expats visiting the UK, short-term insurance may be a convenient way to stay covered without affecting a car owner’s policy. However, if this isn’t an option, alternatives such as rental cars or public transport might be worth considering.

Before driving, always check the latest insurance requirements and ensure you meet the necessary conditions for temporary cover.

Need Temporary Cover for Your Visit?

If you’re an expat looking for temporary insurance whilst visiting the UK, click the button below for more information and to get a quote.