What’s the fastest way to get car insurance insurance as a visitor?

Option 1: Short-Term Insurance – Fast and Flexible

For many visitors, the fastest way to get insured is through a short-term policy. These policies are designed to cover drivers for a few days, weeks, or even months, making them a convenient choice for temporary stays.

Short-term cover might be an option for:

• Borrowing a car from a friend or family member.
• Using a car for a short visit without needing an annual policy.
• Driving a newly purchased vehicle before arranging long-term insurance.

These policies can often be arranged quickly, sometimes within minutes, making them one of the fastest ways to get insured as a visitor - provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Option 2: Being Added as a Named Driver – A Quick Alternative

If you’re staying with family or friends who own a car, another fast way to get insured is by being added as a named driver on their existing policy. This can sometimes be done within a few hours, depending on the insurer.

Things to consider when choosing this option:

• Not all policies allow temporary additional drivers, so check with the car owner’s insurer.
• There may be restrictions based on your driving licence or nationality.
• It could affect the vehicle owner's insurance, particularly if a claim is made.

Whilst this can be a fast solution, it’s important to confirm all the details before relying on it.

Option 3: Car Hire Insurance – Quick but Check the Details

If you’re hiring a car during your stay, rental companies usually include basic insurance as part of the package. However, this often comes with a high excess, meaning you could be liable for a large sum if the car is damaged.

To ensure you’re properly covered, consider:

• Excess Reduction Insurance: Reduces or removes the excess charge in case of damage.
• Standalone Excess Cover: Some independent providers offer policies to cover the excess for a lower cost.
• Credit Card Benefits: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, but it’s worth checking whether this applies in the UK.

Car hire insurance can be a quick and straightforward way to get covered, but always read the small print before driving off.

Option 4: Annual Insurance with Cancellation Flexibility

If you’re staying in the UK for several months and need insurance quickly, taking out an annual policy and cancelling it later might be an option. Some insurers allow cancellations, though administrative fees may apply.

This could be a good option for visitors who:

• Plan to drive regularly during their stay.
• Don’t qualify for short-term insurance.
• Prefer a longer-term solution with the option to cancel later.

Whilst this may not be as fast as short-term cover, it provides a more stable insurance option for those with extended stays.

What Affects How Quickly You Can Get Insurance?

Several factors influence how fast you can get insured as a visitor:

• Your Driving Licence: Some licences may not be accepted for temporary cover.
• Type of Cover Needed: Short-term insurance is usually quicker to arrange than annual policies.
• Vehicle Type: Certain cars, such as high-performance or modified vehicles, may take longer to insure.

Checking these factors before applying for insurance can help speed up the process.

What if you’re driving without insurance?

Driving uninsured in the UK is illegal and carries serious consequences, including:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points on your licence.
• The possibility of the vehicle being seized.
• Future difficulty obtaining insurance because of a recorded offence.

To avoid these risks, make sure you have the right cover in place before driving.

Endnote:

The fastest way to get insurance as a visitor depends on your situation. Short-term cover is often the quickest solution, but being added as a named driver or using car hire insurance could also be viable options. For those staying longer, an annual policy with cancellation flexibility may provide an alternative.

Need Cover for Your UK Visit?

If you need insurance quickly, make sure you have the right policy in place. Click to find the right short-term insurance quote for you..