Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but navigating car insurance can feel like a roadblock. Keith Michaels makes it easy to find expat car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK with affordable cover that fits your needs. That way, you can spend less time worrying about your policy and more time enjoying the journey.
Swiss drivers in the UK: Specialist car insurance, made for you
Moving to the UK is an exciting new chapter, but understanding car insurance can be challenging. With over 35 years of experience, Keith Michaels makes finding specialist car insurance straightforward, helping expats from around the world get the cover that suits their needs.
Although you may already be familiar with driving on the left, UK road rules, signage and driving etiquette can take some getting used to. Whether you’re relocating permanently or arriving for a long-term work assignment, having appropriate car insurance is essential for legally driving on British roads.
No history of UK car insurance? We’ve got you covered
Arrived from Switzerland with no UK insurance history? Don’t worry, Keith Michaels specialises in helping expats find suitable car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK.
Mainstream insurers may charge higher premiums or overlook your overseas driving history. As specialist expat insurance brokers, Keith Michaels will assess your individual circumstances and find suitable cover at a price you can afford.
Bringing your Swiss car to the UK? You need import insurance
Moving to the UK doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. If you’re bringing your vehicle over from Switzerland, the right import car insurance can protect you while driving Britain’s roads.
With over 20 years specialising in import car insurance, we know what it takes to insure vehicles brought into the UK. Our industry knowledge and strong network of contacts help us find suitable policies for imports that other companies may be reluctant to insure.
Your Swiss car may fall into the category of parallel imports, which are vehicles built to specifications similar to models sold in the UK. Despite these similarities, some insurers are hesitant to offer cover for these types of cars, viewing them as a higher risk than those supplied for the UK market.
Keith Michaels understands imported cars don’t always meet standard insurance criteria, so we’ll review your vehicle and circumstances before finding a suitable policy.
Learn more about what to consider when importing a car to the UK in our helpful guide.
or call us on 0208 329 1150
Making UK car insurance easier for Swiss drivers
We take the stress out of finding trusted car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK.
This Scheme is Perfect for:
- Swiss drivers moving to the UK
- Swiss nationals living and working in the UK long-term
- Drivers with limited or no UK car insurance history
- Cars imported from Switzerland into the UK
Discounts For
- No-claims discounts for previous driving experience
- Multi-car insurance options
- More flexible cover options to suit your needs
Benefits
- Priority claims support
- 20+ years of import and 10+ years of expat insurance experience
- Overseas no-claims bonus accepted
- Cover available for eligible non-residents
Trusted by Thousands of UK Drivers
We’re proud to be rated Excellent on Trustpilot, with thousands of verified reviews from customers who rely on us for specialist car insurance.
Get in Touch for A Car Insurance Quote Today
Get a quote or call our expat car insurance team on 0208 329 1150.
Why Swiss drivers need UK car insurance
Motor insurance is compulsory for anyone driving on UK roads, and GOV.UK sets out that you must have it to drive your vehicle here. That includes visitors and drivers who only get behind the wheel now and then.
The minimum insurance required is third-party only. It pays for damage you cause to other people and their property, but not for repairs to your own car.
Driving uninsured is a criminal offence, and the penalties can include a fixed penalty, points on your licence or your car being seized. A conviction can also lead to a driving without insurance ban, so it pays to get cover sorted before you set off. That means you know where you stand from day one.
What expat car insurance covers
There are three main levels of cover in the UK:
| Cover level | What it covers |
| Third-party only | Damage to other people’s vehicles and property. The legal minimum. |
| Third-party, fire and theft | Third-party cover, plus fire damage to or theft of your car. |
| Fully comprehensive | Third-party cover, theft and fire, plus accidental damage to your own car. |
Using your foreign no-claims bonus as a Swiss driver in the UK
Your safe driving record shouldn’t go unrecognised when finding reliable car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK.
Moving to the UK doesn’t mean starting from scratch with your car insurance. At Keith Michaels, we consider your foreign no-claims bonus, provided you supply a certificate in English or an English translation.
While many mainstream insurers may not accept foreign no-claims discounts, we’ll look at your individual circumstances to help you make the most of your claims-free driving history.
We also take your overseas driving experience into account when assessing your needs. We can help you find a policy that reflects your background as a driver, with the aim of securing a competitive premium and suitable cover for your circumstances.
Before you leave Switzerland
- Ask your Swiss insurer for an NCB certificate
- Get it translated into English if needed
- Keep your Swiss licence and vehicle details handy
Returning expats should note that a UK NCB may not carry over once you have lived abroad for a while. Foreign NCB acceptance means you can still get a good deal on your return.
Car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK: How to arrange cover
Getting car insurance as a Swiss driver in the UK is relatively straightforward, and same-day cover is available with some insurers. Here’s what to do:
1. Gather your personal details.
Have your Swiss driving licence, your NCB certificate, your vehicle details and your UK address to hand.
2. Get a quote.
Request a quote today or call the expat team on 0208 329 1150.
3. Let the broker tailor it.
The team reviews your driving history, your car, how you use it, plus other important factors that may affect your policy and premiums.
4. Choose your cover and start.
Pick your level of cover and your policy begins, often the same day. With the paperwork sorted, you can be legally insured and on the road sooner.
Car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK made simple with Keith Michaels
Keith Michaels makes finding car insurance for Swiss drivers easier. With over 35 years in the business, we can help whether you’re living abroad with a car in the UK, moving back home or looking for non-resident cover.
Our friendly team deals with overseas drivers every day, so you won’t have to spend ages explaining your situation. We’ll help you explore your options and find a policy that suits your needs. You can also check out our verified Trustpilot reviews to see what other customers think.
And if your needs change, we can help with that too. From expat car insurance to import, modified, convicted driver and business car insurance, we offer a range of specialist options under one roof.
Ultimately, we’re here to help Swiss drivers stay safe and legal on UK roads. Get a quote online or call the expat team on 0208 329 1150. If you’re overseas, you can email one of the expat brokers instead.
Thinking about a move to Switzerland? Take a look at our guide to living in Switzerland for more useful tips.
FAQs: Car insurance for Swiss drivers in the UK
Your most frequently asked questions… answered!
Can I get insurance as a non-UK citizen or non-resident?
Yes. Keith Michaels can arrange cover for non-UK citizens living in the UK who own a car, including Swiss drivers, expats and non-residents working here.
Visitors, including Swiss drivers, need valid insurance to drive in the UK too. Short visits may include temporary cover, typically one to 28 days, available to non-UK residents. You could also be added as a named driver on a friend’s or relative’s policy, or use a hire car, where insurance is usually included.
If you’re staying longer or you own a car here, an annual expat policy usually makes more sense. The same principles apply to other overseas drivers, though licence rules differ by country.
Can I use my Swiss driving licence in Great Britain?
Yes. Switzerland is a designated country, so you can drive on a Swiss licence for 12 months in Great Britain. After that, you can exchange it for a GB licence.
However, Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales only. The process of exchanging a non-GB driving licence is different for Northern Ireland.
How long can I keep a Swiss-registered car in the UK?
If you visit the UK for less than six months, your car can stay taxed and registered in your home country. Stay longer or make several shorter visits totalling more than six months in a 12-month period, and you need to register it with the DVLA, pay vehicle excise duty and insure it in the UK. Check the GOV.UK guidance on importing a vehicle to the UK for the current rules before you travel.
Can I use my Swiss driving licence in Northern Ireland?
Great Britain is England, Wales and Scotland. There’s a different process if you want to exchange your non-GB licence for a Northern Ireland driving licence.
Does the type of car affect my insurance premium?
Yes. Engine size, power, where the car is kept and potential maintenance costs all influence the price, for Swiss expats and UK residents alike. A garaged daily driver and a powerful modified car will be priced differently, so always let your insurer know your plans and circumstances when arranging cover.
Can I keep a car in the UK for when I visit?
Yes. If you return often, Keith Michaels can cover your car all year round, so it’s ready when you arrive in the country. The car needs to be kept somewhere safe. Ask the team for a quote that suits how often you visit as a Swiss driver.
