What’s Included in our Foreign Car Insurance?
As a foreign licence holder from Europe or further afield, it can be tricky to find a policy that gives you the exact cover you need.
Keith Micheals arranges specialist car insurance for customers just like you and will recognise both your driving experience and foreign no-claims bonus.
Our foreign driver car insurance offers a range of distinct benefits, including:
- Fully comprehensive car insurance for your peace of mind
- Affordable policies, customised to your needs
- Foreign no-claims bonus accepted (your licence must be in or translated into English)
- Same-day insurance cover available
- Windscreen repair
- Breakdown cover for roadside assistance
- Expert customer support from our dedicated policy handlers
- Non-UK resident and returning expat policies
When You’ll Need Car Insurance as a Foreign Licence Holder
You will need to purchase car insurance if…
- You’re a foreign driver visiting the UK. A valid licence from your country of origin is necessary and insurance is a legal requirement.
- You’ve imported your own vehicle into the UK.
- You’re renting or borrowing a car from family or friends.
- You’re travelling in the UK with a motorhome.
Join thousands of other foreign drivers who arrange their car insurance through Keith Michaels, from places including Dubai, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Europe, Canada, the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Thailand, the Caribbean islands, South Africa, Russia, the West Indies, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.[MR1] We also offer 7-28 days temporary cover if borrowing a family member’s or a friend’s car in the UK.
Wherever you’re travelling from, trust us to find you a competitive quote. Read our foreign driver FAQs below or get in touch today.
or call us on 0208 329 1150
The Keith Michaels Difference
- 35+ years’ experience
- Every customer is treated as an individual, not a policy number
- We are a UK-based office, not a call centre
- We are completely independent from any insurance company
- All policies are looked at on their own merits to find you the best policy available
Why Choose Keith Michaels for Foreign Driver Car Insurance?
Dedicated Policy Experts
Friendly advice and support from our foreign driver policy handlers:
Jason Robery
+44 0208 329 1168
Gary Hamilton
+44 0208 329 1165
Specialist Schemes
We have specific insurance schemes tailored exclusively to foreign drivers:
- Living abroad with a car in the UK
- Using a UK car in Europe
- Returning to the UK
- Motorhome insurance
Benefits and Discounts
- Foreign NCB accepted, but must be in English (or translated into English)
- Driving experience discounts
- Policies available to non-UK residents
Additional Benefits
- Priority claims management
- Policies for returning expatriates
- Staff have over 25 years’ foreign driver car experience
Speak to our Foreign Driver Car Insurance Experts
Our specialist team of experienced policy handlers will help you understand, find, and arrange the best possible coverage for you at a competitive price.
Each of our dedicated brokers has a wealth of experience helping customers just like you.
or call: 0208 329 1150
Useful Foreign Car Insurance Resources
NCB for Foreign Drivers
Unlike other mainstream insurers, Keith Michaels accepts no claims bonus from foreign licence holders visiting the UK.
How Car Insurance Works in the UK
Vehicle insurance is a policy of financial protection in case of accident or damage and may be different for foreign drivers in the UK.
What is the Congestion Charge Zone?
If you’re planning to drive in central London, you may have to pay the Congestion Charge.
Foreign Driver and Car Insurance FAQs
We arrange comprehensive coverage for foreign licence holders planning a trip to the UK and understand there are often questions about how car insurance works, and what factors can influence premiums. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions but for anything else, our friendly broker team are on the other end of the phone and always happy to help.
How to Get Car Insurance with a Foreign Driver’s Licence?
Securing competitive car insurance as a foreign driver in the UK can be a challenge but Keith Michaels specialises in coverage for non-UK-based drivers including holidaymakers, expats, embassy employees, military personnel and those who have come to the UK to work. Let us take the stress out of finding car insurance.
Is my Foreign No Claims Bonus Recognised in the UK?
Keith Michaels rewards non-UK drivers for driving experience and lack of historical claims. No claims bonus is also known as no claims discount or bonus malus in some countries.
How does Driving in the UK Differ from Other Countries?
Adjusting to driving in the UK can be tricky, even for experienced foreign drivers. The key factors to remember are that we drive on the left-hand side of the road (which means right-hand drive cars), we have strict traffic laws in place that all drivers must follow (be sure to read the Highway Code), and speed limits are in miles per hour (mph) rather than kilometres per hour (kph). Driving without car insurance is illegal, so ensure you have this arranged before you take a car on the road.
I Want to Bring My Own Car to the UK, Do I Need Insurance?
It is a legal requirement in the UK that all road vehicles have valid insurance to be driven or parked on public roads, regardless of whether the driver is from the UK or is a non-resident. Keith Michaels also offer 7-28 days temporary cover if borrowing a family member’s or a friend’s car in the UK.
Can I Add Another Foreign Driver to an Existing Policy?
UK expats returning home with another foreign resident may want to add them as a named driver on their policy. Talk to the specialist brokers at Keith Michaels to explore your options.
When Does a Foreign Licence Need to be Exchanged for a UK One?
Foreign drivers can drive in the UK for up to 12 months using a valid, non-UK licence. Licence holders from the EU/EEA can drive in the UK up to the age of 70, or for up to 3 years after becoming a UK resident (whichever is longer). Non-EU/EEA licence holders can drive for up to a year but must apply for a UK licence after this time, by exchanging their licence for a UK version.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Drive in the UK?
An IDP is generally not needed in the UK, and foreign drivers can drive any type of small vehicle such as a car or motorcycle as listed on their full licence for up to 12 months.
Does the Type of Vehicle Affect Car Insurance Costs?
The make and model of your vehicle does influence car insurance premiums, whether you live in the UK or are visiting from abroad. Factors including value, engine size, performance, security features and fuel type are all considered when determining the cost of your policy.