A US resident wants to check the insurance needed to drive in the UK

Monday, 24 January 2011 04:37

Emma Banks, our insurance expert from LV, tackles the problem.

Mr Tom Coxon asks:

i am planning a trip back to the UK in 2011 and I have a full US drivers licence and as I understand that is acceptable for driving in the UK the only issue I have is insurance options. Is it something you need to drive as a foreign licence holder? How expensive would it be? What are my options?

Emma replies:

If you are planning to buy a car you may struggle to get insurance direct from an insurer as most general insurers won’t offer a policy to non-permanent residents. Cover will be available but you would need to speak to a broker who could sort it out for you as it’s a slightly unusual scenario. Alternatively you could get added onto an existing policy as an additional driver (i.e. if you are visiting friends and they are lending you their car) and you will have no problems doing it this way.

Price-wise it will depend on your driving history and the car you are driving.

If you have a question for Emma, go to the myfinances.co.uk Ask the Insurance Expert section.

Or for more information on your insurance options go to LV's insurance site.

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