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Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents

Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents

You need car insurance to drive in the UK even if you live abroad. Depending on how long you’re planning to stay in the UK, you have a few options to choose from.

As most standard annual car insurance policies need you to have a UK address, we aren’t able to compare annual policies for you if you don’t have one. We can still help you understand what your options are, and our temporary insurance provider Tempcover can help you get short-term cover while you’re in the UK.

Read on to learn more about arranging car insurance as a non-UK resident. If you're ready to get a temporary car insurance quote, use the 'Get a quote' button.

How to buy temporary car insurance for non-UK residents

Here’s how you get temporary car insurance as an international driver in the UK:

Tell us about you and your vehicle

Share your name, your driving licence type, the address you’re using in the UK, and the make and model of vehicle you want to cover.

Choose your cover and how long you need it for

How long do you need insurance for? An hour? A day? A week? The whole month? You choose when your cover starts and how long it lasts.

Start your policy when you’re ready

Are you planning ahead or at the last minute? Either’s fine. Set a start time that suits you, and avoid paying for insurance you don’t need.

It takes less than 2 minutes to get a quote. No, seriously…it’s that simple.

What is temporary car insurance for non-UK licence holders?

Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents is designed to cover drivers visiting the UK for short periods. It’s flexible, quick to arrange, and ensures you’re legally covered while driving during your stay.

Here’s what it offers:

Comprehensive cover for your car, third parties, and their property
No impact on your existing no-claims bonus back home if you need to make a claim

When might you need temporary car insurance as a non-UK resident?

Short-term vehicle insurance is ideal if you’re an expat spending some time on home turf during the holidays. Or if you’re moving back to the UK and need temporary cover while organising your annual policy. Here’s an overview of the types of insurance available and the best one for your situation:

Visiting for a short stay?

Temporary car insurance is your go-to option. Cover ranges from 1 hour to 28 days, giving you the flexibility to insure your car only for the time you’re in the UK. It’s simple, cost-effective, and perfect for expats on short visits.

Relocating to the UK?

Short-term cover is ideal if you’re moving back to the UK from overseas and need a temporary solution while you organise annual insurance. You can also drive in the UK for up to 12 months without retaking your test if you’re from one of the designated countries.

Staying longer than a few weeks?

If you’re planning to stay over a year, annual car insurance is the better choice. Keep in mind you’ll also need to apply for a full UK driving licence if you’re settling long-term.

Borrowing a car while you’re here?

The car owner can add you to their policy as a named driver. While this might come with an extra charge, it could be more cost-effective than short-term insurance for extended stays.

Bringing your own car from abroad?

If your car already has a policy, you might be covered for third-party damage in the UK. Consider upgrading to comprehensive cover for added peace of mind. If your car isn’t insured or is an import, look into imported car insurance tailored for vehicles not manufactured in the UK.

In the UK for longer than 28 days? Check out our annual car insurance policies.

Get a quote

Do non-UK residents need car insurance to drive in the UK?

Yes, you need valid car insurance to drive in the UK, even as a visitor. Driving without insurance could lead to:

A £300 fine
6 penalty points on your licence
Or worse – an unlimited fine and a driving ban!

How temporary car insurance for non-UK residents works

Temporary car insurance for non-UK licence holders is perfect for short-term visits, giving you peace of mind without committing to a long-term policy.

This type of temporary car insurance is flexible by nature, allowing you to choose coverage for as little as 1 hour or up to 28 days. You can even buy policies up to 28 days before you need them.

Here’s how it works:

Provide car details
Enter the make, model, and value of the car you’ll be driving.
Choose your coverage length
From 1 hour to 28 days, pick the duration that suits your trip.
Get instant comprehensive cover
Once you’ve completed your purchase, your policy is activated immediately.

It’s worth noting:

Expats-only: Confused.com can only offer temporary vehicle insurance to UK expatriates (non-UK residents who previously held citizenship in the UK).
Comprehensive cover only: You’re covered for damage to your car, third parties, or their property.
Stand-alone policies: Claims won’t affect any existing insurance you might have abroad.

When your policy ends, so does your cover – no auto-renewals or hidden fees.

Why compare temporary car insurance quotes?

Why settle for a one-size-fits-all insurance policy? Expat car insurance helps you:

Drive with flexible and comprehensive cover
Avoid gaps in protection while driving in the UK
Pay only for what you need - from as little as 1 hour to 28 days

Get a quote

What does short-term car insurance for non-UK residents cover?

Every temporary non-UK resident car insurance policy through Confused.com includes third-party cover.

Here’s what you’re protected against*:

Damage to the car, third parties, or their property

Theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage

Accidents involving uninsured drivers

Legal liability cover

Driving in the EU (third-party only)

While temporary car insurance for non-UK drivers offers comprehensive coverage, there are some limitations:

Driving other cars: The policy only applies to the specific car you’ve insured
Additional drivers: Only the named driver on the policy is covered
Non-agreed use: Claims made for activities outside the agreed purpose, such as business use, won’t be covered

If you need a policy for something beyond temporary use, such as regular commuting or long-term driving, you may need to consider an annual car insurance policy.

*Always review the specific policy wording for details, as coverage may vary by insurer.

Who’s eligible for temporary car insurance as a non-UK resident?

As with any insurance product, certain eligibility criteria apply to temporary car policies. When you buy online with Confused.com, all we ask is that you:

Live in the UK
Have held a full UK driving licence for at least 6 months
Are between 18 and 80 years old

That’s it! No jumping through hoops – just simple, hassle-free cover to get you on the road.

Please note: Approval depends on previous claims and convictions.

Ready to get covered?

With Confused.com, sorting your temporary car insurance is quick and easy. Enter your details and get a quote in under 2 minutes.

Get a quote

What our expert says

"There can be a lot of choice when it comes to car insurance for non-UK residents, but temporary insurance is usually a good place to start. It's often the easiest option if you're only here for a little while. But even if you're at the start of a longer stay, it can cover you while you settle in and gives you the time and freedom to work out the best long-term solution. And if you need to, it only takes a few minutes to renew and continue your policy after the first cover period has expired."

Marc Pell, Managing Director at Tempcover

Marc Pell Managing Director | Tempcover

Need more help?

Can I get cheap car insurance with an international driving licence?

Even with the higher risk factor of having an international driving licence, you can still find ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance, including:

Comparing car insurance prices with us
Exchanging your foreign licence for a UK driving licence
Finding an insurer that allows you to keep any no-claims bonus you’ve built up in your home country
Choosing a higher voluntary excess on your policy, if you can afford it
Paying for your cover annually - this is often cheaper than making monthly payments
Giving an accurate mileage during your quote
Completing a driving course such as Pass Plus or an advanced driving course

Do I need car insurance if I’m renting a car?

Not usually - rental cars tend to have some level of insurance included in the price. Check your rental agreement to make sure you have enough cover for your needs before driving. Make sure you increase your level of protection if you need to.

Although you may not need additional car insurance for a rental car, you may want to consider car hire excess insurance. You can use this to help cover any excess you need to pay if you have an accident in your hire car.

Which countries are on the ‘designated countries’ list?

If you have an international driver's licence from you can exchange your licence for a full UK driving licence. That's as long as you do it within 5 years of arriving in the UK. Here are the designated countries:

Andorra
Australia
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Hong Kong
Japan
Monaco
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Republic of North Macedonia
Singapore
South Africa
Switzerland
Taiwan
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Zimbabwe

Confused.com's temporary cover solution is provided by Tempcover LTD. Tempcover LTD are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 746985. Tempcover LTD is registered in England No. 9923259 at office: 2nd floor, Admiral House, Harington Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4BB. Confused.com is an intermediary and receives a percentage of commission received by Tempcover LTD.