Our expat motor insurance benefits in the UK include:
Fully comprehensive and affordable coverage
Same day cover
Monthly installment payment plan
Windscreen repair
Breakdown and legal expenses cover available
Includes social domestic which provides cover whether you are driving to the shops or commuting between your home and your place of work
Fully comprehensive and third-party car insurance in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Ability to drive into Southern Ireland for up to 60 days
Many UK insurers will not accept foreign no claims bonus, but we do.
Find answers to the questions our UK clients tend to ask are most often in our FAQs below.
Get Your UK Car Insurance Quote
Vehicle insurance is required for drivers in the UK. So, if you’re planning to drive in the UK as an expat, it’s essential to have the right car insurance coverage.
Expat car insurance is a type of car insurance that is designed for people who are not UK citizens but reside in the UK and own or drive a car in the UK. It is required for all drivers in the UK, regardless of their nationality or residency status.
Here is when you will need expat car insurance in the UK:
Non-UK citizen who is living in the UK and you own a car. This includes expats, retirees, non-residents working in the UK, including diplomats, embassy staff, and military service.
You want to take your UK car to Europe and drive it abroad.
Even if you are not planning to drive your car very often, it is still a legal requirement to have car insurance. This is because your car is still at risk of damage or theft, even if it is not being driven regularly.
If you are new to the UK and require car insurance and hold an International or EU/UK driving license, contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.
Why Clements
Why Choose Clements for Your UK Car Insurance?
Clements has an extensive network of insurers that guarantees competitive rates for our clients in the U.K. We have been insuring expats since 1947 and understand how coverage works from country to country. Our experience guarantees you won’t be left with gaps in coverage while still staying within the limits of your budget.
FAQs About Expat Car Insurance in the UK
Full UK
Full EU
International driving permit is as follows:
Only valid in the UK, Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for a 12-month period from the date of your residency.
If you complete your 12-month period before the expiry date of your motor insurance policy, it is your responsibility to apply for and obtain a valid driving license issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA or National Driver License Service (NDLS).
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and sufficient license and to make us aware of any change of license during the term of your policy.
No. We are not able to provide quotes for cars without UK registration numbers. If you are looking to re-register your vehicle then please call our office at +44(0) 33.0099.0100.
Our expat auto insurance in the UK can cover accident and damage costs. What your policy covers typically depends on the type of insurance you purchase. With Clements, you can choose between our Comprehensive Coverage and Third-Party Only Coverage. Here is a breakdown of what each can include:
Third-Party Only Coverage (our basic coverage):
Property damage (up to £20,000,000)
Property damage cost/expenses (up to £5,000,000)
60-Day Europe Coverage (If you take your car to Europe, it can remain insured on your policy for 60 days)
Comprehensive Coverage (our most complete coverage):
Property damage (up to £20,000,000)
Property damage cost/expenses (up to £5,000,000)
60-Day Europe Coverage Legal costs (up to £35,000)
Loss of/damage to your vehicle Windscreen or window damage
Child/booster seats
Medical expenses
Personal Accident Coverage
Personal Belongings Coverage
Reach out to a Clements for any additional UK car insurance-related questions you have:
Our Third-Party Only Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage do not include the following:
Tire damage (unless damage was sustained in a road accident)
Vehicle wears and tears
Vehicle mechanical breakdowns
Any accessories not permanently attached to your vehicle.
Compensation for not being able to use your vehicle.
Theft if vehicle is unlocked or keys are left inside.
If your vehicle is taken without consent by an immediate family member.
If your vehicle is taken without consent by someone living in your home.
Loss of fuel or damage caused by incorrect fuel usage.
Any legal liability, loss or damage while driving under the influence.
Loss or damage covered by another insurance policy.
In general, there are three main levels of cover available to foreign nationals driving in the UK: third party only; third party, fire and theft; and comprehensive. Clements offers fully comprehensive coverage to expatriates. Please learn more about the insurance benefits above.
Yes, expat car insurance is required if you are bringing your own car to the UK. You must have valid car insurance to drive in the UK, regardless of whether you are a resident or an expat. Expat car insurance policies are designed to meet the specific needs of expat drivers, such as those who need coverage for those who have a foreign driving license.
Add-ons are only available at the time of purchase and renewal of your UK car insurance policy. If you have a specific need regarding add-ons during the term of your policy, please give us a call at 44(0).33.0099.0104 so we find a solution that fits your needs.
Excess in some countries is known as “Deductible”. The excess is the amount that you, the policyholder, are responsible for in the event of a claim. The total excess is made up of two parts: voluntary and compulsory. Compulsory excess is the minimum excess set by the insurer and is shown in your policy documents. Voluntary excess is chosen by you and is in addition to your compulsory excess.
The type of car you drive will have a bearing on the price of the insurance policy offered to you. Generally speaking, cars are classified into 50 possible groups based on factors like engine size, power, and the cost of repairs.
Windscreen cover is included on all our UK car insurance policies, subject to your policy excess. Please refer to your policy to confirm cover levels or contact us with any questions.
It depends on your policy – please refer to your plan.
The cost of UK car insurance for expats can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of car you drive, your age, your driving experience, and your claims history.
If you hold an international driving permit/license, this is only valid for 12 months and thereafter you would require a Full UK driving license to continue to drive in the UK. Unless your international permit/license is transferrable to Full UK Driving license, you will be required to sit a driving test. If you are required to sit a driving test, give yourself plenty of time as the process can take months.
Up to 30 days from the time you quote. Once those 30 days are up, you will need to request a new quote.
Car insurance policies are annual.
Your phone number is one of the details that the insurance provider will need to include in your policy document. Don’t worry, we won’t share your contact details with any third parties. Please see our Privacy and Data Protection Hub to learn more about our commitment to protecting your data.
Your address is necessary for your policy document. Your address and location will have a bearing on the cost of your policy. Occasionally, post codes are entered into our form that our system cannot locate. If this happens to you, just enter a post code from a nearby area, we’ll be able to get you an accurate quote.
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Fill out the form for an instant UK Car Insurance quote.
Insure your car during international relocations and assignments with our comprehensive coverage designed specifically for military personnel, foreign service workers, and educators abroad. Drive confidently across the EU and Schengen Area, and safeguard your vehicle during transit between homes with coverage that extends beyond third-party liability.
Consider these other insurance solutions to protect yourself, your stuff and your family:
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Cover your most cherished belongings in-transit and at your destination. Discover why international personal property insurance may make sense for you.
Still have questions? Fill out the form below and get in contact with a Clements Personal Insurance Advisor today.
*Subject to underwriting guidelines. Limits, conditions and exclusions may apply.
Clements Worldwide is a trading name of Clements Europe Ltd. Clements Europe Ltd is registered in England and Wales at 1st Floor, 67 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9LJ under registration number 06918946 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) 504942.