Short Term Insurance for Non-UK Residents
Compare Temporary Car Insurance For Non-UK Residents
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Why Compare Temporary Car Insurance For Non-UK residents?
Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents offers a simple, legal way to drive while visiting the UK — without needing a permanent address, long-term contract, or a UK driving licence.
Whether you’re here for a holiday, work placement, or family visit, getting insured shouldn’t be a complicated or stressful process.
Many UK insurers won’t offer short-term cover unless you meet strict residency or licensing requirements. That’s why SimplyQuote, in partnership with GoShorty, works with providers who specialise in covering international drivers — including those with EU, EEA, Australian, or other recognised foreign licences.
It’s the ideal solution if you’re borrowing a friend’s car, returning to the UK temporarily, or need cover for a few days while travelling. You’re not altering anyone’s long-term policy, and you don’t have to spend hours explaining your circumstances to a broker. Everything is handled online, from quote to confirmation, and you can get insured the same day.
With flexible terms and cover that starts in under ten minutes, this isn’t a workaround — it’s proper, short-term insurance built for real-world visitors. If you’re driving in the UK and you’re not a resident, this is the straightforward, trusted option.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a quote for temporary car insurance as a non-UK resident, you’ll need to provide your basic personal details, licence information, and details about the car you want to drive.
The process is designed to be fast, flexible, and inclusive — no UK address or licence required in many cases.
Insurers will need to verify your identity, eligibility, and driving history. If you hold a valid licence from a recognised country — such as an EU member state, Australia, Canada, or the USA — you’ll likely be eligible for short-term cover. Residency isn’t mandatory, but you’ll need a UK address for the car, even if you’re just borrowing it temporarily.
Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- Your full name, date of birth, and non-UK address
- A valid driving licence from your home country — recognised by UK insurers
- Details of the vehicle to be insured – including registration, make, and model
- The UK address where the car is kept, even if temporary
- Your desired start date and duration of cover – from 1 hour up to 28 days
- Confirmation of any recent claims or motoring offences, if applicable
Once you enter your information, SimplyQuote filters out providers that don’t support non-UK licences — so you’ll only see quotes you’re eligible for. No guesswork, no wasted time.
Why Do I Need Temporary Car Insurance as a non-UK resident?
If you’re visiting the UK and plan to drive a car — whether it’s yours or someone else’s — you need legal, recognised insurance.
A temporary policy gives you exactly that: full cover, for a set period, without long-term contracts or the need to be a UK resident.
Annual insurance policies often require a UK driving licence, a permanent UK address, or even UK credit history. That excludes most visitors. Temporary cover, on the other hand, is built to be flexible — offering legal protection that starts immediately and ends when you no longer need it.
Here are a few examples of when it makes sense:
- You’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member during a short stay
- You’ve imported your vehicle and need cover while it’s in the UK
- You’re visiting the UK on business and require legal road use
- You’ve returned to the UK temporarily as an expat and need to drive
- You’re test-driving or transporting a car before exporting or selling it
This kind of insurance keeps things clean. It won’t affect someone else’s no-claims bonus, it won’t tie you into a 12-month commitment, and it’s far simpler than trying to modify a UK resident’s policy to accommodate your situation.
Looking for non-UK resident car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Temporary Car Insurance For Non-UK Residents Include?
Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents typically includes comprehensive protection — covering damage to other vehicles, injury to third parties, fire, theft, and accidental damage.
Just because it’s short-term doesn’t mean it’s basic.
These policies are built to meet UK legal standards, regardless of where you’re from. That means you’ll be insured to drive a UK-registered car during your stay — often with the same protection you’d get under a full annual policy. And because it’s standalone, you don’t need to be added to anyone else’s insurance or risk impacting their no-claims discount.
Here’s what’s generally included:
- Third-party liability – protects against injury or damage to others
- Accidental damage – covers repairs to the insured vehicle, even if you’re at fault
- Fire and theft – includes vehicle replacement or repair if stolen or fire-damaged
- Legal cover – may be included to help with legal costs or uninsured loss recovery
- Windscreen repair – often included with comprehensive-level policies
- Optional extras – such as breakdown cover or European driving (if available)
The cover begins the moment you specify — and ends exactly when you choose. It’s purpose-built for temporary visits, so you stay legal, protected, and entirely independent from anyone else’s insurance arrangements.
What’s Not Included?
Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents has clear limits — especially around commercial use, licence eligibility, and vehicle condition.
While the cover is flexible and comprehensive, it isn’t designed to suit every scenario.
One of the most common issues is assuming your home country’s driving licence is automatically accepted. Many are — but not all. You’ll need a valid, full driving licence from a country recognised by UK insurers. Learner permits or provisional licences from abroad usually aren’t eligible.
Other standard exclusions include:
- Hire and reward – no food delivery, taxi, or courier work
- Driving outside your policy window – you’re only covered during the time you select
- Unroadworthy vehicles – the car must be taxed, MOT’d, and legally drivable in the UK
- Driving vehicles not listed on the policy – cover only applies to the specified car
- Driving without appropriate documentation – e.g. an invalid or expired foreign licence
- Pre-existing damage – any known issues or damage before the policy starts won’t be covered
Insurers also typically won’t cover you if your purpose for driving falls outside the stated policy use (e.g. social or commuting). So it’s worth checking the details before buying — especially if you’re unfamiliar with UK insurance conventions.
How Much Does Temporary Car Insurance For Non-UK Residents Cost?
Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents typically starts from around £25 per day, with prices varying based on your age, the vehicle you’re driving, your licence type, and the length of cover.
While it’s often more expensive than UK-resident policies, it remains the most flexible option for short stays.
The biggest factors influencing cost are whether your licence is from a recognised country, how long you’ve held it, and the risk profile of the car. For instance, a standard hatchback with no modifications will usually cost less to insure than a high-performance saloon — regardless of where you’re from.
Here’s what affects the price:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Country of licence | EU/EEA licences are usually cheaper to insure than those from outside Europe |
| Driver age and history | Younger or newly licensed drivers will pay more |
| Vehicle type and age | Insurers favour low-risk, unmodified vehicles |
| Length of cover | Hourly or 1-day policies cost less overall, but longer durations may offer better per-day value |
| Extras selected | Breakdown cover or European use can increase the premium |
Remember, this isn’t a basic policy with limited value — it’s tailored to your temporary UK visit, with legally compliant protection that can start the same day. Compared to the alternative — risking driving uninsured or being refused by annual providers — it’s often the most cost-effective way to stay on the road legally.
How Can I Save Money On Temporary Car Insurance As A Non-UK Resident?
To save money on temporary insurance as a non-UK resident, choose a low-risk car, select only the time you need cover for, and avoid unnecessary extras.
Small adjustments can make a big difference — even if you’re visiting from abroad.
The key is control. Unlike long-term insurance, short-term policies let you adjust your risk profile in real time. If you’re borrowing a car, ask to use the most sensible one — ideally a standard make and model with no performance upgrades. Avoid sporty or heavily modified vehicles, as these raise premiums considerably.
Here are smart ways to reduce your quote:
- Opt for a standard car – insurers favour low-powered, low-insurance group vehicles
- Only cover the hours or days you actually need – don’t overestimate to be safe
- Raise your voluntary excess – this lowers the premium if you’re confident you won’t claim
- Skip extras you don’t need – legal, breakdown or overseas cover can be removed if unnecessary
- Use SimplyQuote to compare multiple insurers – not all treat foreign licences the same way
Being a non-resident doesn’t mean overpaying. With the right setup and insurer, you can get fully legal, short-term cover at a fair price — without jumping through hoops or making expensive assumptions.
How To Compare Temp Non-UK Resident Insurance At SimplyQuote?
Comparing temporary insurance for non-UK residents at simplyquote.co.uk is fast, confidential, and tailored to your specific licence and location.
You won’t be asked to jump through unnecessary hoops — and you’ll only see quotes from providers who actually support foreign drivers.
Here’s how the process works:
- Enter your personal and licence details
That includes your full name, country of residence, and the type of driving licence you hold. - Add vehicle details
You can either enter the car’s registration or input the make and model manually. You don’t need to own the car — borrowed vehicles are fine. - Choose your cover window
Select the exact start time and how long you’ll need the insurance — from one hour to 28 days. You’re only paying for what you use. - Review your quotes
SimplyQuote filters results to show only those insurers that accept non-UK licences and temporary cover. No guesswork, no wasted time. - Buy online and get instant documents
Once you’ve chosen your policy, complete your purchase securely. You’ll receive confirmation and documentation by email, often within minutes.
There are no hidden forms, no phone calls, and no need for a UK licence or residency status. It’s built to work for international visitors, expats, and foreign licence holders — simply and legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many insurers offer temporary car insurance to non-UK residents, provided you hold a valid licence from a recognised country.
You don’t need to live in the UK, but you’ll need to enter the UK address where the insured car is kept during the policy.
Yes, if your licence is from a country recognised by UK insurers — such as EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada, or the US.
Yes. Your policy will be added to the MID, but it can take up to 48 hours. Carry proof of insurance in the meantime.
No. The policy only covers the specific vehicle listed. You must have permission to drive it and it must be road legal.
Only if your policy includes European cover. Not all providers offer this, so check before buying if you plan to travel abroad.
No. These policies are standalone. The car owner’s no-claims discount is protected when you use separate temporary cover.
It can be slightly more costly than UK-resident cover, but it’s far cheaper than long-term insurance if you’re only visiting.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 1st June 2025 by Chris Richards