Returning to UK, buying auto insurance

Hi Guy's,

I'll be flying in to Heathrow on May 2nd, with wife, daughter and dog, me being the UK citizen.

I've been in the States since 99, and hold a US licence, as well as my UK one, my question is this;

I need to arrange auto insurance for (initially) myself only, but from day 1, i.e., picking a non rental car up on the day we arrive, so, does anyone know how I apply for insurance as a UK citizen but one that has been put of the country for 7 years or so.


Do I declare that I have zero NCB, I have had one speeding and one minor accident in the 7 years (sigh), has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks

Mick

What I meant by 'zero ncb' is, do I actually qualify for any NCB after so many years abroad?

Thanks again.

I am not sure what you are asking. Do you mean a no claims discount?

That's exactly what I mean, perhaps I've been away too long, the last time I worried it was 'no claims bonus' 'NCB', so I apologise if I was confusing the issue.

You're probably using the correct term. 

I qualified for it using my driving record in the US. I asked my US insurer to provide a letter stating my no claims status and my UK insurer was happy to accept it. I didn't have any accidents or speeding tickets though.

Have you tried calling a UK insurance broker to get a preliminary quote? They might be able to tell you if you'd qualify.

I believe that many insurers have a policy that you can only retain your no-claim discount if you've held an insurance policy within the last two years.   Policy on whether non-U.K. insurance during that time counts or not seems to vary considerably. 

As with all insurance issues, I'd say shop around carefully and ask.