auto insurance

Hi All...

I'm heading over to the UK later this year. My girlfriend, who's English, has a car. I'm trying to figure out how I can get insurance so I can drive as well. In the past, it hasn't been a problem because we rented cars. But, my U-S insurance company won't cover me for driving abroad. And I can't seem to find a UK company that will insure drivers without UK licenses. Any suggestions?

Chris120

When I first came over my sister-in-law added me to her insurance whilst I was staying with her.  I didn't have a UK driver's license at the time.  I'm not sure if she told them I did or not, so you may want to check with your girlfriend and see if she can add you to her policy.

Hi there.
I have been out of the loop of British Auto Insurance for a few years but my understanding is that as an interim measure you can apply for an International Driving license.

This should enable you to be covered by an Insurer (the best option would be as a Named driver under your girlfriend's Policy if possible).
You can always point to your record, if you have a good one with your US Carrier, and/or to the fact (hopefully) that you have driven rentals in the UK without accident.

I hope this is helpful advice. If you need a more definitive answer "I know a man who can" as they say so just let me know.
 

Also looking back a few years ... but I had no problem adding Lisa onto my motor insurance while we were courting and before she lived here, and without an International driver's license.  Her Florida one was enough.   I understand that most (but not all) insurers will do this.

If you want to get insurance in your own right, in a vehicle that you own, in the UK without a UK license, you may find it harder but it can be done.  As I recall we used Norwich Union ... but bear in mind that Norwich Union Direct and Norwich Union are different parts of the same organisaition and you may find that "Direct" refuse you but the main company, via an agent, accept you.

You could always hire a car and leave the headache to the hirers who I'm SURE will be set up to insure tourists from the USA