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Topic: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?  (Read 1420 times)

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Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« on: June 25, 2010, 07:17:56 PM »
I arrived in the UK in September, US driving license in hand, and have been merrily driving around ever since, on the understanding that I had a year before I needed to get a UK license.

My wife talked to our insurer today (Aviva) in order to add a friend to our insurance (US friend, coming to visit) -- they told her they wouldn't insure her to drive the car as she was a UK license holder. Our Aviva policy was set up by my dad before our arrival, so that I would be able to drive straight away: does it sound likely that they would have a policy of refusing to insure US drivers? Has anyone encountered this?

I'm a bit worried...
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2010, 08:05:35 PM »
What does the policy say? Are you mentioned? Haven't you read it?



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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2010, 08:21:53 PM »
It would not be surprising if you were not actually insured.  Most companies here do not insure US drivers and the ones I have seen that do require a UK driver on the policy.


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2010, 08:35:48 PM »
Hi there

Yes, you need to read your policy - there's no way here on a public forum we can help/know what the policy you have states.

If it turns out you were mentioned and covered then you are insured.

if it turns out you aren't mentioned then yes, you are driving illegally and I suggest you ring up your insurer's and get yourself added to the policy.

Just be very very VERY thankful you've had no incidents in these 9 months, else you'd have been in some serious trouble.

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!


Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2010, 08:40:04 PM »
Just to add if you've been driving here for 9 months you have no more than 3 months left to get your UK license or you'll have to stop driving.


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2010, 08:42:04 PM »
Of course you can get insurance in the UK without having a UK license! Plenty of British people buy cars before they get their license. But that doesn't mean your Dad did things correctly. Some companies do insure you, others don't. Regardless, you'll certainly have more luck if you start the UK license process. I had no problem getting insurance when I was there and on the learners permit or whatever it's called.

Regarding your friend, your insurer may have declined to insure her since your wife made it clear she was just a visitor and not a resident?
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2010, 12:04:52 AM »
Bottom line, the policy (a document issued to the insured driver/s) is your guide to the cover in effect and is what you would have to produce to the police in the event of an accident, or on demand, so I really wonder at the apparent fact that you have not, apparently even looked at it to see if you are covered. After all, it's your ass in a sling if your dad got it wrong, not his. You are supposed to make sure that you are insured before driving on the road.

« Last Edit: June 26, 2010, 12:07:23 AM by Trémula »


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2010, 09:35:29 PM »
It would not be surprising if you were not actually insured.  Most companies here do not insure US drivers and the ones I have seen that do require a UK driver on the policy.

Most insurers do insure US drivers. I'm not sure what the OP's specific policy states, but rest assured that US drivers are insured every day in the UK. No worries there.

However, three months isn't very long at all in which to get your provisional license, book and take your theory and practical tests, etc. In fact, I'd say that's really pushing it. Get moving!  :)
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2010, 10:08:41 PM »
Well from my own experience, it was nearly impossible to find an insurer on my US license.  And I have seen similar posts from others.  So by all means, please let me know who does it.


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2010, 07:34:53 AM »
Well from my own experience, it was nearly impossible to find an insurer on my US license.  And I have seen similar posts from others.  So by all means, please let me know who does it.

I was first insured by Zurich when I came to the UK. But most insurers will cover you without a UK license. The best bet is to go to a local insurance broker and he/she will do the research for you and find you your best deal from all the insurers.
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2010, 11:13:10 AM »
The best bet is to go to a local insurance broker and he/she will do the research for you and find you your best deal from all the insurers.

Although it is up to the individual to ensure that they are being sold the correct insurance policy for their needs. Any error will be the fault of the driver and not the broker.


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2010, 11:17:03 AM »
Although it is up to the individual to ensure that they are being sold the correct insurance policy for their needs. Any error will be the fault of the driver and not the broker.

I'm certainly not implying that an incorrect policy would be the fault of the broker! Whatever policy you wind up with, you must read all the fine print. Thag goes without saying.

All I'm saying is that it's the broker's job, it's his/her business and he/she knows more about insurance than you (not you specifically) do. If you want the right policy for you and the best policy for your money, your best move would be to visit your local broker. Don't go to one of the big chains as they often charge fees. Go to a small independent insurance broker.
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2010, 11:19:01 AM »
Well from my own experience, it was nearly impossible to find an insurer on my US license.  And I have seen similar posts from others.  So by all means, please let me know who does it.

I went through the Post Office when I first moved here and bought my car. It was just me on the policy. It was more expensive but they even took my no claims discount from the US. Premium went down a bit once I told them I had passed my UK licenese test.
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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2010, 11:55:32 AM »
This does surprise me as my insurance broker told me that Aviva was one of the more welcoming to US drivers.  I am insured by them on my US license and even was given my full no claims bonus. 

I agree with Chary - using an insurance broker was THE best way to get coverage. I am happy to recommend mine to anyone who needs one as he was very well versed in who will and wont insure US drivers.


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Re: Have I been driving illegally for the last nine months?
« Reply #14 on: July 01, 2010, 11:57:41 AM »
I went through the Post Office when I first moved here and bought my car. It was just me on the policy. It was more expensive but they even took my no claims discount from the US. Premium went down a bit once I told them I had passed my UK licenese test.

Mine went down very quickly too!
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