Temporary Car Insurance For Australian Visitors To The UK

Are you an Australian, who is borrowing a car whilst you stay in the UK? You may well be eligible for temporary car insurance (which is a legal necessity if you drive a motor vehicle on a highway or other area open to the public).

The reason for this is because driving conditions in Australia are very similar to those in the UK so an Aussie should be able to feel quite at home on our UK roads, part from the inevitable congestion of course!

Is car insurance really necessary in Britain?

Driving without the right insurance is a serious offence in Britain which can lead to not only heavy fines, but impoundment (and possible confiscation) of the vehicle you are driving, too. In addition, the person lending you a car would likely face severe penalties too, for permitting a vehicle to be driven by an uninsured person. Claiming ignorance of this is no defence; the onus is on both the driver, and the owner of the car, to be absolutely sure that insurance is in place.

Which documentation will I need to get a policy?

You will need to have your driving licence and passport available, the registration details of the car you wish to insure, and the name and address (uncluding postcode) of the car's owner.

What are the acceptance criteria?

There are a number of insurers that may provide you with a quote and they all have their own acceptance criteria. Usually, the vehicle will be insured comprehensively and be covered for social, domestic and pleasure purposes only (although some insurers permit commuting and personal business use as well). The drivers should be between about 18 and 75 (some insurers require a minimum age of 23) with a reasonable driving record. Typical requirements are:

• Residency: You should have resided in the UK, EU, EEA, or Switzerland for the past 12 months. Alternatively, you can be an expatriate or a visitor from a Commonwealth country.
• Licence: You must have held a full UK, EU, EEA, Swiss, or Commonwealth driver's license for at least two years.
• Occupation: You should not be unemployed or engaged in specific trades or professions connected to couriers, licensed taxi or minicab drivers, parcel delivery, fast-food delivery, the entertainment industry, or professional sports.
• Accident History: You should have no more than 2 accidents, claims, or losses in the past 3 years, regardless of fault.
• Penalty Points: Your licence should have no more than 6 penalty points accumulated in the past 5 years, and there should be no pending police inquiries.
• Disqualifications: You must not have been disqualified from driving or had your license revoked in the past 5 years.
• Insurance History: You should never have had an insurance policy canceled, voided, or refused. Additionally, no insurance claims should have been repudiated or declined.

Regarding the vehicle:

• Validity: The vehicle must have a valid MOT (if required) and should not be declared as SORN (off-road) with DVLA. It should not have been seized by the police.
• Modifications: The vehicle should not have been modified or altered, including wheels, suspension, bodywork, or engine. However, modifications for disabled drivers or passengers or conversions to LPG are acceptable.
• Vehicle Type: The vehicle must be right-hand drive, have no more than 8 seats, and should not be a horsebox, licensed taxi or minicab, lorry, minibus, motor caravan, motor home, campervan, recovery vehicle, refrigerated vehicle, or tipper.
• Value: The vehicle should be valued at more than £1,500 and less than £60,000.
• Usage: The vehicle should be used for social domestic and pleasure purposes, including commuting and personal business use only.
• Exclusions: The vehicle should not be used to carry hazardous goods or scrap waste, nor should it be used or driven in dangerous locations. It should not be used for purposes related to the motor trade, carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward, racing, pace-making, speed testing, rallies, trials, or competitions.
• Ownership: The vehicle should not be owned, operated by, hired, or rented from any claims management, credit hire, or accident management firm.
• Import/Export: The vehicle should not be exported outside the UK or imported into the UK during the period of insurance cover.

Is driving in Britain much different to driving in Australia?

Traffic Lights: In Australia lights chang from Green to red, then from red to green again. In the UK there is an intermediate amber light; but you should still come to a full stop before a red light shows, and not move off again until the green light shows.

Road Infrastructure: Although both countries follow left-hand driving, variations in road infrastructure can present unique differences. The UK's road network, particularly in urban areas, tends to be narrower and more congested compared to Australia. This necessitates increased caution and adaptability whilst maneuvering through tight spaces, negotiating roundabouts, and navigating complex intersections.

Roundabouts: Roundabouts, a common feature of UK roads, are often more prevalent than in Australia. Negotiating roundabouts, which involve yielding to traffic already in the circle, may require additional attention and familiarity. Australian drivers visiting the UK should acquaint themselves with the rules governing roundabouts, including lane selection, signaling, and exiting procedures.

Road Signs and Markings: Whilst some road signs and markings may share similarities between the two countries, there are distinct differences that Australian drivers must be mindful of when driving in the UK. Familiarize yourself with UK-specific signs, including those indicating speed limits, parking regulations, and specific warnings. Adherence to the UK Highway Code, which details the significance of various signs and markings, is imperative for a safe and compliant driving experience.

Speed Limits and Measurement Units: The UK measures speed in miles per hour (mph). Australian drivers must acquaint themselves with the UK's speed limits, which may differ from their accustomed metric-based standards. Paying close attention to posted speed limit signs is absolutely vital to ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Driving Etiquette and Courtesy: Whilst driving etiquette and courtesy are universal concepts, there may be variations in the specific norms observed between the UK and Australia. In the UK, there is a strong emphasis on politeness, particularly when allowing other vehicles to merge or change lanes. Demonstrating patience and courtesy contributes to a smoother traffic flow and fosters a positive driving environment.

Parking Regulations: Parking regulations in the UK can differ from those in Australia. It is important to familiarize yourself with local rules and restrictions, which can vary between cities and regions. Pay careful attention to signage, permit requirements, and time restrictions to avoid penalties or fines.

Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrian crossings in the UK, such as zebra crossings, pelican crossings, and puffin crossings, may have distinct rules and signaling mechanisms compared to their Australian counterparts. Understanding these specific crossing types and the associated right-of-way rules ensures the safety of pedestrians and drivers alike.