Car insurance for non-UK residents: how does it work?

New to the UK? Understanding how car insurance for non-UK residents works can be confusing. But understanding it is key to making sure you’re properly covered on the road.

In this blog, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions, including:

• What being a UK resident means in practical terms
• How residency status affects your chances of getting car insurance
• Whether you can take out a UK insurance policy if you’re not yet a UK- resident

What is a UK resident?‍

You’re considered a UK resident if you have a permanent UK address and you’re:

• New to the UK and have spent (or plan to spend) 183 days or more here, or
• On a spouse visa and have spent (or plan to spend) 183 days or more in the UK.

To be insured with us, you must either have a permanent UK address or be in the process of getting one, with the intention of settling here.

UK Resident vs Citizen

Being a UK resident is not the same as being a UK citizen. You do not need to be a UK citizen to get car insurance. As long as you qualify as a UK resident, there are cover options available to you.

Citizenship is about your nationality. Residency is about where you live. Citizens usually have rights to vote, own a UK passport, and the right to live in the country. A UK resident might have Indefinite Right to Remain or Settled Status.

At Marshmallow, our car insurance is designed specifically for people moving to the UK who are UK residents. We take into account your full driving history and no-claims record from any country, giving you a big discount on your policy.

See how much you could save on car insurance – get a free quote today.

I don't have residence status. How does non-UK resident car insurance work for me?‍

If you’re not a UK resident, it will be difficult to get a long-term car insurance policy. Here at Marshmallow, we do not offer cover for non-UK residents.

However, there are still a few options for you to consider:

Borrowing a car

If you’re planning to drive a friend’s or family member’s car, you could:

• Take out temporary car insurance to cover yourself
• Be added as a named driver on their existing policy (though this may come with an extra cost)

Driving your own car

You may be able to arrange short-term car insurance to cover your vehicle. This is usually valid for a few days up to a few months, making it suitable for visitors or temporary stays.

Renting a car

If you hire a vehicle in the UK, insurance is usually included in the rental agreement. Just make sure to:

• Read the terms of hire carefully.
• Check the level of cover provided - many companies only include the legal minimum of third-party only.
• Consider upgrading to fully comprehensive cover for extra protection.

I’m a UK resident but I don't have a UK driving licence. Can I get cover? ‍

If you’ve passed your driving test abroad, you can still drive in the UK and get insured using your current licence for your first 12 months here. While some insurers may not accept licences issued outside the UK, Marshmallow does.

Find out more on when you’ll need to switch to a UK driving licence. ‍

Can I add a non-UK resident to my car insurance?

We can't insure non-UK residents. If the person you want to add to your policy as an additional driver is not a UK resident—meaning they’re only visiting or on holiday—we won't be able to cover them. This rule applies whether they’re staying for a few days, weeks, or even a few months.

Ready to get a quote?

To give you get a fair price, we consider your driving experience and claim-free driving history from any country.

To see what you could save, get a free quote today.

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