Temporary Car Insurance for Non-UK Licence Holders

Cover from 1 hour up to 28 days
Get a quote in under two minutes
Instant cover available

Cover from 1 hour up to 28 days
Get a quote in under two minutes
Instant cover available

Clicking on the button above will take you to the quote system powered by GoShorty who offer temporary car insurance quotes from a range of insurers.

Drive legally in the UK with fast, flexible short-term cover

If you live in the UK or are visiting from abroad, getting insured to drive in the UK can feel overly complicated if you are not familiar with the UK driving and car insurance laws.

With temporary car insurance, you can drive legally and safely even if your licence is from another country.

Instant quotes in minutes
Flexible cover from 1 hour up to 28 days
No changes to the car owner’s insurance

What is temporary car insurance for?

Temporary (or short-term) car insurance provides car insurance cover for a short period, usually between 1 hour and 28 days.

It works like your own car insurance policy, but without the long-term commitment or the need for a direct debit.

When you might use temporary car insurance:

Visiting the UK and borrowing a family member’s or friend’s car
Waiting for a full annual policy to start
Test-driving or collecting a car you’re buying
Driving while your own car is in repair
Sharing driving on a trip or during a house move

Who Needs Temporary Car Insurance with a Non-UK Licence

Temporary car insurance is ideal if you:

You are visiting the UK for a short stay and want to drive someone else’s car.
You work in the UK temporarily and need occasional access to a vehicle.
You are an international student studying in the UK who wants to occasionally drive a friend’s car.
You need to borrow a car for a day trip or weekend away.
You want to test-drive or collect a vehicle before purchase.
Need temporary backup insurance when your main policy doesn’t cover you.
Your car is in for repair, and you want to drive a friend’s car.
Sharing a long drive with friends or family.

How Temporary Insurance Works with a Foreign Licence

Getting insured with a non-UK licence is straightforward.

Step 1: Check Your Licence Is Valid
Most full EU licences are accepted in the UK. Many international licences are also valid for up to 12 months after you become a UK resident. If your licence is from outside the EU, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can check the latest UK Government guidance before driving on the UK government’s website, Driving in Great Britain.

Step 2: Get Your Quote
Provide your licence details, the vehicle registration number, and how long you need the insurance policy. You’ll receive instant quotes from UK insurers that accept foreign licences.

Step 3: Choose Your Cover Period
Select a duration to match your needs. Temporary car insurance is available from hourly cover (minimum 1 hour) to daily or weekly cover up to 28 days.

Step 4: Instant Cover
Once approved, your documents are emailed immediately. You can start driving straight away or buy it for a future date when you need it.

Who Can Get Temporary Car Insurance

You can usually get temporary car insurance if you:

Have a full EU or recognised international licence (for example, from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, or the USA)
You are aged between 19 and 75
You have no serious driving convictions
Can provide a UK address where the vehicle is kept
You are living in or visiting the UK

If you’re unsure, it takes less than a minute to check your eligibility.
Check Eligibility →

What Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover

Most short-term policies are fully comprehensive, which typically includes:

Damage to your car
Injury or damage caused to other people or their property
Fire and theft
Vandalism or accidental damage
Emergency medical treatment
Legal liability while towing (within limits)

Some insurers may also include:

Breakdown Cover – From £1.49, includes recovery, roadside assistance, and transport costs.
Excess Protection – Covers up to £500 of your compulsory excess in the event of a claim.
Legal Cover – Helps recover costs if you’re involved in a non-fault accident.

What do you need to take out Short Term Car Insurance?

Personal Details
- Full name and date of birth
- UK address (temporary or permanent)
- Contact details
- Basic driving history (accidents or claims)
Drivers Licence Information
- Your full foreign licence number
- Country of issue
- Start and expiry dates
- Any endorsements or restrictions
Car Details
- UK registration number
- Make and model
- Confirmation that the vehicle is registered and fully road league. Not declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), which means the car is registered and taxed to be on the road.
Length of cover
- How many days or hours you need cover for.
  Choose from 1 hour, 1 day, 2 or 3 days, or longer cover, such as 1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks. You can select any length of time from 1 to 28 days.
Car Owners Details
- Who is the main owner.
- Who is the car insured with.
- The owner’s postcode.
- The owner’s email address.
Who is the Main Insurance Policy With
- You will need to know which company the car is currently insured with, for example, Esure, Admiral, Direct Line, etc.
What your relationship is with the car owner
- For example: parent/ child, colleague, friend.
Start Date
- The date and time you want the cover to start. This can be to start immediately or on a date that suits you, and an end date and time.

Am I eligible for Temporary Car Insurance?

Most drivers will generally be covered, if they have held a full UK/ EU driving licence for a year or more. The ages of drivers covered is normally from 19-75.

Get a Quote! »

Tips for Getting the Best Quote for Temporary Car Insurance?

Be accurate: Enter your licence and driving history details correctly to avoid invalidating your policy.
Compare multiple insurers: Some specialise in certain licence types or age brackets.
Choose the right duration: Only pay for the time you actually need; you can extend if required.
Check the cover level: Comprehensive cover costs more but offers stronger protection.
Book early if possible: Prices can vary slightly depending on notice period.

Understanding UK Driving Rules with a Foreign Licence

If you’re new to driving in the UK, keep these points in mind:

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Speed limits are shown in miles per hour (mph).
You must have a valid insurance policy.
Be aware of roundabouts and lane discipline.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.
Follow all UK road signs and markings.
Que polietly.

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What’s Not Covered with Temporary Car Insurance

Temporary car insurance usually does not cover:

Unlocked or unattended vehicles
The car must be secured and keys removed
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Invalidates your policy
Commercial or delivery use
Not covered for business or hire-for-reward
Learner or provisional drivers
This is a separate policy and can be purchased here
Off-road, racing, or track use
You can purchase track day insurance as a separate policy
Vehicles not taxed or roadworthy
MOT and tax must be valid
Items above the belongings limit
Usually capped at £100 to £300, and proof of purchase will be required

Security and Vehicle Care

To stay covered:

Keep the car locked when unattended.
Remove keys and valuables from sight.
Report thefts to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

If you’re involved in an accident while on temporary insurance:

Stop immediately and ensure everyone is safe. It is a legal requirement to stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch off your engine.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.
Call emergency services if anyone is injured.
Exchange details with others involved (names, addresses, car registrations, insurance details if they have them). If you are having trouble getting these details from someone involved, or they left without giving them, call the police on the non-emergency number 101 while you are still on the scene of the accident.
Take photos of the scene and any damage if safe.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Do not admit fault at the scene.
Report to the police if required (certain accidents must be reported by law).

Temporary insurance policies include full claims support and 24/7 helplines.

When to call 999 after an accident

If someone is in danger
If someone has been seriously injured
You believe a serious offence has been committed
The collision has caused a blockage or dangerous obstruction of the road.

Temporary Car Insurance International licence accident

Extending Your Temporary Cover

Suppose you need to keep driving longer than planned. In that case, you can extend most policies easily by logging in to your policy portal, requesting an extension before your current cover expires, paying for the additional time, and receiving updated documents instantly.

Do not let your cover end before you have finished driving. Driving without valid insurance is a serious offence in the UK and can lead to fines, penalty points or vehicle seizure.

Alternatives to Temporary Insurance

Depending on your situation, you might consider:

Short-term annual policy: if you’ll stay for several months
Named driver insurance: if you regularly drive a friend or relative’s car, they can add you as a named driver on their car insurance policy.

Important Notice: The information provided on this webpage is intended for informational purposes only and not intended as a recommendation or financial advice. If you need personalised insurance guidance, we recommend speaking to a qualified financial adviser.

We do our best to keep the information accurate and up to date. However, rates, fees, charges and prices can change, so always check the latest details directly on the provider’s website before applying or purchasing.

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. You’ll pay the same price regardless.