Buzzy--Bee

Hi, we will be visiting the UK in the coming months and have asked a relative there whether they can add us to their car insurance.

They have said this is impossible as we haven't lived in the UK for 5 years.

I'm not sure this is correct. Does anyone have any different experiences?

Thanks

BB

chris955

My wife visited her father when we were living in Brisbane, she was added to his insurance with no problem and it wasnt expensive. I cant see how not living in the country for 5 years is relevant either, how would new arrivals get insurance?

RedDragon2008

We used to lend our cars out to frequent overseas (non EU) visitors (as during the week was usually on train to London). Never had any problems and the cost was like 30 pounds on an annual basis. You are over 25 so cant see where the risk would be ???

Contact an insurance company directly and arrange your own third party, then present the policy to relative.

Unless this is there attempt to discourage the lending of the car?

Buzzy--Bee

There shouldn't be.... I gave them the bloody car!!!

BB

irishbloo

Tell them you want it back.We got insured on my brothers car no problem.

Swerv-o

My folks add me to their insurance whenever I go back. never had an problems. They are insure with Prudential.


S

DebzinUS

I did one of those home swap holidays last year. The people I swapped with in Southampton added me on their insurance so I could drive their vehicle. Worked out great

Sam

I cant be insured on my mums car, when i asked them they said its because i am not a resident of UK

Bermudashorts

Yes I was thinking it quite plausible, it probably depends on their insurance company. I'd be tempted to give the benefit of the doubt.

koalakim

We use MIL's car when we are over and costs about 10 quid each to add us to the insurance. No probs with Aussie licences...think it's Directline.

We put more miles on it than she does

Saxy

The only limitation is that you can't be the insured policy holder unless you are a U.K.resident. I don't think that there is anything to prevent you from being added (on a temporary basis?) as a named other driver. It's what car hire firms do.
The big problem, is that a lot of expats leave a car in the U.K. (for holiday use) and continue to pay the annual premiums as if they were still living there at their old address, when in actual fact their main address is abroad! What they don't realize, is that this is not allowed by U.K. insurance companies and if they have an accident, the insurance cover will be null & void! They will not have insurance, which will cost them dearly!!!!!
However, there are spescialist companies in the U.K. who (for a price), will insure non U.K. residents (these can be found with a little internet search).
I know this because living in Spain, the above facts were pointed out to me by my normal U.K. insurance company and I had to change to one of these companies.

quoll

I've always been added on my dad's cars (Aviva) but for some reason my son's insurer refused to allow me on his policy when I didn't live in UK

Icecube

Should be no reason why you cannot be added for a small fee unless of course you have a string of convictions over the last 5 years. Suspect there may be other reasons why this seems to be falling into the too hard basket.

Tr1boy

I've always been added/taken off my parents' cars when I've been over on holiday. I think there was a one month minimum each time, but no problems at all.

Scotty1

It does depend on the insurance company and how they deal with the UK driving license /residency issue.
When home in May my mum got me onto her insurance with Direct line but we had a different answer from two different call centre staff.
Firstly there was a problem and they could not insure me because I was not uk resident, unless I had a uk licence (which I said was not possible). Then when I said that I used to have a uk licence that I had to surrender when i left the uk, it was ok.
When I phoned back the following day to double check I was told as long as I would be entitled to a uk license on return to the uk, then i was covered. Cost very little.
I was not entirely convinced but as I had been clear and checked I took the view it was their problem if there was an accident and they didn't mean to insure me.
Suggest full explanation to insurance company, but if insurance is with a no frills company would expect them not to take the additional risk
Scotty