Insurance Required to Drive in Britain
Anyone driving on public roads in Britain must have valid motor insurance covering at least third-party liability. This applies equally to visitors from Australia. Insurance must cover injury or damage caused to other people, vehicles or property while the vehicle is in use.
Temporary Insurance for Visitors
Australians visiting Britain often arrange short-term or temporary car insurance when borrowing a vehicle from friends or relatives. This type of cover runs for a fixed period, commonly from one day to several weeks, and insures the visiting driver directly rather than requiring changes to the vehicle owner’s annual policy.
Borrowing a Car from Family or Friends
If using a borrowed car, drivers must not assume the owner’s insurance allows them to drive. Most UK policies restrict who can use the vehicle. A temporary policy arranged in the visitor’s name normally ensures the driver is insured without affecting the owner’s no-claims record if an incident occurs.
What Cover Normally Includes
Temporary insurance usually provides comprehensive protection which includes cover for accidental damage or theft, subject to an excess, for the car driven by the insured person. Protection applies only to the named driver and the insured vehicle for the selected dates. Cover ends automatically when the policy period expires.
Typical Restrictions and Limits
Insurers usually apply eligibility conditions. Drivers are commonly required to hold a full licence and meet age limits set by insurers. Policies may exclude business use, high-value vehicles or driving outside permitted UK or European areas. Checking these limits before driving helps avoid uninsured use.
Maintaining Valid Cover During a Visit
If travel plans change or a stay extends beyond the insurance period, new cover normally needs arranging before the existing policy expires. Keeping insurance active throughout the visit allows Australians to drive legally while using a borrowed vehicle in Britain.