UK car insurance with an EU Licence: a simple guide for EU drivers

Moved to the UK from the EU? If you’re seeking UK car insurance with an EU licence, this article is for you!

We’ll chat about everything from getting UK car insurance to driving with your EU licence and getting the claim-free driving discount you deserve.‍

Do I have to get car insurance in the UK?‍

Yes, it’s a legal must-have. The minimum amount of coverage you can get is Third-party only. But you can also get Third-party Fire and Theft, or Fully Comprehensive cover. Both of which provide higher levels of protection.

Find out more about different types of car insurance cover. ‍

Car insurance for EU drivers in the UK: How is it different?

A big difference in the UK is that car insurance covers the car itself, not the driver. That means you are the only person covered to drive your car. 

If a friend, partner or family member wants to drive your car, you’ll need to add them as a named driver to your policy.

That also means you’re not covered to drive anyone else’s car. If you want to drive someone else’s car, you can usually add this as a feature onto your policy by speaking to your insurer. 

But this add-on tends to let you drive another person’s car with the minimum amount of protection - Third-party Only. That means you and the car you’re driving will not be covered for any damages. 

How can I get a UK driving licence?

As a UK resident from the EU, you can exchange your current driving licence for a UK one if you want to. And you won’t have to take another driving test!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Check if you're eligible: Double-check that you can exchange your licence using this government tool.
2. Find the right DVLA form: Once you’ve filled in your details, the tool will tell you which DVLA forms to download. If you have a full EU licence for driving cars, it’s usually a D1 form. 
3. Get the forms: Download the forms following the link shared or pick them up from your local post office.
4. Send your document and payment: Pay the fee and send the forms to the address provided. You’ll usually get asked to include your passport/travel document/national identity card, a passport-sized photo of yourself, and your current driving licence. 
5. Wait for your new UK licence to arrive in the post. Once approved, your new UK driving licence will arrive in the post.

What documentation do I need to get UK car insurance?

Different insurers may ask for different documents. You’ll mostly get asked for:

• Proof of address: This can be in the form of a recent bill, mortgage statement or rental agreement.
• Proof of occupation: ‍To prove your work, you can show a payslip, your employment contract or sometimes your work ID. If you’re self-employed, you'll need proof from HMRC to confirm your self-employed status.
• A form of ID: Typically, people need to provide ID such as a passport or driving licence.
• Your V5C: ‍Otherwise known as the logbook - usually found in the glove compartment of your car.
• Proof of your claim-free driving‍

Lots of UK insurers won’t recognise your claim-free driving experience outside of the UK, which can make your insurance more expensive. However, at Marshmallow, we accept experience from any country. ‍

What do you think is the best UK car insurance for drivers from the EU?

We’re a bit biased, but our car insurance is designed for people who’ve moved to the UK. That means: 

• We’ll cover your current EU driving licence until you turn 70.
• We’ll look at ALL your driving experience from outside the UK to give you the best price possible.
• We’ll apply your claim-free driving discount from another country so you can save an average of £392* on your policy.

Get a quote today and see what you could save.

*Saving based on internal data for 4304 policies sold via Confused.com from January 2025 to June 2025 to those of UK newcomers living in the UK less than 3 years. The average difference between Marshmallow’s price and the second cheapest price was £392.

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