Imagine this scenario: You just landed in the UK from the land of the never-ending sun. Now, you want to find the best possible way to explore this great travel destination with a good car. The problem is that you are trying to get low-cost car insurance while in the UK still having your Aussie license. A rather common problem, but not to worry because this article is just what you need. It will explain about the license validity, insurance options, and then give you the tips to find the best deals. Let’s get to it!
UK Driving Law for Australian License Holders
The first thing to understand about driving with an Australian license in the United Kingdom is that driving is up to certain rules. It’s not like you can just hop into the car and go. Understanding the legalities is of utmost importance, and this portion has been dedicated to breaking it down.
Time Limits on Australian Licenses
An Australian licence is valid for a certain period, usually a period of one year from the date at which you become a resident of the UK. After that, you will be required to have a UK license. To know more about it check on the official website of the government. The rules and regulations keep changing.
Submitting An Application For Changing An Australian License To The UK Licence
An exchange of your Australian license is possible. It’s usually easier than going through the whole process of taking a driving test in the UK. However, you will have to apply for that and also pay a fee. You can visit the DVLA site (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for the latest information.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License
There are severe risks involved in driving without a valid license. Fines are synonymous to those kinds of action. You may also get points associated with your driving license depending on how the act is considered serious. In serious cases, you might even be disqualified from driving altogether. So make sure that you keep your license valid and clear.
Getting UK Car Insurance With An Australian License
It is hard to acquire the car insurance with foreign license company sees it differently. This quite impacts how much you should pay. Let us explore this some more.
The Reason for Different Interpretations by Insurance Companies on Foreign Licenses
Assessment from the perspective of an insurance company would be of having a higher risk on driving with a foreign license. The reason for this would be the fact that they do not have a proper driving history established in the country. This would make the risk assessment difficult for them. It may also mean that they do not have the correct information about your driving history.
Initial Insurance Options for New Admissions
Short-term insurance might serve you best at first. Some insurers deal with expats and new arrivals. Check around to see what’s available, as it’s likely to help keep costs down.
Effect of Additional Premiums
There will be a higher premium when you have an Australian license compared to one having a UK license. An extra cost will have to be incurred since insurers hike the premiums under the impression of increased risk. It is a simple fact of life.
Affordable Car Insurance: Tactics and Techniques
How would you like to minimize car insurance costs? There are tactics one can employ, and the tips here help to make or save a few bucks.
Comparing Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Always compare quotes. Don’t settle for the first one you find. Use comparison websites to see multiple insurers at once. This saves time and effort.
The Readership of Telematics Insurance
At the essence, telematics insurance is equipped with a “black box” installed in the car to track driving behavior. A safe driving lifestyle means lower premiums, whereas insurance telematics also represent a way to log some points in favor of you as a responsible driver.
Raising Your Voluntary Excess
Raising the voluntary excess can lower your premium. Just be mindful that if an accident does happen, it means more money on your part. Compromise on something suitable for you though.
Building the UK Driving Record: A Long-Term Endeavor for Lowering Premiums
Building a UK driving record takes time, but it is worth it. Lower premiums would be the major advantage.
Getting a UK License and Its Advantages
Getting a UK license is a key thing. It is a sign to the insurers that you are serious about driving in the UK, which is when they start to drop your premium by a notable percentage.
Earning NCB in the UK
A no-claims bonus (NCB) is worth something. Every year you are on the road without making a claim, you earn extra NCB. This is transferable from one insurer to another and means big money for you.
Showing That You Drive Safely
Be a responsible driver! You could even consider taking some advanced driving courses. It helps a lot in enhancing your driving skills, and most importantly, some insurers would give a discount for taking them!
Avoidable Mistakes
An Aussie sometimes makes these mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls in insuring your car.
Not Disclosing Driving History
As for your driving history, it must be something they have full knowledge about. Disclose an accident or a claim or two in the past. If your providers found out that you’ve withheld important data, the entire contract may be voided.
Conclusion
While driving legally with an Australian license in the UK, knowing the rules and obtaining insurance at cheaper rates become a necessity. Building a UK driving history enhances long-term savings. Take all the necessary steps. The best deals with car insurance could need some chasing. Getting a UK license and creating a positive driving record has long-term benefits.
