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[Kiwi]

I need some help. I'm coming to the UK in two weeks and have bought a 1999 low mileage Elite and a caravan over the internet from reputable dealers. However, having now committed to both purchases I can't find a UK insurance company who will give me cover, because I'm not a UK resident and don't have a UK drivers licence. I have a squeaky clean NZ drivers licence, an International Driving Permit and an impeccable insurance record back here, and a UK address, but no insurance company will touch me. I'm running out of time, and my "trip of a lifetime" is going to go down the toilet unless I can get some insurance company to give me cover. Can anyone suggest one? Or a broker who may be able to help?  - Kiwi

[hotel21]

Hi Kiwi.  Moved your thread here as it will possobly get better coverage.

I'm surprised that you are having difficulty in getting insurance cover.  Have you approached the insurance companies singularly and directly - guessing internet - or have you tried the price comparison type places such as compare.com?

Further, I know that a broker such as Adrian Flux www.adrianflux.co.uk may be able to assist.  User Theolodian is American and has UK insurance.  Dunno what his licence status is now though.  Perhaps if he sees this he can further advise.  Good luck and don't give up....  

[Gaffers]

Try these guys.  Depending on how long your are staying I am not sure if they can help.  But try them anyways:

http://www.ajinsurance.co.uk/motor/temporary-motor-insurance.html

I have access to some insurance companies here who do a lot of specialist insurance for the British Forces in Germany.  I'll see if they can help too.

[Kevin Wood]

How long are you going to be driving in the UK?

I remember someone from abroad having a similar problem with a kit car that they bought in the UK and wanted to drive home. I can't remember how or if they resolved the situation but it is clearly an issue, at least with the mainstream insurers.

If it's just a case that you need to get the vehicle from point of purchase to a port maybe you could get a UK resident to help out. Failing that try the more specialist insurers, as already mentioned.

I've just recalled I was in a South African bar in London last weekend and there was a poster on the wall advertising specialist insurance for road trips, campervan holidays, etc. Can't remember who it was though. :-/

I use this guy for my kit car insurance: http://www.msminsurance.co.uk/. Very knowledgeable chap and specialises in the less run of the mill insurance needs. Might be worth giving him a call.

Kevin

[bob.dent]

Is it not possible to get your insurers in NZ to provide temporary cover for your UK trip or will they not do it because the car isn't UK registered?

[CaptainZok]

Don't know if dayinsure could help you but they do specialise in short term cover. Might be worth contacting them.

[dad1uk]

When my sister came over from Australia, we got her added on to an English policy.
 ie she drove Mum's car on Mum's insurance and it only cost about £20 for a month.
Very reasonable we thought.

[Kiwi]

Thanks guys for all the helpful advice. Every lead I've tried with caravan has hit a wall and I have one or two leads to try with insuirance on the Omega, but basically it looks like I have to get a friend in the UK to own it, and insure it in his name, with me named on th policy as a designated driver. I promise you, if you come to NZ to do a tour, you will be able to buy your own vehicle and insure it in your own name.

I'm still open to any more suggestions of friendly insureres. I've checked out the ones suggested so far, and so far evry one has turned me down on the basis I'm not a UK resident

[dad1uk]

I think the best way is to go to an insurance broker.

Try these. Do a general email and send it to these. It might work, or if not they may be able ti advise you.

www.wetherallinsurance.co.uk

www.quotes-endsleigh.co.uk

If all else fails here is the  web site for the association of British Insurers. I'm sure they will help.

http://www.abi.org.uk/Display/default.asp?Menu_ID=1140&Menu_All=1,946,1140&Child_ID=415

[Vamps]

Lots of people come here and run campers and the like so there must be a way, sorry but don't know what it is. Might be an idea to keep quiet about the caravan till you got the car insured, not sure you have to tell car insurance that you are going to tow anyway, I neer have, always insured the caravan seperatly. Agreed you may need to admit you have a tow bar.