Moving to the UK from Canada? Let Keith Michaels Sort Your UK Car Insurance
For over 30 years we’ve been supporting expats from all over the world when they move to the UK. If you’ve arrived from Canada, we’ll find you the best UK car insurance policy to meet your specific needs.
Whether you’re embarking on a work trip or relocating permanently, you’re required to invest in UK car insurance that covers both you and your vehicle so you can legally drive on UK roads.
We’ll consider everything including your driving experience and history while you adapt to driving on the left-hand side and get used to UK road etiquette.
No History of Car Insurance in the UK? Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re arriving from Canada, you may not have UK-accepted car insurance. As a specialist motor insurance broker, we can offer bespoke policies for customers that fall into this category.
Our expat insurance team will assess your risk and locate a policy that’s right for you. All you need is a valid driving licence, full transparency about previous motoring convictions or accidents, and information about the vehicle you’re looking to insure. We’ll also ask for some additional details to help us understand your driving status and individual risk.
As a Canadian driver in the UK, you may find some high street car insurance lenders will charge higher premiums or refuse a quote altogether. With a specialist car insurance company like Keith Michaels, we’ll review your case and find an insurance policy tailored to your individual circumstances so that you can enjoy motoring on UK roads.
Import Car Insurance for Your Canadian Vehicle
If you’re moving to the UK from Canada, you may have considered bringing your own vehicle with you. At Keith Michaels, we have years of experience in providing import car insurance through our close connections in the import industry.
or call us on 0208 329 1150
The Keith Michaels Difference
- 30 years’ experience
- Every customer is treated as an individual, not a policy number
- We are a UK-based office, not a call centre
- We are completely independent from any insurance company
- All policies are looked at on their own merits to find you the best policy available
Why Choose Keith Michaels For Car Insurance?
Direct Contacts
Jason Robery
0208 329 1168
Gary Hamilton
0208 329 1165
Or email our expat team on [email protected]
This Scheme is Perfect for:
- People expatriating from Canada to the UK
- Canadian residents with long-term work placements
- Cars imported from Canada
Discounts For
- Previous driving discounts
- Multi-car policies
Benefits
- Priority claims management
- Staff have over 20 years of import experience and 10 years of expat experience
- Foreign NCB accepted
- Policies available to non-resident clients
Get in Touch for your Canadian Expat Car Insurance Quote Today
or call: 0208 329 1150
Canadian Immigrant & Long-Term Resident Car Insurance FAQs
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about car insurance for Canadian drivers arriving in the UK.
As a Canadian Driver, do I Need to Apply for a UK Licence?
If you’re applying for permanent residency, or plan to stay in the UK for more than 12 months, you’ll need to swap your Canadian licence for a UK version. Like Australia, you can exchange it up to five years after becoming a UK resident, as long as your Canadian licence isn’t expired.
You’re safe to legally drive in the UK on an in-date, valid Canadian licence for up to 12 months. Thereafter, you’ll need to apply for a UK licence to continue driving in the UK.
As the UK and Canada have an existing driving licence exchange agreement, you won’t need to take a British driving test. Instead, you must apply for a UK licence via GOV.UK and fill in the required forms. You’ll then send back the following documents and information:
- D1 application form
- Passport, travel documents or identity cards (this will be returned)
- Passport-sized colour photo
- Driver’s licence (this won’t be returned)
- A fee
What Canadian Cars are Banned in the UK?
No specific cars or models are banned in the UK, including those from Canada. Instead, your vehicle must meet a specific set of UK requirements to prove its roadworthiness.
If you’re importing your car from Canada, you’ll need to complete an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before it can be driven in the UK. Any security faults or features including modifications that do not meet the safety criteria must be rectified before the car is resubmitted for further testing.
Otherwise, all domestic vehicles should be considered safe to drive by checking all windows and mirrors are clean, and all lights and brake lights work. Drivers can be stopped by the police if vision is obscured or lights are not working. You may also be given a vehicle defect rectification notice in which you have 14 days to fix the issue and prove this to the police.
Can I Import a Modified Car from Canada?
Yes, Keith Michaels offers insurance for many types of specialist cars including modified cars, supercars, company vehicles, and more.
As specialist import insurance providers, we aim to find a policy that meets your needs, including track days, along with any specific requirements you may have. No matter your circumstances as a Canadian driver in the UK, we work hard to offer you the best cover for your situation.
What Changes Do I Need to Make to My Canadian Car Before Importing to the UK?
You don’t need to make any modifications or changes to your car before it leaves Canadian soil. Not only that, but any changes could push up the price of your policy before you get behind the wheel.
It’s important to note that any vehicle modifications must comply with UK legislation and road safety measures. This could include:
- Tinted windows
- Modified exhaust
- Wheels
- Body kits
- Spoilers
- Vinyl wraps
- Colour changes
- And more…
Will I Need to Make Changes When My Car Arrives in the UK?
Within 14 days of your vehicle arriving, you’ll need to notify HM Revenue and Customs and pay any VAT and duty required. You may also need to complete an IVA. At the same time, you’ll need to notify the DVLA so you can get number plates made up for your imported car. This process can take up to 6 weeks to complete. Once the plates arrive, you’ll need to attach them to your vehicle before driving on UK roads.
What Else Do I Need to Do Before I Can Drive in the UK?
Providing you’re leaving Canada with a full and valid driving licence, you’ll need to ensure the following steps are done before you can legally drive in the UK:
- Hold a full Canadian driving licence
- Enquire with a specialist insurance company about a policy that covers both you and your vehicle
Depending on whether you’re importing or purchasing a car within the UK, you’ll also need to prove the car is roadworthy in line with UK driving laws. You can do this through:
- A valid MOT certificate (for cars 3 years old+)
- An IVA (if imported and required by the DVLA)
Once a suitable car is available, you’ll then need to ensure you have completed the following:
- Registered the car in your name
- Acquired valid insurance, with any convictions from Canada fully disclosed
- Paid road tax on the car
Will UK Insurers Accept My Canadian No-Claims Discount?
At Keith Michaels, we are among a handful of UK companies that recognise no claims bonuses from insurers across the world. So, if you have a good bank of time and accumulated a no-claims discount in Canada, it won’t go to waste.
As a Canadian driver in the UK, you’ll need to provide evidence of any no-claims discount for your insurer to take this into account when calculating your policy. Also, when you speak to one of our advisers, they’ll be able to determine your situation based on the information you provide.
You can also temporarily add other drivers to your UK insurance and it won’t affect your no-claims bonus.
Can a Family Member Drive on My Insurance Policy?
It’s always important to disclose whether you want a second driver added to your policy or not. Depending on the person and their driving history, it could make insurance policies cheaper or more expensive. Although it might not always be feasible, it’s worth asking your insurer.
Visiting family may also be able to join your cover on a temporary basis. We partner with TempCover who can arrange for short insurance policies for visiting family. They must be in possession of a valid driving licence to be considered and added to your cover.
