Car Insurance for Saudi Arabian Drivers in the UK

Moving to the UK from Saudi Arabia? Keith Micheals can help

Keith Micheals boast over 30 years’ experience providing comprehensive cover to expats across the world immigrating to the UK. If you’re immigrating to the UK from Saudi Arabia — or are simply on an extended work stay — and plan on buying a car, you need to insure it the same way you would in Saudi Arabia.

In the UK, while driving isn’t essential as public transport in cities and major towns is plentiful, it is the main mode of transport, so having access to an insured vehicle can be very helpful.

No record of vehicle insurance in the UK? Don’t worry

To get valid driving insurance in the UK with Keith Michaels, you don’t have to worry about being turned away. Some legacy insurance providers charge higher premiums or reject your coverage all together. We’re different.

To get insurance coverage, all you need is a valid and full Saudi Arabian to Brit English ‘driver’s licence, transparency over past motoring convictions in Saudi Arabia, and a few more additional details. We’ll review your circumstances and get back to you promptly if we have a suitable policy that covers you during your stay.

Import car insurance for your Saudi Arabian car

Moving is stressful enough, let alone moving your pride and joy overseas with you. If anyone understands the process from start to finish, it’s us. At Keith Micheals, we have over 20 years of practice working with our trusted connections to safely import and export your vehicles — handling all the complexities for you.

We’re also best positioned to help you with your insurance policy the minute your car arrives — so you can get on the road as quickly as possible.

or call us on 0208 329 1150

Do Saudi Arabian Drivers Need to Apply for a UK Licence?

If you’re moving to the UK permanently — or planning to stay for more than a year — you’ll need to exchange your Saudi Arabian driver’s licence for a UK one. You can drive in the UK on a valid Saudi licence for up to 12 months from your arrival date. After that, you must apply for a UK licence to continue driving legally.

However, the UK does not currently have a driving licence exchange agreement with Saudi Arabia.

This means you’ll need to apply for a provisional UK licence and pass both the UK theory and practical driving tests to get a full UK licence.

To start the process, you’ll need to:

• Apply for a provisional licence through GOV.UK
• Book and pass the theory test
• Book and pass the practical driving test
• Once both tests are passed, you can apply for a full UK driving licence

What Do I Need to Do Before I Can Drive in the UK?

To drive in the UK coming from Saudi Arabia, you need a full, valid driving licence. If you have this, you need to make sure you’ve done the following steps before getting behind the wheel.

Firstly, you’ll need to enquire with a specialist insurance company about a policy to make sure you’re covered to drive.

Next, depending on whether you’re importing your car from Saudi Arabia or purchasing a car in the UK, you’ll need to establish the car’s roadworthiness.

You’ll need:

• A valid MOT certificate (this might come with the car, but you need to check it’s in date).
• 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 (make sure any convictions from your time in Saudi Arabia are disclosed)
• Paid road tax on the car

What Changes Do I Need to Make to My Saudi Arabian Car Before Importing to the UK?

You don’t need to modify or alter your car before shipping it from Saudi Arabia.

In fact, making changes beforehand could increase your insurance premium before you’ve even sorted the documents when it arrives. Any modifications like tinted windows or a custom exhaust — will still need to comply with UK road safety standards and legislation once the car arrives.

However, once your vehicle lands in the UK, you need to do the following within 14 days of arrival.

You must:

• Notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and pay any VAT and import duty owed.
• You may also need to complete an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) depending on the age and type of the car.

At the same time, you’ll need to inform the DVLA so that you can get your UK number plates issued.

Keep in mind that the registration process can take up to six weeks. Once you receive the plates, you’ll need to fit them to your vehicle before it can be legally driven on UK roads.

What Saudi Arabian Cars are Banned in the UK?

There are no specific cars or brands manufactured in Saudi Arabia that are banned in the UK. However, if you do import a vehicle over from Saudi Arabia and other nations, it must undergo thorough testing to be deemed road legal in the UK.

To ensure compliance, you’ll need to complete an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before it can be driven in the UK.

If the vehicle is found to have security faults, structural defects or modifications that don’t comply with safety criteria, you will need to fix them before submitting another application.

I am planning to import a modified car, can you assist?

Yes, we can help.

At Keith Michaels, we’re specialist import insurance providers and are dedicated to finding cover tailored to your unique needs.

We can help you with any imports and insurance — to coverage for track days, car meets, and other unique requirements.

We also provide insurance for a wide range of specialist vehicles, from supercars and modified ones to company vehicles and beyond. Whatever your circumstances, we’re committed to securing the best possible cover for you.

Can a Family Member Drive on My Policy?

Yes, a family member can drive on your policy, as long as they’re covered to do so. You can get a customised policy that lets you and any mentioned family members also drive your car in the UK.

It’s important to note that adding additional drivers can change the cost of your policy. For example, things like a poor driving history or convictions that another driver has can increase premiums. It might not be possible to add a family member onto your policy but always ask the insurer.

If you need temporary cover for friends and family, Keith Micheals can help.

We’ve partnered with TempCover, to help you access short-term policies for mini breaks and trips. Just bear in mind that anyone on the policy will also need to hold a valid licence to be considered for this option.

I Have a Good No Claims Discount with my Saudi Arabian Insurer. What happens to it?

Absolutely nothing. We’re one of the few UK insurers that accept no claims bonuses from international insurers — so your hard-earned discount won’t go to waste.

To make sure your no claims bonus is taken into account, you’ll need to provide a translated copy of evidence from your previous insurer in Saudi Arabia. When you speak with one of our team members, they’ll review your situation and guide you through the next steps.

Need to add a driver temporarily? No problem—it won’t affect your no claims bonus.