Relocating to the UK from Qatar? We Take the Stress Out of UK Car Insurance
At Keith Michaels, we’ve been providing reliable and affordable expat car insurance for over 35 years. Whether you’re moving to the UK for good or on a long-term work trip, we’ll find you a policy that suits your needs, so you can enjoy miles of trouble-free driving.
No History of UK Car Insurance? No Worries
As a Qatari driver, you may not have UK-accepted car insurance. Don’t worry, we’ll ensure it won’t go against you by providing bespoke policies that enable you to legally drive on UK roads.
With vast experience and expertise in the expat car insurance market, we’ll assess your risk and find a policy that suits your specific needs. All that’s required is:
- A valid driving licence
- Full transparency about previous accidents or motoring convictions
- Details about the vehicle you want to insure
- Information about you and your driving status
If you’re moving to the UK, you may find that some high street insurance providers charge higher premiums or even refuse you a quote. As a specialist car insurance broker, we look at individual cases on their merit and locate policies for Qatari drivers who may not have any UK-accepted vehicle history.
Importing a Car from Qatar? Get Our Specialist Import Vehicle Insurance
Bringing your car with you to the UK? As a Qatari driver, you’ll need the right insurance to legally drive on UK roads. Our specialist import car insurance covers vehicles brought in from all around the world, including Qatar.
Leveraging our close connections in the vehicle import industry, we’ll find you cover that many mainstream insurers simply won’t match, nor indeed offer.
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 Your 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 Qatar to the UK
- Qatari residents with long-term work placements in the UK
- Vehicles imported from Qatar
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 a UK Car Insurance Quote
or call: 0208 329 1150
Qatar Immigrant & Long-Term Resident UK Car Insurance FAQs
Discover a selection of frequently asked questions about car insurance for Qatari drivers arriving in the UK.
As a Qatari, do I Need to Apply for a UK Driving Licence?
You’ll need to swap your Qatar driving licence for a UK version if:
- You’re applying for permanent UK residency
- Staying in the UK for more than 12 months
Can I Legally Drive in the UK on a Qatar Driving Licence?
Yes, you can legally drive on UK roads with a valid, in-date Qatar licence for up to 12 months from the date you became a UK resident. After that point, you’ll need to replace your Qatari licence with a UK driving licence.
Can I Exchange my Qatar Driving Licence for a UK One?
Unlike countries such as Canada and Australia, Qatar is not among the designated countries whose licences can be directly exchanged for a UK one without additional testing. Therefore, you’ll need to apply for a UK provisional licence and pass both the UK theory and practical driving test to obtain a full UK driving licence.
What Qatari Cars are Banned in the UK?
No specific cars are banned in the UK. But any imported car must pass a rigorous set of testing requirements that identify its roadworthiness.
You’ll need to complete an IVA test before driving your imported vehicle in the UK. This should highlight any safety or security faults that may be present, especially if the car has been modified. These issues will need to be rectified before the car is resubmitted for more testing.
In the UK, all domestic vehicles must pass safety tests. This includes checking lights and brake lights work and windows are mirrors and clean and fully functioning. Drivers face a vehicle defect rectification notice which gives you 14 days to fix any issues and prove this to the police.
I Want to Import a Modified Car. Can You Help?
Yes, as a specialist import insurance broker, we’ll work hard to find you a policy that meets your needs. Not only that, but we can also arrange track days for you and your modified vehicle
From modified cars to supercars and company vehicles, we’ll find a policy that meets your needs.
I’m Importing My Car from Qatar to the UK. What Changes Must I Make to the Vehicle?
You don’t need to change or modify your vehicle before it leaves Qatar. In fact, any changes you make could increase the price of your insurance policy. Not only that, but any modifications will need to comply with UK and road safety legislation. This could include:
- Tinted windows
- Modified exhaust
- Wheels
- Body kits
- Spoilers
- Vinyl wraps
- Colour changes
- And more…
If your imported car doesn’t comply with the UK’s road safety requirements, you’ll need to make the necessary changes when it arrives on UK soil to legally drive it on the country’s roads.
You must notify HM Revenue and Customs and pay any VAT and duty required within 14 days of your vehicle arriving from Qatar. You may also need to use the government’s individual vehicle approval (IVA) scheme to ensure your car meets the required legal standards.
Finally, you must notify the DVLA to get number plates made up for your imported car, which can take up to six weeks. When you receive your plates, you must attach them to your vehicle before driving on UK roads.
How Do I Apply for a UK Provisional Driving Licence?
You can obtain a UK provisional driving licence via GOV.UK. As a non-UK citizen, you’ll need the identity document you use to access your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you apply online, you should receive your provisional licence within one week, though it may take longer depending on any additional checks. It costs £34 to apply online, payable by debit or credit cards.
What Do I Need to Do Before I Can Drive in the UK?
If you’re leaving Qatar with a full driving licence, you’ll need to meet the following criteria to legally drive in the UK:
- Hold a full Qatar driving licence
- Contact a specialist insurance company about a suitable policy
- Prove the car’s roadworthiness (for both imported cars and those bought in the UK)
- Possess a valid MOT certificate if the car is 3 years old+)
- An IVA if imported and the DVLA requires one
- Register the car in your name
- Get a valid UK insurance policy with any driving convictions disclosed
- Pay road tax on the car
I Have a Good No Claims History in Qatar. Can I Use it in the UK?
We ensure that any good bank of time you’ve built up in Qatar can help you with your UK vehicle insurance. We’re among a handful of UK insurers that recognise foreign no claims bonuses from insurers from all over the world.
For us to consider your no claims bonus, you’ll need to provide evidence of it. Simply speak to one of our expat car insurance experts and we’ll discuss your situation.
You can also temporarily add someone to your insurance policy without it affecting your no claims bonus. Either way, we’ll ensure any no claims discount you’ve built up in Qatar won’t go to waste in the UK.
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. To be considered, they must be in possession of a valid driving licence.
