Car insurance for foreign national

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Mon 22 May 2006 20:55
Car insurance for foreign national - black_labrador
Hi, I'm trying to get a reasonable deal on insurance for my jeep and I'm having a hard time. My situation is rather complicated:
1. I am a foreign national now resident in the UK, back in my home country - Commonwealth of Dominica - I had a car, licence and insurance for 4 years; no claims were made and no criminal convictions. When I arrived in the UK 2 years ago I used my international drivers licence.
2. I had to re-sit tests in order to get UK licence - now that I'm resident - which I successfully passed 3 weeks ago.
3. I have just imported the jeep from Japan.
4. I'm 24 years old.
5. I can't insure the car under my wife's name as she doesn't drive.
My question is: should insurers take into consideration my clean slate back in Dominica, or does the clock start from the day I get my UK drivers licence? I really can't afford horrendous monthly payments. Any help much appreciated, cheers.
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Mon 22 May 2006 20:58
Car insurance for foreign national - No FM2R
>>should insurers take into consideration my clean slate back in Dominica

Yes although it could be referred to as an introductory discount rather than a no cliams bonus and you would possibly have to show some proof.

>>or does the clock start from the day I get my UK drivers licence

For no claims discount, no it does not. For introductory discount then it usually does.

Try the Norwich Union. My wife is a foreign national and until she had built up her UK record they were the most cooperative.
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Mon 22 May 2006 21:00
Car insurance for foreign national - black_labrador
Many thanks. What kind of proof - police certificate? Something from the preious insurer I guess.
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Mon 22 May 2006 21:02
Car insurance for foreign national - No FM2R
Call the Norwich Union first and see what they need. If they need something it will probably be a letter from an insurer in DR comfirming no incidents in x years.

If the system is similar to Chile, Brasil, etc. then explain that and produce a police report showing no accidents.

But, as I say, first check they actually need it.

M.
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Mon 22 May 2006 21:04
Car insurance for foreign national - black_labrador
I will, thank you; you've been very helpful.
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