Originally Posted by
MoreMilesPlease
Car insurance in the UK is different than the US.
In the US you essentially insure the car and anyone , with a few restrictions, are covered when driving that car. So I can let someone borrow my car for a few days and my insurance policy will cover them since I gave my permission for them to use the car. In the US I can hold the primary policy and just add a name on for a few extra dollars to use the car as a primary driver and this is perfectly acceptable.
In the UK you essentially insure a person using that car. The insurance covers the car for the named person that is driving that car. So the insurance does not necessarily cover anyone driving the car.
I know when himself goes back to NI to visit his mother, she calls and adds his name to the car policy for the time he will be there. He cannot drive her car otherwise and be covered under her policy.
Now I understand why when he was visiting in the US he wouldn't drive!! I tried to explain my insurance would cover it in event of an accident but he didn't understand. I will explain this to him.
I do apprecaite the responses. I am not about to commit fraud, was (wrongly) assuming he could cover me as a driver. Will be asking around more.
I don't even know the make, model or year of the car yet.
Apparently the big two expenses will be the insurance and petrol.
Does anyone know if my driving record from the US will be sufficient?
I won't be here longer than 6 mos, so the 1 year won't apply. I wish I could stay longer but will prob run out of money before then anyhow!
Stut- would love to meet you and Mrs. Stut sometime while I am here, and will take your advice and head to the coast. Already thinking a drive to Scotland is in order, too!