Insurance on a UK licence?

bitofabind

Hi all,

I wanted to see if anyone was in the same predicament / has more knowledge than me here. I live in London, and will soon return to Ireland permanently. I've just bought a car, and will need to be on the road within the next month once I come back (and quarantine, etc)

I exchanged my Irish license for a UK one in 2016, wasn't a regular driver over here and only used it for sporadic rentals. Got my Irish license in 2010 and that's also when I left the country. Given the recent purchase and impending move, I've been sussing out insurance options, called two brokers and was told I can only be insured once I'm back on an Irish license. Told me flat out insurance on a UK license is impossible.

Is this the case now? Brexit means no cover for UK license holders?

SCOOP 64

Moved to Ireland in 2003 with a uk licence had every intention of keeping it wasn't a problem until Brexit,but had to change to a Irish licence in November because from 1st January a uk licence would not be valid here so afraid it is the case.
Only last move my work asked me" you have changed your licence to a Irish one haven't you because out insurance is up for renewal".

punisher5112

Is it an Irish car or on UK plates?

Insure in the UK if a UK car and come over and then change licence.

You can still exchange the licence but if living in Ireland and no permanent address in the UK you will not get Irish insurance.

athlone573

Pre brexit I had no problem getting insurance on a UK licence. (and on UK cars for a few weeks while they were being reregistered)

Losing all my UK NCB was annoying though.

Its a bit of a catch 22 as you can't change your licence over until you have an Irish address,but I really don't see a few weeks as being a problem.

Another maybe more important consideration is VRT. Previously you need to have owned and used a vehicle for six months in the UK before you can bring it with you VRT free. I'm not sure on the post brexit situation.

tcawley29

Are foreign licenses not covered for your first 12 months back in the country?

It probably won't be cheap but you should be able to get cover

punisher5112

tcawley29 wrote: »

Are foreign licenses not covered for your first 12 months back in the country?

It probably won't be cheap but you should be able to get cover

No

athlone573

For how long will your UK policy cover you after you enter Ireland?

I'm guessing it will do you for the few weeks it will take to get your licence converted

Although it might take longer if NDLS Ireland are fussy about proofs of address.

tcawley29

punisher5112 wrote: »

No

I was partially right anyways. Turns out it's only for a temporary visit though.

punisher5112

tcawley29 wrote: »

I was partially right anyways. Turns out it's only for a temporary visit though.

Yes but if living here as your main residence then no....
If you still had your home in the UK then that's different.