International Licence Impound Insurance
What Is International Licence Impound Insurance?
International licence impound insurance is a specialist 30-day policy for drivers who hold a foreign driving licence and have had their vehicle seized in the UK. If you are a resident with an international or European driving licence, UK Sure provides affordable impound insurance so you can release your vehicle quickly. Your certificate includes a CID code, which is required by every UK police compound before they will hand your car back.
There is an important rule to understand: you can drive in the UK on a valid international licence for up to 12 months from the date you became a UK resident. After 12 months, your international licence is no longer valid for driving in the UK. If you have exceeded the 12-month period, you will need named driver impound insurance instead — where a qualified UK licence holder is added to your policy to collect the vehicle on your behalf.
Whether you are a recent arrival to the UK, a foreign student driving on your international licence, or a long-term resident whose licence validity has lapsed — UK Sure can find the right impound cover for your situation.
Get a quote online or call us on 01323 416706.
Why Our International Licence Impound Insurance
Important to Know
Key Features of Our International Licence Impound Insurance
International licence impound insurance is for drivers who hold a foreign or European driving licence and have had their vehicle seized in the UK. UK Sure covers EU, international, and non-UK licences with a same-day CID certificate.
EU & International Licences
We accept valid driving licences from most countries — European, international, and commonwealth licences included.
12-Month Rule Guidance
Our team advises whether your foreign licence is still valid for driving in the UK and which policy you need.
If you have been a UK resident for less than 12 months, you can use your international licence to get impound insurance. If you have exceeded the 12-month limit, UK Sure can arrange named driver impound insurance instead — where a qualified UK licence holder collects the vehicle on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I get impound insurance with a foreign driving licence?
Yes. UK Sure provides impound insurance for drivers holding international and European driving licences. You can get a quote online or call us on 01323 416706. Cover depends on your residency status and whether your international licence is still valid for driving in the UK.
2. Which international licences are accepted for impound insurance?
We accept valid international and European driving licences from most countries. The key requirement is that the licence must be valid for driving in the UK — meaning you have been a UK resident for less than 12 months, or you hold an EU licence with ongoing validity. If you are unsure, call us on 01323 416706 and our team will confirm.
3. What is the 12-month rule for international driving licences?
You can drive in the UK on a valid international driving licence for up to 12 months from the date you became a UK resident. After 12 months, your international licence is no longer valid for driving on UK roads. If you have exceeded this period and your car is impounded, you will need named driver impound insurance — where a qualified UK licence holder is added to your policy to collect the vehicle.
4. What if my international licence has expired in the UK?
If you have been a UK resident for more than 12 months, your international licence is no longer valid for driving. In this case, you cannot take out a standard impound policy. Instead, you will need named driver impound insurance — call us on 01323 416706 and we will arrange a policy with a qualified UK licence holder added as the named driver.
5. Do I need to exchange my foreign licence before getting impound cover?
No. You do not need to exchange your foreign licence to get impound insurance, provided you have been a UK resident for less than 12 months and your international licence is still valid. If you have exceeded 12 months, you should apply to exchange your licence through the DVLA, but in the meantime, named driver impound insurance can get your car released.