car insurance with Cdn license? Any ideas?

heather
New Member



Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 7

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 9:37 am

 

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Hi,
I've been in London about a year (year and 3 days) and need to buy a car/get insurance for a new post I'm taking up in Cornwall (any Cdns down in Cornwall!?)

I'm having the darnest time sorting out insurance and the whole license thing and wonder if anyone might have more of a clue.

I understand Canada is a 'designated country' meaning our license is good to use here for a full year from the time of our LAST entry into the UK. (not from the 1st time you enter, like it is for our American friends). This is a bonus - since it would mean, if I was American, that I'd now be 3 days past the deadline for applying for the UK one thus needing to start from scratch with a giant 'L'provisional license.

Problem is, in using your Canadian license you are classed as a visitor not a resident. And my experience this minute is that NO ONE will insure a visitor on a car!

Does anyone know of an insurance company that will, or can offer other words of wisdom. Help and thank you!!

Heather

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Brenda
Super Member



Joined: 21 Feb 2004
Posts: 178
Location: Stirling

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:02 am

 

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I just asked my husband if it was possible to get insurance with a Canadian licence and he said.. "in Canada." I think he might be right.

The only thing I can think of is car rental agencies. They rent to foreigners so they must get insurance from somewhere. Check with them.

You may end up renting a car for a while.. you might have to trade in your licence.

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Deus
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 16 Sep 2004
Posts: 216
Location: Wrecsam

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 2:25 am

 

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trading in my license was the first thing I did. Easiest piece of british I.D I could get and then, wether you drive or not, you can get no-claim bonuses

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heather
New Member



Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 7

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:29 am

 

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Thanks for the advice. TUrns out AA will ensure on a Canadian license - not sure but suspect it might cost a little more but hopefully it will work.

If it doesn't, do you know what kind of hassle I face if I turn in my Canadian license and then at some point return to Canada? Am not planning to be here forever so don't want to be considered a complete newby when I go back - that test again - never if I can help it!

Thanks again,

- on another topic, anyone know of a reputable dealer for cheap used cars in London?

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kasta
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 36
Location: The MK Baby, The MK.

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 5:07 am

 

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All I know about trading in your license is that you can only trade in for an Automatic license and not a 'full' one.

I've debated whether to change or not.

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heather
New Member



Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 7

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:18 am

 

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Yes, I realize you can only drive an automatic - until you take a test to certify you can drive a manual transmission.

I was wondering though about returning to Canada, how much hassle is it to get a Canadian license again once you've given yours up while living in the UK? Definitely a factor in my decision as to whether to give it up/trade it in for a UK one while living over here.

Cheers

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kasta
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 36
Location: The MK Baby, The MK.

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:30 am

 

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That is why I haven't raded it in yet. I am not sure what happens... and there is no way I am going through that hell of graduated licensing in Ontario!
I missed it the first time 'round, I do not want to have to deal with it now.

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CanuckAbroad
Site Admin


Back in Victoria after living in Budapest

Joined: 04 Mar 2003
Posts: 482
Location: Victoria

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:55 am

 

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I'm pretty sure you just trade it in for a Canadian license at that point. You might have to do a road test, but that's probably it. It depends, I think each province has different arrangements with different countries.

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