Hi Guys,

I'm having real trouble finding a solution to my problem! I'm heading over to Europe from Australia later this year, and have organised a potential loaner bike from a rather nice gentleman in the UK while I'm over there to tour around on (GB, France, Italy and Switzerland).

Unfortunately we've run into a problem with insurance. His insurance company won't insure his bike with me as a rider as I don't have a GB license. I'm fully licensed in Australia, and therefore legally able to rider the bike as a visitor in Europe, but not get insurance for it!

One suggestion has been to be a bit vague as to my visitor vs residency status in GB and swap my AU license for a GB one, thereby allowing me to get insurance. I've emailed the DVLA in GB and their response has been as you would expect, if you're not a 'resident' then you can't get a GB license. Though they do state:

"Visitors or residents are not defined in motoring legislation and the onus is on the driver to determine - and prove, if required - their status."

My concern with this approach is that should I require the insurance and they find out I'm not actually a GB resident (even though I might manage to get a GB license) they won't pay up. Thereby negating the concept of 'insurance'.

So I'd prefer to find a more legit option. Does any have any experience with getting a GB motorcycle insured for non-GB resident/licensed rider?

Thanks in advance for any help you might have!

Cheers,
Andrew