Hi everyone,

I've been searching the HUBB and haven't been able to find the info I'm after. If any one can point me to it please do!

Im an australian looking to purchase a bike in the UK and ride it around europe for the next 12 months (could be anywhere else in europe if ktms are as cheap and registering is easier). I understand that to be leagal on the road that the bike must remain registered and insured in the country of origin...eg UK. after this time I'll consider importing it into Norway permanently (where i will work...yes i know that part will be pricey)

Is there a way that i can register the bike in the UK if i don't have a real address (can i just use a hotel address?). If so will i need to prove this address is mine by way of utilities/phone bills etc?

Can tourists get the appropriate insurance for registration purposes? will this cover me if (touch wood) i have an accident and injure someone/myself/damage property/damage the bike?

FWIW I dont really know any one that i can ask to use their address in the UK for registration purposes but I'm sure I'm not the first person trying to do this.


Many thanks for all your input

you will need an address to register the bike to .the V5 ( bike papers) will be sent there from the DVLA. and you insurance papers will be sent there . it can take up to 4 weeks for the V5 to be put into your name and sent back to you . i would recomend phoning a few insurance firms as i think they dont like non Uk driving licence and passport .it could get expencive but then what ant in england. good luck

Thanks for the innput Kito.

So far...the dealer i want to buy from (its a used bike) has very kindly offered to let me register the bike to his companies address.

The problem is i have been told by no less than 7 UK insurance companies and the British Insurance Brokers Association that i cant get insurance for registration purposes as im not a resident of the UK.

I called Alessie insurance (Dutch) to see what the could offer. They offer green card 3rd party liability insurance to cover me while outside the UK. They said they can even possibly offer 1 day or so cover while in the UK to allow me to be covered while i ride to the tunnel to france. However after a few more enquires with the DVLA I learned that any insurer (for UK registration ie compulsory third party) must be registered on the UK MIB register (Motor Insurance Bureau). I checked with the MIB and unfortunately Alessie (who sell AXA germay insurance) are not listed.

I assume that if i were to try my luck and take out Alessie insurance and try registering the bike in my name that the policy would be detected and rejected. Does any one know if this is unlikely ( would the DVLA check that the policy is listed on the MIB??)

Ive seen tons of tourists in australia buy cars and drive around the country (which involves compulsory 3rd part insurance for rego). Why tourists cant do the same in the UK is very strange and a real PIA!!

I guess its time to start investigating Germany as an option.

Hi mate,

Heres a thread here on ADV about getting insurance in the UK for a tourist;

Ozzie seeking insurance help - ADVrider


Hope this helps!