We can't insure non-UK residents
If the person you want to add to your policy as an additional driver is not a UK resident—meaning they’re only visiting or on holiday—we won't be able to cover them. This rule applies whether they’re staying for a few days, weeks, or even a few months.
Who is considered a UK resident?
At Marshmallow, we define a UK resident differently from the government's definition. Here's our criteria:
To qualify as a UK resident, the driver must:
Live in the UK with the intent to settle permanently, not just for a short stay or visit
Have a permanent UK address
Spend at least 183 days per year in the UK (that’s more than half the year)
This means we can insure people who have just moved to the UK intending to live here permanently, even if they’ve only recently arrived.
Note: Being a UK resident is not the same as being a UK citizen. We’re happy to cover non-citizens—as long as they meet the residency requirements.
What if they’re visiting from abroad?
We understand that some customers may want to add a friend or family member visiting from another country. However, we can’t provide temporary cover for non-residents.
Here are a few things to consider:
They won’t be eligible for cover, even if they have an international or EU driving licence.
Other insurers may offer temporary cover for short visits—this could be worth exploring if you need this type of insurance.
Be cautious of misrepresenting someone's residency status. If a policyholder falsely claims someone is a UK resident, the policy may be voided and claims could be declined.