How to Finance and Find the Right Car as an Expat Moving to the UK
Updated 07.10.2025
Relocating to the UK is no small feat—especially when you're doing it with family, pets, paperwork, and international logistics in tow. Among the many moving parts of a transatlantic or cross-continental move, few things are as practically necessary and surprisingly elusive as finding—and funding—a car.
It’s not simply about transport. A car is what gets the children to school on time, brings you to that first meeting at the new office, and helps turn the unfamiliar into the everyday. And yet, for many expats arriving in the UK, getting behind the wheel of a reliable car is far from straightforward.
That’s where Expat Car comes in—a quiet, well-established company that has been helping newcomers navigate the UK's car finance landscape for over 30 years.
How the Finance Process Works
Rather than rely on credit scores, Expat Car looks at the whole picture. If you're working with a reputable company that has a UK presence, have opened a UK bank account, and secured a residential address, you're well on your way.
Here's what you’ll need to provide:
A valid passport
Your driving licence (international versions are accepted)
UK employment contract or formal letter of assignment
A tenancy agreement
Confirmation of UK bank details
A recent utility bill or proof of address
With this documentation in place, Expat Car can arrange either PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or Lease deals for new cars, and PCP or HP (Hire Purchase) for used models. Most notably, these finance packages are not punitive—they match the rates available to UK citizens with strong credit records, rather than the inflated interest of sub-prime alternatives.
It’s a model that puts trust and fairness at the heart of mobility.
What Kind of Cars Are Available?
Expat Car offers immediate access to around 120 vehicles in stock, all carefully selected to be practical for UK roads and parking—an important consideration when many arriving from the US or Middle East are used to much larger vehicles.
Beyond the current inventory, they can source additional models from a national supply network, typically within seven days. Every car meets strict criteria: fewer than 50,000 miles on the clock and no older than six years at point of sale.
Their offering includes compact SUVs, versatile hatchbacks, and executive saloons—with all cars vetted for comfort, reliability, and suitability to British roads.
When Credit History Doesn’t Cross Borders
In the UK, car finance is tethered to a system that simply doesn’t recognise international history. Unlike some countries where global credit profiles are transferrable, British lenders rely solely on domestic credit reference agencies, which require three full years of UK-based financial data.
For newly arrived professionals, even with generous relocation packages and secure employment contracts, the lack of a UK credit file often leads to a swift and disheartening rejection when trying to lease or finance a vehicle. It’s a catch that leaves many expats stuck between costly short-term rentals or unsuitable, older cars paid in full up front.
Recognising this, Expat Car did something quite rare in the motor industry: they designed a process that works specifically for people like you.
A Tailored Solution for the Newly Arrived
Founded in Surrey to support US families relocating for the American international schools—ACS Cobham, Virginia Water (now Egham), and TASIS in Thorpe—Expat Car began as a vehicle supply service focused on practical, well-suited cars for overseas families. Over the decades, their services have expanded nationwide, and their clientele now includes expats of all nationalities settling across the UK.
But their most significant innovation came 15 years ago, when the company introduced a financing solution specifically designed for expats. Today, Expat Car remains the only company in the UK solely dedicated to helping newcomers secure vehicle finance without a UK credit history—removing one of the biggest barriers to settling in smoothly.
Practicalities Beyond the Purchase
The service doesn’t end when you sign the finance agreement. Expat Car understands that navigating the UK’s systems—road tax, registration, insurance—can feel like deciphering a secret code. That’s why they offer a suite of support services to get you road-ready:
Assistance with vehicle registration and UK road tax
Help setting up comprehensive insurance policies
Access to annual maintenance and MOT services
Flexible vehicle delivery options, including free delivery within the first 50 miles and affordable delivery beyond that
Even meet-and-greet at Heathrow, when schedules align
This is not a dealership that hands over the keys and waves you off. It’s a service partner that helps you settle in with calm and clarity.
Choosing the Right Car for British Life
Driving in the UK presents its own set of challenges—left-hand driving, narrower roads, smaller parking spaces, and more urban congestion than some are used to. This makes choosing the right car a vital decision, and one that Expat Car is well placed to guide.
“We often speak with families used to large American SUVs and suggest something more compact that’s easier to navigate through British villages or park outside London schools,” they explain. It’s advice that helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures a smoother transition to day-to-day life in the UK.
Their handpicked range is carefully matched to lifestyle needs. Whether you're relocating with a young family, commuting into a major city, or setting up a new business, there's a car that fits—not just in function, but in spirit.
Car Insurance Directory
Explore our Car Insurance Directory — a curated list of trusted UK insurers and brokers who welcome expat drivers.
The Expat Car Difference
Unlike larger leasing groups or finance providers, Expat Car focuses solely on expats—and that makes all the difference. Their process is personal, their services are precise, and their understanding of the relocation journey is unparalleled.
They don’t penalise newcomers for being new. Instead, they create a soft landing—so you can hit the ground running.
From sourcing and supplying the car to setting up tax and insurance, they work behind the scenes to ensure you don’t have to worry about the logistics. It’s this seamless, concierge-style service that has made them a trusted name among families and professionals relocating from all over the world.
Why It Matters
Among the many unknowns that come with international relocation, transportation is an often-overlooked but absolutely vital piece of the puzzle. It’s what allows you to build your new routine, explore your new surroundings, and feel at home faster.
Expat Car understands that a car is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a lifeline, a tool for independence, and a bridge between cultures.
The emotional impact of arriving in a new country can’t be underestimated—but neither can the relief of finding a company that truly understands your needs. Expat Car offers more than just car finance; they offer a reassuring sense of continuity and comfort during a time of big change.
So, whether you’re relocating to rural Sussex or setting up life in the suburbs of London, you can start your UK chapter with the confidence that your motoring needs are not only understood—but handled.
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