A sum of a large-dimensional random matrix polynomial and a fixed low-rank matrix polynomial is considered. The main assumption is that the resolvent of the random polynomial converges to some deterministic limit. A formula for the limit of the resolvent of the sum is derived, and the eigenvalues are localised. Four instances are considered: a low-rank matrix perturbed by the Wigner matrix, a product HX of a fixed diagonal matrix H and the Wigner matrix X and two special matrix polynomials of higher degree. The results are illustrated with various examples and numerical simulations.