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  • Check out different policies to find the best car insurance for imported cars.
  • Get professional insurance for all types of imported vehicles.
  • Protect your import with customised car insurance plans.

Find the Right Cover for Your Imported Vehicle

Imported cars can be more expensive to insure. This is due to their special features, better performance, and the fact that finding replacement parts can be tough. However, there are ways to get affordable imported car insurance. You just need to compare quotes from insurers who understand how to cover imported cars.

What is an Imported Car?

An imported car is a vehicle made for use outside the UK and then brought into the UK. Imported cars mostly belong to three categories:

  • Parallel Imports - These are cars made for Europe that meet UK and EU standards.
  • Grey Imports - These are vehicles from outside Europe, such as Japan or the USA. They may need adjustments to follow UK road rules.
  • Personal Imports - These are vehicles bought by people overseas and brought to the UK.

Are Imported Cars More Expensive to Insure?

Imported cars often have higher insurance costs for several reasons:

  • Higher Repair Costs - Imported cars usually need special mechanics and hard-to-find parts. This can be expensive.
  • Increased Theft Risk - Some imported models might attract thieves more than others.
  • Higher Performance - Many imported cars offer better performance, which can lead to more accidents.
  • Limited Insurer Availability - Not every insurance company covers imported cars. This means fewer choices for drivers.

Estimated Cost of Imported Car Insurance

The table below displays the annual costs for various types of imported cars in the UK.

Import Type Estimated Annual Premium (UK, 2024)
Japanese import £1,329
Euro import UK spec £944
Euro import non-UK spec £760
US import £908

Prices can change based on your situation and the rules set by the insurer.

How to Get Insurance for an Imported Car

Getting car insurance for an imported vehicle is similar to getting car insurance in the UK. Still, you will need some additional documents.

Steps to Insure an Imported Car

  1. Check if Your Car is Registered - Make sure your vehicle is registered with the DVLA. It needs to have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).
  2. Gather Necessary Documents - Get your motor insurance certificate, MOT test certificate, and claim history ready.
  3. Get a Quote - Use an insurance comparison service to find the best car insurance deal.
  4. Choose the Right Level of Cover - Decide on the level of cover you need, like third-party, third-party with fire and theft, or comprehensive car insurance.
  5. Confirm Policy Details - Some insurers might want proof of any modifications or security features before giving you coverage.

Types of Cover Available for Imported Cars

Imported cars can have insurance options with various levels of coverage, just like UK cars.

  • Third-Party - This type helps pay for damage to vehicles belonging to other people. It does not cover your own vehicle.
  • Third-Party, Fire & Theft - This gives you extra protection. It covers fire damage and theft, as well as third-party liability.
  • Comprehensive Cover - This fully protects your vehicle. It covers accidents, theft, fire, and several other problems.
Types of Cover Available for Imported Cars

Documents Required for Imported Car Insurance

To insure an imported vehicle, you will need these items:

  • Proof of Ownership - This proves that you own the vehicle legally.
  • Vehicle Registration Document (V5C) - This is issued by the DVLA.
  • MOT Certificate - This checks if the car follows UK safety rules.
  • Claim History - This shows details about previous insurance claims.
  • Personal Driving Licence - This must be valid in the UK.

VAT and Duty on Imported Cars

When you bring a vehicle into the UK, you may have to pay VAT and customs duty. This depends on where you bought the car.

Import Location VAT & Duty Fees
Within the EU 20% VAT (if applicable)
Outside the EU 20% VAT + 10% Duty
Classic Cars (over 30 years old) 5% VAT

VAT and duty fees depend on the price and type of vehicle.

Temporary Car Insurance for Imports

If you have just brought a vehicle into the country and need coverage fast before getting a permanent policy, temporary car insurance is here to help. This kind of short-term coverage is good for many reasons. You can use it when moving your car from the port or while you wait for its complete registration.

Key Benefits of Temporary Import Car Insurance

  • Flexible coverage periods - You can choose insurance for one day or several months. It's perfect for short-term needs.
  • Immediate cover - Many companies offer quick policies. You can drive legally as soon as your car arrives.
  • Cost-effective for short-term use - If you only need insurance for a few weeks or months, temporary car insurance can be cheaper than an annual policy.
  • Avoids the need for full registration - Some temporary policies allow you to drive while waiting for DVLA approval and full UK registration.
  • Suitable for test drives and modifications - If you want to test a car or make changes before getting an annual policy, temporary coverage gives you flexibility without long-term commitments.

When Might You Need Temporary Import Car Insurance?

  • Driving home from the port or dealership - If your car just got to the UK, you might need short-term insurance to drive it home or to your garage.
  • Waiting for DVLA registration - Imported cars usually need extra paperwork like Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) before they can get full UK registration. Temporary insurance lets you drive while you complete this process.
  • Short-term vehicle use - If you are borrowing or testing an imported car before getting a long-term policy, short-term insurance gives you coverage without having to pay long-term.
  • Storage and limited use - Some owners of special or high-performance imported cars may only drive them occasionally. Instead of paying for a full yearly policy, temporary cover gives you insurance only when you really need it.

How to Get Temporary Insurance for an Imported Car

  • Provide information about the vehicle. Include its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and its import status.
  • Determine the level of cover you need. You can pick from third-party, third-party fire & theft, or comprehensive cover.
  • Ensure your car meets the insurer’s requirements. This means having the correct documents and following UK rules.
  • Compare quotes from insurers that offer temporary car insurance for imports. Not all companies cover imported vehicles.

Temporary car insurance is a good and cost-effective option for newly imported cars. It allows you to drive legally while you find a long-term insurance plan.

Reduce the Cost of Imported Car Insurance

How to Reduce the Cost of Imported Car Insurance

Imported car insurance can be expensive. However, there are ways to lower your costs.

  • Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers - Some companies focus on imported cars. They might offer better rates.
  • Increase Voluntary Excess - Picking a higher excess can help lower your monthly payments.
  • Improve Security Features - Adding immobilisers, alarms, or tracking devices can reduce the risk.
  • Join a Car Owners Club - Some clubs work with insurers to offer discounts.
  • Limit Annual Mileage - Driving less can mean cheaper insurance prices.

FAQs About Imported Car Insurance

Some regular insurance companies do not offer coverage for imported vehicles. This happens because repairs can cost more, and they need special parts. It is wise to search for insurance companies that focus on providing coverage for imported cars.

Imported cars often cost more. They have unique parts and can work better. This can create a higher risk for insurance. Because of this, there are fewer companies that offer coverage. This results in less competition.

Yes, but Japanese cars such as the Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra might cost more to insure. This is due to UK rules and the unique repairs they require.

You can save money by taking some simple steps. First, look for quotes from different providers to find the best deal. Second, consider raising your voluntary excess. Third, improve the security of your car. Finally, try to drive less to limit costs.

Yes, temporary imported car insurance can protect your vehicle for a short time. It is helpful while you wait for full registration or a long-term car insurance plan.

Some policies have breakdown cover as an extra choice, but it is not always part of the package. If you own a high-performance imported vehicle, you may need special breakdown cover. This way, you will get the proper help while on the road.

Yes, third-party insurance is the easiest type of cover for imported cars. Because imported cars usually have a higher value, many people select third-party, fire and theft, or comprehensive cover to feel safer.

Insurance for imported cars in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands varies by provider. Some insurers offer UK policies that include coverage for these places. However, others require a special policy just for imports. It is important to check what the policy covers in your area before making a purchase.

Yes, you can use a no claims discount (NCD) for imported car insurance. However, some insurers might lower the discount. They often view imported cars as a higher risk.

The number of miles you drive each year is important for your car insurance costs, especially for imported cars. More miles can lead to more accidents, which increases your premiums. However, driving less can help you find cheaper rates or special plans for limited mileage.

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Page last updated on: 17/03/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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