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Imported vans are used by many people across the UK. A lot of tradespeople pick Japanese vans because they want better reliability. Catering and delivery drivers in the UK market often go for American vans. These vans offer more space and make loading equipment easier. Some owners also import commercial vans with high specifications from outside the UK market. These special vans are not sold here. There are other people who bring in European vans from the EU because they can get lower prices or better fuel efficiency.

When you bring in a van from outside the UK, it may be different from standard UK vans. Parts for these vans can cost more, and repairs may take longer. Some imported vans have powerful engines that are not sold in the UK. Because of these things, insurance companies treat imported vans differently. A standard insurance policy is not enough for imported vans.

Imported van insurance helps protect your van in its modified or imported condition, not just as a standard UK model. It covers accidents, theft, repairs, costly replacement parts, and legal costs if someone else is involved. With the right cover, you can drive your import on UK roads with peace of mind. A lot of import owners compare van insurance to make sure they get the correct level of protection at a fair price.

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What is imported van insurance and how does it work?

Imported van insurance is for vans that were not made for the UK market. It helps keep safe vans that come from other countries. These vans must be brought into the UK and be legal to drive here.

Insurance providers separate imports into two main types:

Type of Import What It Means Example Countries
Parallel imports Built for the EU market France, Germany, Spain, Italy
Grey imports Built outside the EU Japan, USA, Korea

Grey imports can cost more to insure because:

  • Repair costs are higher.
  • Specialist parts may be harder to get.
  • Some models have stronger engines and more power.
  • Some imports have a higher risk of theft.

Parallel imports are often more like UK specifications. They may also be a bit cheaper to insure.

Why does imported van insurance cost more than standard UK van insurance?

Van insurance costs go up when there is more risk and fixing things is harder. Imported vans can sometimes be tough to repair. It can also be more expensive to fix them if anything goes wrong.

Reasons costs can rise include:

  • It can take more time to get parts, and the price can be higher than for UK vans.
  • You need mechanics with special skills for repairs.
  • A few imported vans come with engines that have higher spec and offer more performance.
  • There is a higher risk of theft with some Japanese and American vans.
  • Labour costs can also be higher because the body or the electrics are different.

Average UK insurance price ranges (2024–2025):

Type of Van Typical Annual Cost
Standard UK van £650 – £1,050
Parallel imported van £900 – £1,450
Grey imported van £1,150 – £2,300
American commercial vans £1,350 – £2,600
Modified imported vans £1,200 – £2,750

Prices change based on the insurer. The way you drive and your driving past also matter. How many miles you drive each year, if you use your car for work, and what security the car has can all affect price. Where you live, like your postcode, is important too.

Why does imported van insurance cost more than standard UK van insurance?

What documents do you need to get imported van insurance in the UK?

For most imported vans to get insured, the insurance companies usually ask for:

  • UK registration number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Proof of date the UK registration took place
  • All import paperwork and which country the vehicle came from
  • Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) if it be needed
  • Model, engine size, and fuel used
  • Driving history with any claims and what discount you have
  • Details of business work if the car is used for business jobs

If the van has just come into the UK and is waiting for registration, some insurers can use the VIN for a short while. This is done before the UK number plates are given.

What does imported van insurance cover?

Imported van insurance gives you many of the same benefits you get with UK van insurance. But it also helps to cover work or parts for vans that come from outside UK.

Type of Cover What It Includes Best For
Third party Legal minimum — protects others only Basic legal requirement
Third party, fire and theft Third party + protection for fire or theft Vans with higher theft risk
Comprehensive cover Covers your van and others, including accidental damage Most imported vans

Comprehensive cover is a popular choice for imported vans. This is because repair costs for these vans can be high.

Does imported van insurance cover business use

Does imported van insurance cover business use?

Yes. Many imported vans are used for:

  • Trades and labour work
  • Parcel and goods delivery
  • Catering and mobile food
  • Campervan businesses
  • Specialist commercial services

If you use the imported van for paid work, you need:

  • Business van insurance — get this if you drive to different jobs.
  • Carriage of goods / hire and reward — get this if you deliver things to people.
  • Commercial van insurance — get this if you use your van mainly for your work.

A van insurance policy should fit how you use your van each day. If not, your claim may get turned down.

Get the right imported van insurance for you at the lowest price

What optional extras are useful for imported van owners?

Optional extras help protect the van and your income if any problems happen. They give you and your business some peace of mind if things go wrong.

Optional Extra What It Helps With
Breakdown cover Faster recovery to avoid lost work
Courtesy van Keeps business running during repairs
Transit / tools insurance Protects equipment carried in the van
Windscreen cover Useful for rare imported glass
Personal accident cover Support after serious injury
Legal expenses cover Helps with legal costs after an accident
Uninsured driver protection Keeps your claims discount safe

Owners who have imported vans often pick several extras. This is because repair costs for these vans are higher.

Are there any restrictions or exclusions with imported van insurance policies?

Yes. Imported van insurance often comes with some exclusions. The type of import, the insurer, and the country where it comes from can change what is covered. This happens because imported vans may not follow UK regulations. You may need an individual vehicle approval or an individual vehicle approval scheme if you want to use the van in the UK. Expensive repair costs are also common since these vans can cost more to fix than standard UK vehicles.

Common restrictions or exclusions include:

  • The cover you get for personal import vans that don’t meet UK safety or environmental standards may be limited.
  • If you have a van that was made from American cars or Japanese cars that now has better performance, you might pay a higher excess or get less cover.
  • Mainstream insurers may not offer many options for these vans, so usually specialist insurers give the cover.
  • If you do not say all the changes or upgrades the van has, the payout you get could be lower.
  • Your premium may go up if repairs take more time because some parts are hard to get.

Even with these limits, you can still insure vans that come from outside the country. Make sure you give full details about the van. Give the full import history too. You must include all this in the policy from the start.

How to reduce the cost of imported van insurance

You can still get a good price, even if the van comes from another country.

Ways to reduce costs include:

  • Make sure to give all details about the van the right way.
  • Put in alarms, immobilisers, or tracking devices.
  • Keep the van in a garage or a safe place.
  • Try to drive less miles in a year if you can.
  • Pick a voluntary excess that you can pay.
  • Pay your insurance once a year instead of every month.
  • Keep building your claims discount.
  • Look at imported van insurance quotes before you auto-renew.

Looking at quotes from more than one insurer is a good way to cut down insurance costs for imported vans. This way, you can see what they offer, and get the best deal for you.

FAQs About Imported Van Insurance

Often, this can be true. It may cost more to get repairs or replacement parts. This is especially the case with grey imports.

Yes. Some insurers in the UK can get your van insured with the vehicle identification number. You can use the vehicle identification number before UK plates are given.

Yes. Cover is there for Japanese imports. This includes Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda vans.

Yes, you can get insurance for American commercial vans. The price you pay is often higher because these vans have big engines and the repair costs are more.

Yes, you can if your van insurance policy includes business use in the wording.

Yes. You have to write down all changes. This helps stop issues if there are claims.

You can get insurance for campervans. The company may want to see photos of your campervan. They can also ask for details on what changes you have made. You may have to show proof of any safety features.

Some imported vans that are made outside the EU may need an IVA to be approved for use in the UK.

Some models have this feature. Security devices can help make your risk lower and may also lower the cost you pay.

Yes. Insurers do not set the same price on imports. That is why it is a good idea to compare van insurance quotes. This is one way to get the best deal.

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Page last updated on: 28/11/2025

Page reviewed by: Tim Bailey

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