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Imported Car Insurance

Compare Import Car Insurance Quotes - Fast, Easy, Reliable

  • Quotes from imported vehicle specialists
  • Cover available for grey and parallel imports
  • Options for Japanese, US and classic imports
  • One quick form to compare quotes
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We partner with specialist insurance providers including

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JB Brokers

Why use QuoteSearcher?

Importing a car is exciting, especially if you’ve gone for something you won’t see on every UK road. But insuring it isn’t always as simple as insuring a standard UK model, differences in standards, parts availability and performance all affect how insurers assess the risk.

We connect you with brokers who specialise in imported vehicles. Fill in one short form, and we’ll put you in touch with specialists who’ll ask about your car, where it’s from and how you plan to use it, then talk you through what’s available.

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Complete one simple form to receive multiple quotes, let us do the leg work for you
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You compare the quotes and choose the policy that best suits your needs
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Fantastic can't fault in any way, would use time and again and recommend to all!

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Found the site easy to use, had good feedback from four companies, all very competitive.

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Helpful and efficient service, I was impressed how quickly I received my quotes.

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Very quick responses and completed selection and purchase of a very competitive new policy within 24 hours.

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Very good and easy to use, this has not only saved me money but also saved me a lot of phone calls and time, thank you.

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Excellent service and delivered quicker than the website said. Have bought and will buy much more from here. Prices very competitive and often much cheaper. Yet to find something I want that they don't have.

David McGarry

Thought they were very good there was no need to ring around and I found what I was looking for.

Mrs M Hutson

Policy Features for Imported Car Insurance

Depending on the provider’s terms, an imported car insurance policy may include:

Cover for All Grey Imports

Options for vehicles imported directly from countries such as Japan or the US. Learn more about Grey Import Cover.

Left Hand Drive Cover

Insurance options for left-hand drive vehicles, depending on specification and use.

Specialist Repairs

Cover that takes into account the cost and complexity of repairing certain imports.

Q Plated Import Cars

If your vehicle has significant modifications or differs from factory standard, your broker may discuss Q plate options. Learn more about Q-Plated Import Cars.

Types of Cars Covered

The type of car you import affects how brokers assess risk and what cover is available. Some imports are straightforward to insure; others need more specialist expertise.

Grey Imports

Grey imports, often from Japan, come into the UK privately rather than through an official manufacturer distribution network. They may not meet UK or EU regulations, so an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test may be needed before cover can be arranged. Some providers see these as higher risk, due to parts availability or performance.

Parallel Imports

Parallel imports typically come from EU countries, with specifications that closely match UK models. Because these vehicles usually comply with EU safety and emissions standards, some providers may view them as less complex to insure.

Keeping your car in a secure garage or monitored parking area may help lower the risk of theft, and could support a lower premium.

Front view of imported car

Reducing Your Premium

A specialist broker can help you find ways to keep your imported car premium manageable:

  • Limited or agreed mileage : if your import is mainly for shows or weekend driving, some brokers offer mileage-restricted policies. Lower mileage may be seen as lower risk.
  • Choosing a less modified vehicle: heavy performance or cosmetic modifications can mean higher premiums. Cars closer to factory spec may cost less to insure.
  • Secure storage: keeping your car in a locked garage may support a lower premium, depending on the insurer.
white mustang
Cars parked next to each other

Frequently Asked Questions about Imported Car Insurance

    • Is imported car insurance more expensive?
      Insuring an imported car will often be more expensive due to the perceived increase in risk by brokers. Having said that, speaking with an import car insurance specialist will be somewhat of a safeguard against exorbitant costs.Importing a vehicle into the UK can be fraught with issues, so the last thing you want is issues with your insurance. You need to work with a broker you trust, and one that can offer you all the necessary import insurance policy features for the most competitive price.
    • What is a Q Plate?
      Imported cars are seen as non-standard by insurers, which means that these cars require a specialist type of cover regardless of whether it has been modified or not. If the vehicle has been modified from manufacture standard, it is likely to get a Q plate. The Q plate usually applies to kit cars and rebuilds, or any time when the age of the vehicle is not certain, due to the presence of non-original parts or a gap in its documented history.
    • Can I insure a car imported from Japan, or the US?
      It may be possible to insure vehicles imported from Japan or the US. Availability of cover depends on factors such as the vehicle’s origin, specifications, modifications, and whether it meets UK or EU standards. Brokers experienced in imported car insurance can discuss which providers may be willing to offer cover based on your vehicle’s details.
    • Do I need an IVA test for my imported car?
      Some grey imports, particularly vehicles imported from outside the EU such as Japan, may require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before they can be registered and insured in the UK. Whether an IVA is required depends on the vehicle and its compliance with UK standards. Brokers can explain how IVA requirements may affect insurance arrangements.
    • Can left-hand drive cars be insured in the UK?
      Some insurers may offer cover for left-hand drive vehicles, depending on the vehicle’s specification and how it is used. Availability varies by provider, and brokers experienced in imported car insurance can discuss which insurers may be able to offer quotes for left-hand drive models.
    • Will modifications affect my imported car insurance?
      Modifications, whether performance-related or cosmetic, can influence how insurers assess risk and price cover for imported vehicles. All changes from the manufacturer’s specification should be disclosed. Brokers can explain how different insurers may view modifications and what impact they could have on policy terms.
    • Can I get agreed value or limited mileage cover for imported cars?
      Some providers may offer agreed value cover or limited mileage options for imported vehicles, particularly if the car is used occasionally. Availability and terms vary by insurer, and brokers can explain which options may be available for your vehicle.
    • Are specialist repairs covered for imported cars?
      Some imported vehicles require specialist parts or repair facilities. Certain policies may include cover for these costs, depending on the insurer and the vehicle involved. Brokers can discuss which providers may offer cover for specialist repairs and any conditions that apply.
    • Can I include my imported car in a multi-car or family fleet policy?
      In some cases, imported vehicles may be included in a multi-car or family fleet policy. Eligibility depends on the insurer, the type of import, and how the vehicle is used. Brokers can discuss whether this option may be available and how it works.
    • How does storage affect imported car premiums?
      Where and how an imported vehicle is stored can influence how insurers assess risk. Secure storage, such as a locked garage or monitored parking area, may be viewed more favourably by some insurers. Brokers can explain which storage arrangements may be taken into account when assessing quotes.
    • Are all imported cars accepted by insurers?
      Not all imported vehicles are accepted by every insurer. Factors such as origin, compliance with UK standards, modifications, and repair costs can affect availability of cover. Brokers experienced in imported car insurance can discuss which providers may be willing to offer quotes based on your vehicle’s details.
    • How do I arrange insurance before my imported car arrives?
      In some situations, it may be possible to arrange insurance before an imported vehicle is registered or delivered. Requirements vary depending on the vehicle’s origin, registration status, and insurer. Brokers can explain how insurance may be arranged ahead of delivery and what information is required.