Imported Car Insurance
  • Access quotes from imported vehicle specialists
  • Cover options for grey imports, EU models and more
  • Options available for Japanese, European and US imports
  • Compare insurance quotes with one quick form

We partner with specialist insurance providers including

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1st UK Broking
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JB Brokers

Why use QuoteSearcher?

Importing a car can be exciting, especially if you’re passionate about models that aren’t commonly found on UK roads. However, arranging insurance for an imported vehicle can be more complex than insuring a standard UK model. Differences in standards, parts availability, and performance levels all contribute to how insurers assess risk.

We connect you with brokers experienced in arranging insurance for imported vehicles and who regularly work with imported vehicles of all kinds. By completing our short form, you’ll be introduced to specialists who can discuss your car, its origin, and how you plan to use it – helping you compare what different providers can offer.

FINDING SPECIALIST QUOTES SINCE 2005
Online for over 20 years matching customers with specialist brokers
FAST AND SIMPLE PROCESS, YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Complete one simple form to receive multiple quotes, let us do the leg work for you
SIT BACK AND RELAX, YOU’RE IN CONTROL
You compare the quotes and choose the policy that best suits your needs

Customer's Love Our Service

Quick quote, no hassle and saved £700!

Alfred Rooney

Fantastic can't fault in any way, would use time and again and recommend to all!

Alan Jones

Excellent and fast service, will use again.

Kevin Green

Quick helpful and cheap, can’t complain at anything. Thanks very much.

Mark Smith

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

Jackie Hunter

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

J Hale

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

Roy Halistones

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.

Shirley Dixon

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

Some providers offer options for vehicles imported directly from countries such as Japan, the EU, or the US. Learn more about Grey Import Cover.

Left Hand Drive Cover

Some brokers can explore insurance options for left-hand drive vehicles, depending on specification and use.

Specialist Repairs

Some providers take into account factors such as repair complexity for certain imports.

Q Plated Import Cars

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

Black sports car

Types of Cars Covered

The type of car you import plays a major role in how brokers assess risk and determine the type of cover available. Some imported cars are straightforward to insure, while others require more specialist expertise.

Grey Imports

Grey imports, often from Japan, are brought into the UK privately rather than through a manufacturer’s official distribution network. These vehicles may not meet UK or European regulations, so an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test may be required before cover can be arranged. Some providers may view these vehicles as higher risk due to availability of parts or performance characteristics.

Keeping the vehicle in a secure garage or monitored parking area may help reduce the likelihood of theft and could contribute to lower premiums, depending on the provider.

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.

Front view of imported car

Reducing Your Premium

Specialist brokers can help you explore ways to keep your premium manageable. Depending on the provider, options may include:

Limited or Agreed Mileage

If you only use your imported car for shows, exhibitions, or occasional weekend driving, some brokers may offer mileage-restricted policies. Lower annual mileage may be viewed as lower risk by some providers.

Choosing a Less Modified Vehicle

Cars with extensive performance or cosmetic modifications can attract higher premiums due to increased risk and higher repair costs. Models closer to factory specification may attract lower premiums with some insurers.

Secure Storage

Storing your vehicle safely – for example, in a locked garage – may support a lower premium, depending on the insurer’s criteria.

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.