Imported Car Insurance | Foreign Car Insurance UK

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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, the EU, or the US?
  It may be possible to insure vehicles imported from Japan, the EU, 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.

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