Due to UK having higher costs of import car insurance than the US, learn how to get coverage, compare quotes, and save money as well as get reliable cover to imported vehicles.

Introduction

Purchasing an international car may be thrilling and gratifying. You do receive superior specifications, exclusive models and occasionally solemn worth of money. However, when the car comes, then it is time to face reality. You yet require insurance and that is where things usually become tricky.

Import car coverage is also more difficult to compare because it is more costly and hard to understand than conventional coverage. Most drivers end up stuck, over billed or wrong cover just because they do not know how the system works.

This manual simplifies it all in simple English. You will get to know all about imported vehicle cover, why the insurance companies charge it differently and how to get a policy that suits your car and your pocket without the hassle.

What Is Import Car Insurance?

Import car insurance is fundamentally a form of motor insurance, which is provided to vehicles, not originally made in the UK market.

The imported cars are not treated in the same manner by the insurers since they tend to have:

• Non-UK specifications
• Various safety or emission standards.
• Higher repair costs
• Components that are difficult to obtain.

Such variations bring ambiguity to the insurers, which influence pricing and availability.

Categories of Imported Cars and the reason why this counts.

Not everything that is imported is even treated. It is important to know the kind of cover you need by realizing what category your vehicle belongs to.

Grey Imports (Non-EU Vehicles)

Grey imports are usually non-EU imports. Typical examples are Japanese performance cars or the American muscle cars which do not have a counterpart in the UK.

The reason why they are viewed as more risky by insurers:

• Higher performance engines
• Limited UK repair data
• Specialized components and laborers.
• No typical UK based insurance group.

Niche providers of specialist import car insurance are almost invariably necessary on grey imports.

Parallel Imports (Vehicles EU)

Parallel imports are those cars that are produced in the EU market and are retailed outside the UK.

They are less difficult to insure since:

• They are compliant with the EU safety standards.
• Parts are more accessible
• There are usually UK equivalents.

Nonetheless, the insurers might charge higher than the normal UK cars, particularly when the car is left-hand-driven.

The reason why Import Car Insurance is more expensive.

The initial quote offered to many drivers startles them. The increased premiums have actual reasons.

Repair and Parts Costs

The imported cars may require foreign parts. It implies more time and more expenditure to repair.

Specialist Knowledge

Not all garages are able to work on imported cars. The specialist labour costs are taken into consideration by the insurers.

Limited Data

Claims data are important to the UK insurers. Not all imported cars would fit into the already existing risk models.

Theft Risk

Thieves may be more attracted to rare/high-performance imports, which forces premiums upward.

Which are the Available Cover Options?

Import car insurance also has various levels just as the standard policies.

Comprehensive Cover

This will provide the best form of protection and generally comprises:

• Damage to your vehicle
• Theft and vandalism
• Fire damage
• Third-party liability

It is usually necessary to finance or high valued imports.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

A cheaper alternative to the older or low-value imports. It covers:

• Damage to others
• Fire damage
• Theft

Your damage in the vehicle is not covered unless it is in fire or theft.

Third Party Only

This is the legal minimum but may hardly be appropriate with imported cars because there are financial implications involved.

Experts in Import Car Insurance.

Majority of mainstream insurers would never risk taking imported cars. And that is where experts are required.

In expert provision, the provider realizes:

• Grey import specifications
• Modified vehicles
• Left-hand-drive cars
• Performance upgrades

They can also insure vehicles prior to UK registration which many other standard insurers are unwilling to do.

Forms You will need to obtain insurance.

To apply to import car insurance you will require:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

VIN helps insurers to pinpoint specifications.

European Certificate of Conformity (Imports EU)

This will affirm the adherence to EU standards.

Non-EU Individuals Vehicle Approval.

Needed to demonstrate legality of roads in the UK.

Late quotes or delays are caused by the inability to have the paperwork done.

The Cost of Import Car Insurance: How to lower the cost of car insurance.

Although foreign cars will tend to cost more to insure, informed decisions will help a lot.

Improve Vehicle Security

• Thatcham-approved alarms
• Immobilisers
• Tracking devices

Extremely enhanced security reduces the premiums and theft risk.

Choose Secure Parking

Overnight garage facilities can save money tremendously.

Limit Annual Mileage

Less mileage will mean less risk. A lot of insurers do have discounted policies which can be used in limited cases.

Make Your Excess Voluntary.

The greater the excess, the lower the monthly premiums are, provided that you are able to pay it out in a claim.

Keep out of the Way of Unnecessary Modifications.

Premiums are raised quickly by performance mods. Minimal and announced changes.

Japanese Vehicle Import Car Insurance.

The UK is a very high demand of Japanese imports.

Pros:

• Reliable engineering
• High specifications
• Strong resale value

Cons:

• Performance-focused models
• Specialist repair needs

The best Japanese imports are normally provided by specialist import car insurance providers.

American Vehicle Import Car Insurance.

American imports tend to be:

• Larger
• Higher-powered
• More expensive to repair

Insurance cost can be very sensitive to parts availability and fuel consumption. Premiums are expected to be high unless the vehicle is old and not used frequently.

Temporary Import Car Insurance: Is it possible?

There is a restriction of temporary cover of imported vehicles.

Numerous short term insurers will not cover imports at all. In case you have to relocate or transfer to the car or just transfer to a niche car insurer.

Never buy unless you are sure you are eligible.

Modified Vehicle Import Car Insurance.

Most of the imported cars are factory or aftermarket adjusted.

The insurers will be interested to know about:

• Engine upgrades
• Suspension changes
• Body kits
• ECU tuning

The above policy can be declared invalid by undeclared modifications.

The consequences of Brexit on Import Car Insurance.

The elements of insurance pricing have not been altered by Brexit, but the paperwork has been affected.

Key points:

• UK-EU manufactured vehicles tariff-free.
• Safety standards that are still in use at EU.
• EU travel may require Green card insurance.

Your import car insurance company ought to recommend travel conditions.

Purchasing a Second Hand Imported Car.

Regulations on insurance remain unchanged regardless of whether car is fresh or not.

Before buying:

• Determine whether it is an import or not.
• Establish the presence of insurance.
• Get quotes in advance

This helps to avoid expensive surprises in the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• This is based on the assumption that standard insurers will quote.
• Failure to announce changes.
• Bypassing specialist comparison.
• Selecting cover on the basis of price.

Lowest cost policy is not necessarily the most secure.

Quote Comparison of Import Car Insurance.

Comparing quotes, do not just look at the price.

Check:

• Excess amounts
• Cover limits
• Parts replacement terms
• Specialist repair access

A modest increase in premium will be more beneficial in the long run.

Important or Necessary Import Car Insurance?

For many drivers, yes.

Imported cars offer:

• Better specifications
• Unique models
• Long-term value

Ownership with the right import car insurance can be cheap and tension free.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to get scared of insuring an imported vehicle. It all depends on the difference between how insurers perceive risk and how you select specialist providers and optimize your policy along with how you actually use your car.

Check, compare and invest in security. Properly done, import car insurance is simply a necessary addition to the list of things that can be handled when you own an automobile that one really loves.

FAQs Related to Import Car Insurance