Import Car Insurance
Imported Vehicle Insurance
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What is import car insurance?
u003cp style=u0022text-align: left;u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eImport car insurance provides similar levels of coverage to u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insuranceu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003estandard car insuranceu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e. However, it is specialised to protect the higher risks that come with insuring imported cars. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eVehicles that have been manufactured outside the UK and are imported for personal use can be protected under these policies.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Why do imported cars need special insurance?
Imported cars come with different risks than standard UK vehicles. These will impact the type of insurance you’ll need, and how much it costs to insure an imported car. These risks include:
Limited availability of parts
In the event that your imported car needs repairs, your insurer will likely need to import parts too. These can be harder to source and come with high delivery costs, especially if they are travelling from as far as Japan or the USA.
Unique specifications
Imported vehicles can have unique features or modifications that aren’t standard in UK cars. These often impact the car’s performance, safety, or compatibility with UK roads. And these all need to be considered by insurers.
Compliance with UK regulations
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eSome imports, especially cars manufactured outside of Europe, might only meet UK safety or emissions standards if modified. Like with any modifications, these changes will affect insurance requirements. u003c/spanu003e
Higher theft risks
Many imported cars are?high-performance sports cars?or luxury vehicles, making them more desirable to thieves.
Specialist repair needs
Specialist mechanics might need to be sourced to make repairs to imported cars. This also raises repair costs which will be reflected in more expensive insurance costs.
Standard car insurance VS import car insurance
There are a few key differences between standard UK car insurance and import car insurance. It’s important to keep these in mind when comparing imported car insurance as they affect how you apply and what you might pay.
| Standard car insurance | Import car insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle assessment | With cars that are manufactured within UK standards, insurers can more easily evaluate their value, safety, and repair costs. | Insurers evaluate imported cars individually, considering their origin, specific modifications, and compliance with UK regulations. |
| Cost of repairs | Parts can be cheaper and more easily sourced and installed. | Parts could be more difficult and expensive to source or need specialist knowledge to install. |
| Policy pricing | Generally speaking, these cars have lower values and risk profiles than imported cars. And this is reflected in premium costs. | Higher values, more modifications, and associated risks can mean higher insurance costs. |
| Coverage options | Standard coverage options will usually offer sufficient cover to legally drive on UK roads. | Might need additional coverage or add-ons that protect the car’s increased risk. |
| Import car insurance providers | With more insurers to choose from, you could get a more competitive deal on insurance. | May require specialists who understand the complexities of insuring foreign cars. |
| Documentation needed | Only needs straightforward paperwork that is easily accessible if the vehicle is registered in the UK. | Might require additional documents, including import certificates or valuation reports. |
Types of imported cars and their insurance needs
Grey imports
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eGrey import insurance coversu003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e cars that have been imported from outside the EU. If you are looking for Japanese or u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAmerican import car insurance u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003especifically, these will come under this category. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThese cars can be left-hand drive and are often not built to UK specifications. This means you could need to make modifications or get additional documentation to drive and insure these cars in the UK. u003c/spanu003e
Parallel imports
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eParallel imports are cars that are imported from within the EU. Importantly, these can include cars from Japanese or US car companies that are manufactured within Europe for the European market.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThis is because they will still be made to meet the minimum requirements and specifications needed to be driven in the UK withoutu003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/modifiedu0022u003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ecar modificationu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e Therefore, parallel import cars will usually have lower insurance costs. u003c/spanu003e
Personal imports
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThese are cars that are imported without the involvement of a u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/motor-trade-insuranceu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003edealer or car import serviceu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e. There will be more paperwork involved for the individual importing the vehicle. But for insurance purposes, these can be either parallel or grey imports. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eYou might also consider u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/classic-car-insuranceu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eclassic car insuranceu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e options if the car is a particularly old model like a u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eCadillac Escaladeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e or u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eChevrolet Camarou003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e.u003c/spanu003e
How can I get the best Japanese import car insurance in the UK?
If you are?insuring a Japanese import?like the?Honda CRX?or a?Mazda Eunos, you’ll want the best cover for your investment. Finding Japanese import car insurance in the UK can be made easier by using a comparison service like ours. We match you with UK insurers who can cover your Japanese import, so you can compare policies, coverage and costs. This speeds up your search while still giving you a comprehensive understanding of what the market has to offer so you can make informed insurance decisions.
What does import vehicle insurance cover?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eYou’ll have the option of three main levels of coverage for import car insurance, including:u003c/spanu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/third-partyu0022u003eu003cbu003eThird-party coveru003c/bu003eu003c/au003e u003cbu003e-u003c/bu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e This is mandatory by UK law and only covers damage to others.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cbu003eThird party, theft and fire coveru003c/bu003eu003cbu003e – u003c/bu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eProtects against damage to others, and damage to your car from fire or theft only. u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/fully-comprehensiveu0022u003eu003cbu003eComprehensive coveru003c/bu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e – Offers the most comprehensive cover including damage to your imported car from theft, accidental damage, and fire.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eYou’ll also have the options of add-ons and additional coverage such asu003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/breakdown-coveru0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ebreakdown coveru003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e, u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/european-coveru0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eEuropean coveru003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e, additional drivers, and u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/driving-other-carsu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDOC insuranceu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e to name a few.u003c/spanu003e
How much is import car insurance?
The cost to insure imported cars varies even more widely than normal insurance premiums. This is because the cars are more likely to have unique origins, histories and modifications that all need to be factored into premiums. That is why it is more important than ever to get quotes from a large range of trusted UK insurers who have experience in insuring imported cars. By factoring in the unique risks of your car, insurers can tell you what you could pay.
Factors that affect the cost of import car insurance
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAny factor that affects the risk of an insurer covering your car will affect the cost of your insurance quote. This can include your record as a driver, the specifics of the car, and where or how you plan to drive it. u003c/spanu003e
How can I get cheap insurance for my imported car?
The high risks associated with imported cars could be offset somewhat in order to get cheaper import insurance quotes. Upgrading the car’s security, parking it on a private driveway or garage, or lowering your annual mileage could all contribute to lower insurance costs. Similarly, maintaining a good driving history, and increasing the excess on your policy could also keep costs low.
The benefits of comparing insurance for imported cars
How comparison sites can save you time and money
Using a comparison site simplifies the process of finding UK import insurance for a car. You only enter your details once but will get personalised quotes from several providers who can provide policies tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs.
Finding the right insurer for imported vehicles
Not all car insurers cover imported cars, so providers can be more difficult to find. We work with a vast network of over 130 insurance providers, so you don’t have to hunt down the specialists alone.
Avoid common mistakes when insuring an imported car
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eInsuring an imported car can be a little more tricky than getting your standard insurance. When u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://car-insurance.quotezone.co.uk/car/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ecomparing insurance for import cars with usu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e, we ask for all the right information so you can avoid mistakes like underinsuring, or invalidating coverage by not declaring things like modifications. u003c/spanu003e
Imported car insurance FAQs
Do imported cars cost more to insure?
Do imported cars need a vehicle identification number?
Are left-hand drive cars more expensive to insure?
Do I have to declare if my car is imported for car insurance?
Can I insure a Dodge Ram in the UK?
What happens if my imported car is modified?
Reviewed by: Greg Wilson
Founder & Insurance Expert
Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer
Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team
This content follows our Editorial Guidelines
Last Updated: 1 October 2025
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