Import Car Insurance
Imported Vehicle Insurance
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Compare Car Insurance for Import Cars
What is import car insurance?
Import car insurance provides similar levels of coverage to standard car insurance. However, it is specialised to protect the higher risks that come with insuring imported cars. Vehicles that have been manufactured outside the UK and are imported for personal use can be protected under these policies.
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
Some 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.
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
Grey import insurance covers cars that have been imported from outside the EU. If you are looking for Japanese or American import car insurance specifically, these will come under this category.
These 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.
Parallel imports
Parallel 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.
This is because they will still be made to meet the minimum requirements and specifications needed to be driven in the UK without car modification. Therefore, parallel import cars will usually have lower insurance costs.
Personal imports
These are cars that are imported without the involvement of a dealer or car import service. There will be more paperwork involved for the individual importing the vehicle. But for insurance purposes, these can be either parallel or grey imports.
You might also consider classic car insurance options if the car is a particularly old model like a Cadillac Escalade or Chevrolet Camaro.
Q-plate imports
Q-plates are issued by the DVLA when a vehicle’s age or original identity cannot be verified, often older Japanese imports without clear build records. Cars on Q-plates can be harder to insure and sit in different insurance groups, as insurers treat them as non-standard until the chassis and import paperwork are confirmed. Providing the original shipping manifest, Japanese export certificate or an engineer’s report can help keep premiums down. See GOV.UK guidance on registering a vehicle with no papers.
How can I get the best Japanese import car insurance in the UK?
Japanese imports are among the most popular performance cars on UK roads. Late-90s JDM icons like the Nissan Skyline R33 and R34, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Evo, Subaru Impreza WRX and Honda Integra Type R sit alongside the Honda S2000, Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, Nissan 300ZX and 350Z. Because these cars were not built for the UK market, they tend to cost more to insure than equivalent UK-spec models. Parts are harder to source, JDM-only components often need shipping from Japan, and km/h speedometers usually need converting to mph before the DVLA will register the car (see GOV.UK: importing vehicles into the UK). For older Japanese imports where the manufacturer’s original date or identity cannot be proven, the DVLA may issue a Q-plate. This can affect the insurance group and which insurers will cover the car. Newer imports may need to pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to confirm they meet UK safety and emissions standards. Comparing Japanese import car insurance on Quotezone matches you with UK providers who specialise in JDM and grey imports, so you can see cover options and costs side by side. Quotezone compares policies from over 130 UK car insurance providers including specialist import insurers, and has helped more than 4 million UK customers find cover. Before you compare, have your chassis number, import type (grey, parallel or personal), modifications and storage details to hand. Insurers price Japanese imports on those factors more than on the model name alone.
What does import vehicle insurance cover?
You’ll have the option of three main levels of coverage for import car insurance, including:
- Third-party cover – This is mandatory by UK law and only covers damage to others.
- Third party, theft and fire cover – Protects against damage to others, and damage to your car from fire or theft only.
- Comprehensive cover – Offers the most comprehensive cover including damage to your imported car from theft, accidental damage, and fire.
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
Any 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.
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
Insuring an imported car can be a little more tricky than getting your standard insurance. When comparing insurance for import cars with us, we ask for all the right information so you can avoid mistakes like underinsuring, or invalidating coverage by not declaring things like modifications.
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?
Are Japanese import cars more expensive to insure than UK cars?
What is a Q-plate and how does it affect insurance?
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: 20 April 2026
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