Imported Car Insurance
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Imported Car Insurance
Finding suitable imported car insurance can be more complicated than arranging cover for a standard UK-market vehicle. Imported cars can differ from UK models in their specification, valuation, parts availability, performance and repair requirements, so it is important to provide accurate details when arranging insurance.
At 1st Choice Insurance, we can help you explore insurance options for a wide range of imported vehicles. Whether you own a Japanese import, American import, European import, classic imported car, performance vehicle or modified import, our team can discuss your requirements and explore available cover through our panel of insurance providers.
The right policy will depend on your vehicle, how you use it, your driving history and other circumstances. We can help you understand the options available and arrange cover based on your individual requirements, subject to insurer criteria.
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What Is Imported Car Insurance?
Imported car insurance is motor insurance arranged for vehicles that were originally manufactured for a market outside the UK.
Imported vehicles can come from a variety of countries, including Japan, the USA and countries across Europe. They can include everything from everyday vehicles and classic cars to high-performance models and heavily modified enthusiast cars.
An imported vehicle may have different characteristics from an equivalent UK-market model, including:
- Different engine specifications
- Left- or right-hand drive
- Different safety or security specifications
- Non-standard equipment
- Different vehicle values
- Limited availability of replacement parts
- Specialist repair requirements
- Performance modifications
These factors can affect the insurance available and how an insurer assesses the vehicle.
Do I Need Specialist Insurance for an Imported Car?
Not every imported vehicle necessarily requires a policy specifically described as “specialist” insurance. However, some imported cars may fall outside the criteria of standard motor insurers.
This can be particularly relevant where a vehicle has:
- A non-standard specification
- A high market value
- Limited UK availability
- Performance modifications
- A rare or classic status
- Left-hand drive
- Specialist parts requirements
- An unusual valuation
If your imported car does not fit the criteria of a standard motor insurer, an insurer with experience of imported or specialist vehicles may be able to offer alternative options.
When arranging cover, it is important to provide accurate information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, specification, modifications, value and intended use.
Japanese Import Car Insurance
Japanese imports are popular among UK enthusiasts and can range from classic JDM vehicles to modern performance cars.
Japanese import car insurance can be relevant to vehicles from manufacturers including:
- Toyota
- Nissan
- Honda
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Mitsubishi
- Suzuki
- Lexus
Examples of popular Japanese imports include performance cars, 4x4s, classic vehicles and models that were not originally sold through the UK market.
The specification, engine size, modifications, vehicle value and availability of parts can all affect the insurance options available.
American Import Car Insurance
American imports can include classic American cars, muscle cars, modern performance vehicles, pickups and other models that were originally manufactured for the US market.
American vehicles may have different specifications from UK-market cars, including left-hand drive, engine configurations and vehicle dimensions.
American import car insurance can be arranged around the individual vehicle and how it is used.
When requesting a quotation, you may need to provide information such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, engine specification, value and any modifications.
European Import Car Insurance
Vehicles imported from European countries can also have different specifications from equivalent UK-market models.
Depending on the vehicle and country of origin, factors such as left-hand drive, specification, valuation and parts availability may need to be considered when arranging insurance.
European imported car insurance can be available for a range of vehicles, including performance, luxury, classic and everyday cars.
Classic Imported Car Insurance
Classic imported vehicles can have different insurance requirements from modern cars.
Their value may be influenced by factors such as:
- Condition
- Rarity
- Originality
- Restoration work
- Modifications
- Provenance
- Current market demand
If your imported classic has undergone restoration or has significant modifications, you should provide relevant information and supporting documentation when arranging cover.
Modified Imported Car Insurance
Many imported vehicles are modified after they arrive in the UK.
Modifications can include:
- Engine upgrades
- Turbochargers or superchargers
- Suspension changes
- Exhaust systems
- Wheels and tyres
- Body kits
- Brakes
- Interior modifications
- Performance upgrades
- Cosmetic modifications
It is important to declare modifications to your insurer. Undeclared modifications can affect your cover and may affect the handling of a claim.
Depending on the insurer, cover may be available for declared modifications.
Left-Hand Drive Imported Car Insurance
Many vehicles imported from Europe and the USA are left-hand drive.
Being left-hand drive does not automatically prevent a vehicle from being insured in the UK, although it can be a factor considered by insurers.
If you own a left-hand drive imported car, provide details of the vehicle’s steering position and country of origin when requesting a quote.
Imported Car Insurance for Rare & Unusual Vehicles
Some imported vehicles may have limited availability in the UK or be difficult to value using standard motor insurance rating criteria.
This can include:
- Rare imports
- Limited-production models
- Japanese classics
- American muscle cars
- European performance cars
- Collector vehicles
- Heavily modified imports
Depending on the vehicle, an insurer may request additional information such as photographs, valuations, purchase documentation or modification details.
Benefits of Imported Car Insurance
The appropriate insurance for an imported vehicle can provide a number of benefits depending on the policy selected.
Vehicle Valuation Options
Some imported or specialist vehicles can be difficult to value using standard UK market data. Depending on the insurer, agreed value or other valuation options may be available.
This can be particularly relevant for rare, classic or extensively modified vehicles.
Consideration of Imported Parts
Imported vehicles may require parts that are not readily available through the standard UK supply chain.
Depending on the policy, insurers may provide options relating to specialist or imported parts. The exact terms will vary between providers.
Cover for Declared Modifications
If your imported vehicle has been modified, some insurers can provide cover for declared modifications.
Always tell your insurer about modifications to ensure they can be considered when arranging your policy.
Cover for Different Types of Imported Vehicles
Imported car insurance can be available for a wide range of vehicles, including Japanese imports, American cars, European imports, classics, performance vehicles and modified cars.
Options for Limited-Use Vehicles
If your imported vehicle is not used every day, different insurance options may be available depending on how the vehicle is kept and used.
For example, some classic or enthusiast vehicles may only be driven for limited mileage or during certain periods.
What Does Imported Car Insurance Cover?
The exact cover available will depend on the policy you choose and the insurer’s terms.
Depending on your circumstances, imported car insurance can include:
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive motor insurance can provide cover for damage to your own vehicle as well as third-party liability, fire and theft, subject to the policy terms.
Additional features may also be available depending on the insurer.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft
This type of cover generally provides third-party liability protection alongside cover for loss or damage to your vehicle caused by specified fire or theft events.
Third-Party Liability
Third-party motor insurance provides cover for your legal liability to others arising from the use of the insured vehicle, subject to the policy terms.
Windscreen Cover
Some policies include windscreen cover, subject to the applicable excesses and conditions.
Courtesy Car
A courtesy car may be available under some policies following certain insured claims. The type of replacement vehicle and circumstances in which it is provided will vary.
European Driving Cover
Some policies may include or offer European driving cover.
The countries covered, duration and level of protection can vary, so check your policy before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imported Car Insurance
Can I insure a Japanese import in the UK?
Yes. Japanese imported vehicles can be insured in the UK, subject to insurer criteria.
The available cover will depend on factors such as the vehicle, specification, value, modifications, driver and intended use.
Do I need specialist insurance for an imported car?
Not necessarily. Some imported vehicles can be insured through standard motor insurance, while others may fall outside standard insurer criteria.
If your vehicle has unusual specifications, modifications, a high value or other characteristics that make it different from a typical UK-market vehicle, specialist or non-standard insurance options may be available.
Can I insure a modified imported car?
Yes, modified imported cars can be insured, subject to insurer criteria.
All modifications should be declared when arranging your insurance so that the insurer can consider them.
Can I insure a left-hand drive imported car?
Yes. Left-hand drive vehicles can be insured in the UK, subject to insurer criteria.
This is particularly relevant to vehicles imported from countries such as the USA and many European countries.
Can I insure an imported classic car?
Yes. Imported classic cars can be insured depending on the vehicle and insurer criteria.
Factors such as condition, value, restoration, modifications, mileage and intended use may be considered.
Can I get insurance for a high-performance imported car?
Yes. High-performance imported vehicles can be insured, subject to insurer criteria.
The insurer may consider the vehicle’s engine size, performance, modifications, value, driver and intended use.
Can I insure an imported car that is not used every day?
Potentially. If your imported car is used occasionally, for leisure purposes or for a limited annual mileage, different insurance options may be available.
Make sure you provide accurate details about how and when the vehicle is used.
Can I drive my imported car in Europe?
Some UK motor policies include European driving cover, while others may offer it as an extension.
Check your policy before travelling to ensure you have the appropriate cover for the countries you plan to visit.
What documents do I need to insure an imported car?
The information required will vary between insurers. You may be asked for details about the vehicle’s specification, value, modifications and history.
For rare or specialist vehicles, photographs, valuation documents, receipts or other supporting information may also be requested.
Can I insure an imported car before it is registered in the UK?
Insurance may be available depending on the circumstances and insurer. The information required will depend on the vehicle and the stage of the import and registration process.
Speak to our team about your vehicle before arranging cover.
How quickly can imported car insurance be arranged?
Imported car insurance can sometimes be arranged quickly once the insurer has all the required information and is satisfied with the risk.
The time required will depend on the vehicle and whether additional information or documentation is needed.
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