Imported car insurance

A clear guide to insuring imported cars in GB

Imported car insurance covers vehicles brought into Great Britain from overseas. Getting it right matters because the risks, repair needs, and paperwork can differ from UK-market cars. Premiums vary by origin and whether the vehicle matches UK specifications. For context, average premiums have been lower for some US imports than for non-imported cars, while Japanese imports often sit at the higher end. These differences reflect parts availability, repair complexity, and the data insurers use to model risk.

If you are considering a parallel import - built to EU or UK specs but purchased abroad - insurers generally find these easier to assess and repair. That typically brings costs closer to UK-market vehicles. Grey imports - often from outside the EU and not built to UK spec - tend to be costlier to insure, partly due to specialist repairs and compliance checks such as the Individual Vehicle Approval test.

This guide sets out how cover works, who it suits, and the steps to take for safe, compliant protection. We focus on clarity, consumer protection, and realistic expectations. You will also find practical ways to cut costs, like documenting modifications, evidencing compliance, and considering usage-based policies if your imported car is driven infrequently.

The right insurer is as important as the right premium - aim for clear cover, verified compliance, and a repair network that understands imports.

No jargon, no hype. Just the facts you need to insure an imported car confidently and responsibly in Great Britain.

What is covered and how claims usually work

Most imported car policies mirror standard motor insurance categories: third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. Comprehensive typically covers accidental damage, fire, theft, vandalism, third party liability, and windscreen cover. However, with imports, the detail matters. Insurers assess the availability and cost of parts, specialist labour, and whether the car meets UK safety and emissions standards.

Exclusions can include undeclared modifications, track use, non-UK compliant lighting or emissions systems, and accessories not permanently fitted. Grey imports may require proof of compliance before full cover is offered. If your car has performance upgrades or unique electronics, the insurer may limit or price cover accordingly. For example, a Japanese import with aftermarket turbo modifications may face a higher excess or need a specialist repairer.

Claims typically follow a familiar flow: report the incident, confirm cover details, and arrange repairs through an approved network. With imports, insurers may need more time to source parts or to find a suitable repairer. If your cover is comprehensive, a courtesy car may be offered, but it is not always guaranteed for niche models. Keep service history and modification documentation handy, as it speeds up assessment and can reduce disputes.

Be clear on your responsibilities. Non-disclosure of modifications, mismatched tyres, or missing IVA documentation can delay or invalidate a claim. If in doubt, disclose it. Transparency protects you.

Who benefits from this cover - and who may not

Imported car insurance is a good fit for UK drivers who buy vehicles from overseas for value, specification, or rarity. Enthusiasts with Japanese or American models often seek specialist cover for higher-powered engines, unique trims, and bespoke electronics. Buyers of EU or UK-spec parallel imports may benefit from premiums closer to UK equivalents thanks to compatible parts and servicing.

It also suits drivers who need tailored add-ons, such as agreed value for classic imports, limited mileage for infrequently driven cars, or cover for aftermarket modifications. Owners willing to evidence compliance - IVA certificates, receipts for lighting conversions, emissions tests, and documented changes - generally achieve better terms.

If you are considering a standard UK-market model with identical spec and pricing, a mainstream policy might be simpler and cheaper. Likewise, if you plan to track the car or keep it off-road for restoration, a specialist motorsport or laid-up policy may be more appropriate than a conventional road policy.

Choosing your cover level and add-ons

1. Basic - Third Party Only

   • Protects against injury and damage you cause to others. No cover for your own car. Suitable only where vehicle value is low and you can self-fund repairs. Imports rarely suit TPO due to parts costs.

2. Mid - Third Party, Fire and Theft

   • Adds protection if the car is stolen or damaged by fire. Still no accidental damage cover for your vehicle. Useful for lower-value imports stored securely, or where theft risk is the primary concern.

3. Full - Comprehensive

   • Includes accidental damage to your car, plus fire, theft, and third party liability. More suitable for rare or higher-value imports and for those wanting access to specialist repair networks.

4. Agreed Value (optional add-on)

   • Locks a pre-agreed value if the car is written off. Helpful for rare trims or modified imports where market value is hard to verify.

5. Limited Mileage or Usage-Based

   • Premiums can reflect lower annual miles. Works well for weekend cars, classics, or high-performance imports driven sparingly.

6. Modifications Cover

   • Declared performance and cosmetic modifications insured on a like-for-like or cost-of-repair basis. Insurers may request dyno sheets or invoices.

7. Breakdown and Courtesy Car Upgrades

   • UK and European roadside assistance, recovery, and a suitable courtesy vehicle where available. Check for exclusions on specialist or left-hand-drive models.

8. Legal Expenses and Key Cover

   • Helps with uninsured loss recovery and replacement keys or locks. Read sub-limits and claim conditions carefully.

What it might cost and why prices vary

Prices are indicative and not guarantees. Insurers assess risk using parts availability, repair complexity, and claims history. Parallel imports are usually cheaper to insure than grey imports due to shared parts and clearer specifications. Post-Brexit, costs for EU imports have broadly remained stable, though future changes could affect pricing.

Who can apply and what insurers check

Most UK residents with a valid driving licence can apply, including those insuring left-hand-drive cars. Insurers typically ask for the V5C, proof of purchase, service history, IVA or equivalent compliance documents for grey imports, and evidence for any lighting, speedometer, or emissions changes. If the vehicle’s details do not appear on comparison sites, you may need to contact a specialist insurer directly.

Common reasons for decline include undeclared or unsafe modifications, outstanding recalls not addressed, failure to meet UK lighting or emissions standards, or a poor claims and conviction history. Some mainstream insurers do not cover grey imports at all. If your car is rare or significantly modified, a specialist provider with an established repair network can be essential for both acceptance and sensible pricing.

From quote to claim - the simple journey

1. Gather documents - V5C, IVA proof, invoices, and modification lists prepared.
2. Get quotes - include specialist providers if comparison sites miss your model.
3. Disclose everything - performance, cosmetic changes, left-hand drive, import route.
4. Choose cover level - compare comprehensive benefits and excesses carefully.
5. Confirm valuation - consider agreed value for rare or modified imports.
6. Buy the policy - check exclusions, repair networks, and courtesy car terms.
7. Keep records updated - service, parts, and new modifications documented promptly.
8. Claim promptly - report incidents, follow the approved repair process, keep receipts.

Advantages and drawbacks at a glance

Standout point: parallel imports are generally cheaper to insure than grey imports because specifications are easier to verify and parts are more accessible.

Key checks before you purchase

Read the policy wording in full, including exclusions and endorsements. Pay attention to the compulsory and voluntary excesses, how windscreen claims are treated, and any higher excesses for theft or performance models. Confirm limits on courtesy cars, audio equipment, modifications, and personal belongings. Check if left-hand-drive, grey import, or remapped vehicles require named repairers.

Establish how valuations work. If market value is used, consider whether agreed value better reflects your car. Verify renewal pricing practices, as discounts can change at renewal. Keep IVA certificates and evidence of lighting and speedometer conversions to prevent claim disputes. Finally, confirm whether mileage caps apply on limited-use or usage-based policies and the consequences of exceeding them.

Related cover that might fit better

1. Laid-up or SORN insurance - For non-road use during restoration or storage.
2. Classic car insurance - For older imports with agreed value and limited mileage.
3. GAP insurance - Covers the difference between settlement and finance balance.
4. Track day cover - For motorsport use that standard policies usually exclude.
5. Short-term insurance - For temporary cover while arranging long-term protection.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the difference between grey and parallel imports? A: Grey imports are built outside the UK and often not to UK spec, requiring compliance checks. Parallel imports match EU or UK specifications and generally share parts with UK models, reducing complexity and cost.

Q: Why are Japanese imports often more expensive to insure? A: Many have higher performance and unique electronics, pushing them into higher insurance groups. Parts can be harder to source, and repairs may need specialist knowledge, which increases premiums.

Q: Can I insure a modified import? A: Yes, but you must disclose all modifications. Insurers may request evidence like invoices or dyno sheets and could apply higher premiums or excesses depending on the change and its impact on risk.

Q: Will a usage-based policy save me money? A: It can if you drive infrequently. Pay-per-mile or limited mileage policies align cost with use, which suits weekend or collector imports. If mileage rises, savings may diminish.

Q: Do I need an IVA to get insured? A: Grey imports usually require evidence of compliance, often an IVA certificate. Without proof, some insurers will not provide cover or will limit it until compliance is confirmed.

Q: Are EU imports more expensive post-Brexit? A: For many drivers, costs have remained broadly stable so far. However, regulatory or trade changes could affect premiums in the future, so it is sensible to monitor developments.

Q: Why do some insurers decline imported cars? A: Not all have the repair networks or data needed for certain imports. Specialist insurers understand parts sourcing and risks better and are more likely to offer suitable terms.

What to do next

Compare quotes from both mainstream and specialist insurers. Gather documentation that proves compliance and lists any modifications before you apply. Consider usage-based options if you drive rarely and agreed value if your car is unique. Take your time, read the policy wording carefully, and choose the cover that clearly fits how you use the car.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Features, eligibility, and pricing vary by insurer. Always read the policy documents, endorsements, and exclusions in full and confirm details with the insurer before purchasing.