Import Car Insurance
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Why Compare Import Car Insurance at SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Import car insurance isn’t just about finding cover—it’s about finding insurers who understand your vehicle’s origin, spec, and true value.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, we’ve partnered with Quotezone to give you fast access to specialist insurers who deal with Japanese, American, European, and custom-imported cars daily.
Standard UK insurers often struggle to price imported cars accurately. They may lack data on performance, emissions, or repair costs—leading to inflated premiums or missing features. That’s why using a panel of specialist providers matters. With SimplyQuote, you can compare quotes from over 120 UK insurers, including those with proven experience insuring grey imports, left-hand drive vehicles, and non-standard models.
Instead of phoning around or re-explaining your car’s history each time, you’ll get side-by-side quotes showing price, cover level, and included extras—tailored to your specific import. Whether you’ve brought in a JDM sports car, a US pick-up truck, or a rare European saloon, you’re more likely to find fair pricing and suitable terms when you compare with the right specialists.
It’s fast, it’s accurate, and it’s built for drivers who’ve chosen something different.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a quote for import car insurance, you’ll need to provide some key details about your vehicle’s origin, specification, and usage.
Because imported vehicles often sit outside standard UK spec, insurers need extra info to assess risk accurately.
Here’s what you’ll typically be asked to provide:
- Your personal information: Name, postcode, age, driving history, and occupation.
- Vehicle origin: Where the car was manufactured and where it was imported from (e.g. Japan, US, Europe).
- Import type: Whether the vehicle is a parallel import (built to EU spec) or a grey import (non-EU spec, often with modifications).
- Car details: Make, model, engine size, year of manufacture, registration (if UK-registered yet), and any modifications.
- Approval status: Whether the car has Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or IVA certification, proving roadworthiness in the UK.
- Usage and parking: How you plan to use the car (social, commuting, business), where it’s kept overnight, and expected mileage.
- Previous claims or convictions: Just like any other car insurance policy.
You don’t need to upload any documentation during the quote process, but you’ll need to input accurate details—especially regarding the car’s origin and compliance with UK regulations. If the vehicle isn’t yet UK-registered, some insurers may still quote provisionally, but availability will be limited.
The more accurate you are upfront, the better your chance of finding a provider who understands your vehicle—and can offer meaningful cover at a fair rate.
Why Do I Need Import Car Insurance Cover?
Import car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s essential for protecting vehicles that fall outside UK manufacturing standards.
Whether it’s a grey import from Japan or a left-hand drive model from the US, standard car insurance may not provide the cover you need.
Imported vehicles can differ significantly from UK-spec cars. They might lack compatible safety ratings, have non-standard parts, or include performance modifications. Many insurers either won’t quote for them—or will do so at inflated rates—because they can’t reliably assess the risk.
For example, if your imported car has a non-UK VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), hasn’t been through an SVA or IVA approval process, or was built for a different emissions or crash safety regime, you could face cover refusals or claim disputes. Even seemingly minor differences—like a left-hand drive steering column or a non-EU headlamp alignment—can complicate claims or repairs.
Insuring through a provider that understands import models ensures that things like specialist parts, custom paintwork, and rare trims are valued correctly. It also helps when it comes to recovery, repairs, or settling disputes after an accident—especially if your car’s value isn’t easily found in UK pricing databases.
In short, if your car didn’t roll off a UK showroom floor, you need insurance that doesn’t assume it did.
Looking for import car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Import Car Insurance Cover Include?
Import car insurance typically includes the same core cover levels as standard UK car insurance—Third Party Only, Third Party Fire and Theft, and Comprehensive—but with added attention to the unique risks associated with imported vehicles.
If you choose a comprehensive policy (which most import owners do), here’s what’s generally included:
- Third party liability – Covers injury to others or damage to their property.
- Fire and theft cover – Protection if the vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Own vehicle damage – Even if you’re at fault in an accident.
- Cover for specialist parts – Policies that cater to imports often extend to hard-to-source parts or factory-unique fittings, like JDM alloy wheels or non-EU electronics.
- Paint and trim protection – Especially for unique colour codes not commonly available in the UK.
- Windscreen, glass, and bodywork cover – Important if you’re driving a left-hand drive vehicle or one with rare panels.
Some providers will also offer:
- Breakdown cover suitable for non-standard engines
- Agreed value insurance – If your import has been modified or is particularly rare, this ensures it’s insured for its true market value rather than an automated UK estimate.
- Courtesy car (right-hand drive by default) – If your imported vehicle is left-hand drive, some insurers offer suitable courtesy replacements, or at least flag that they won’t.
The key benefit of a specialist policy isn’t just what’s included—it’s how claims are handled. Mainstream insurers may undervalue imported cars or delay claims due to unavailable parts or lack of model knowledge. Specialist cover helps avoid those delays and missteps.
What’s Not Included?
Even with a comprehensive import car insurance policy, there are key exclusions you’ll want to watch for—especially when it comes to non-disclosed modifications, undocumented vehicles, or grey areas in usage.
Import insurance covers a lot—but not everything. And with specialist vehicles, the risks of misunderstanding or omission are higher. Common exclusions include:
- Undeclared modifications – If your imported car has non-standard wheels, engine tuning, or cosmetic changes that weren’t disclosed, your insurer may reject claims—even if the mods were present when you bought it.
- Lack of UK compliance – If your car hasn’t passed a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or IVA test, or doesn’t meet UK safety/emissions standards, most insurers won’t cover it.
- Wear and tear or mechanical faults – Standard exclusions apply. Electrical issues, battery failure, or transmission problems aren’t typically covered unless paired with a warranty or breakdown plan.
- Incorrect usage type – Declaring your vehicle for personal use but then using it for business, courier work, or track days? That’s likely grounds for claim refusal.
- Driving outside geographical limits – Some policies exclude EU or international driving unless added separately. This can catch out owners of Japanese or US imports used for long trips abroad.
- Unlisted drivers or “fronting” – Like any policy, if someone else regularly drives the car but isn’t listed—or is wrongly listed as a named driver—you could void your cover entirely.
With imported vehicles, policy wording matters more than ever. Some insurers explicitly exclude components that are “non-standard to the UK market,” which might include your stereo, dashboard, or security system. Always ask or check before assuming you’re covered.
How Much Does Import Car Insurance Cost?
Import car insurance in the UK typically costs more than standard cover—ranging anywhere from £600 to over £2,000 per year—depending on the vehicle’s origin, value, and spec.
That price reflects the increased complexity around repairs, parts availability, and valuation.
Insurers often treat imported cars as higher risk—not necessarily because of how they’re driven, but because:
- Parts can be harder to source or more expensive.
- Technical data may be incomplete or missing.
- Repairs might require specialist garages or non-standard equipment.
That said, not all imports are treated equally. Here’s what affects the cost most:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Import Type | Grey imports (non-EU spec) are usually more expensive to insure than parallel imports. |
| Left-hand vs right-hand drive | LHD vehicles often cost more to insure due to perceived risk and claim complexity. |
| Performance | High-performance imports like JDM sports cars attract higher premiums. |
| Availability of parts | The rarer the parts, the more expensive the policy. |
| Repair network | Cars needing a specialist garage or custom tools may cost more to cover. |
| Approval status | Cars without an IVA/SVA certificate may be refused cover entirely—or quoted at a higher rate. |
| Location and storage | Where you live and whether the vehicle is garaged or kept on-street will significantly impact cost. |
For example, a standard parallel import like a left-hand drive VW Golf from Germany might be quoted around £700/year, whereas a JDM-imported Nissan Skyline with mods could easily exceed £1,800 per year.
And if your vehicle is rare, modified, or not yet UK-registered, it’s even more important to compare specialist insurers—because mainstream ones may not quote at all, or offer cover that doesn’t reflect the car’s value.
How Can I Save Money On Import Car Insurance?
You can lower the cost of import car insurance by choosing a lower-risk vehicle, accurately declaring modifications, using agreed value policies wisely, and comparing quotes from specialist providers.
The goal isn’t just to reduce price—it’s to avoid paying for cover that doesn’t fit your car.
Imported vehicles tend to attract higher premiums, but there are legitimate ways to bring those costs down:
Practical ways to reduce your premium
Choose a parallel import where possible
Vehicles built to EU spec are easier for insurers to rate and repair, making them cheaper to cover than grey imports.
Avoid unnecessary modifications
JDM alloys or performance chips might look good, but even cosmetic mods can hike up premiums—or worse, invalidate cover if undeclared.
Secure your vehicle
Garaging the car overnight, adding a tracker or Thatcham-approved alarm, or fitting a dashcam can all reduce risk (and price).
Limit your mileage
If you only use the vehicle for shows, weekends, or seasonal driving, opt for a limited mileage policy. Insurers will price based on usage bands.
Consider agreed value cover
If your vehicle has been restored or holds enthusiast value, getting a policy with an agreed valuation can help avoid being underpaid in a total loss—but don’t overinflate it, as premiums rise accordingly.
Use a specialist insurer
Some mainstream providers will quote—but that doesn’t mean they’ll quote well. Specialist brokers understand the true risk profile and often offer fairer pricing on like-for-like policies.
Saving money with an import is about strategy. Instead of defaulting to the cheapest quote, look at the detail—what’s covered, what’s not, and whether the insurer truly understands your car.
How To Compare Import Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing import car insurance at SimplyQuote.co.uk takes minutes—and gives you access to insurers who understand the unique requirements of non-standard vehicles.
No need to chase brokers or fill out the same form over and over.
Here’s how the process works:
- Enter your basic details
Start by entering your age, address, and licence history. This helps shape quotes around your driving profile. - Tell us about the vehicle
Input the make, model, year of manufacture, and whether it’s a grey or parallel import. You can also note left-hand drive, mods, or if the vehicle has passed IVA/SVA. - Select your cover level
Choose between Third Party Only, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive. You’ll also have options to add extras like agreed value cover, breakdown, or legal expenses. - Review tailored quotes
View a selection of quotes from UK insurers who cover imported vehicles. Compare prices, excesses, features, and insurer reputation—all in one place. - Click through to buy
When you’ve found a quote that fits, you’ll be redirected to the insurer’s site to complete the purchase. You’re free to revisit quotes or compare again later if needed.
What sets SimplyQuote apart is the filtering—unlike many comparison sites, it’s optimised for vehicle-specific nuances. Whether your import is a rare classic, a modified JDM, or a fresh parallel EU model, the process is designed to cut through noise and find insurers who actually want your business.
*51% of consumers could save £515.24 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next six cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from December 2024 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it must meet UK road standards. Grey imports from Japan (like JDM models) often require specialist insurance due to different specs and part sourcing challenges.
Not necessarily, but it helps. Mainstream comparison sites may offer limited options. Specialist brokers often understand the nuances of imports better and can tailor cover to suit.
Many policies do, but you’ll need to declare it. Left-hand drive cars are typically seen as higher risk, so premiums may be slightly higher, and some providers won’t quote at all.
Yes. Declaring all modifications is crucial. Even cosmetic changes can raise premiums, and undeclared mods could invalidate your policy if you need to claim.
Yes. Without IVA or SVA approval, the car may not be legally insurable for road use in the UK. Some insurers may refuse cover until compliance is proven.
Absolutely. This is common for classic or heavily modified imports. It ensures your payout reflects the car’s true market value—not just a UK-equivalent estimate.
Not always. Some will assist with sourcing, but delays are common. Specialist insurers are more likely to have supplier networks for imported or JDM parts.
Only if European cover is included. Check your policy limits—some only allow short trips, or may not cover countries outside the EU.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 24th March 2025 by Chris Richards