Import car insurance

Written by Graham Cutbill-White

As the cost of vehicles differ widely depending on where they’re being sold, some drivers like to take advantage to get the best possible price.

By buying a car in one country and importing it to another, you could save yourself money off the sticker price and reduce the cost of the tax.

While this could save you money in the short term, you might find that you have to pay more for import car insurance compared to a car bought in the UK.

Many insurers won’t insure cars that have been modified so it’s important to seek out a policy that’s specifically designed for imported vehicles.

4 steps to importing a vehicle to the UK

If you want to import a vehicle to the UK there are a number of steps you must follow to ensure a legal importation:

• You must make sure you tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the vehicle has arrived in the UK – This must be done within 14 days.
• Pay VAT and duty on the vehicle if HMRC decides you have to.
• Make sure you have the right vehicle approval to show your vehicle meets road safety standards – The certificate you need will differ depending on where you bought it.
• Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA – This is how you get a UK number plate.

The above steps are for a permeant importation. For more information visit the gov.uk website.

Temporary imported vehicles insurance from Tempcover

You can purchase imported vehicle insurance for your imported vehicle which offers comprehensive cover for up to 28 days. This can be great for owners who need short-term cover while they organise annual insurance.

Planning ahead? You can choose when you want your policy to start up to a month in the future and even select the exact time you want cover to begin. Your policy documents are emailed to you instantly so there’s no waiting around. It’s quick, easy and convenient.

Tempcover can offer a temporary policy to many drivers with imported vehicles as long as they have a UK number plate, are right-hand drive and have not been modified in any way except to aid ability.

The vehicle must also have been in the UK at the start and end of the policy.

Find imported vehicle insurance for your imported vehicle with Tempcover