How Much Does Imported Car Insurance Cost in the UK?
Published 23rd of January 2014·Updated 20 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
Imported car insurance typically costs more than insurance for an equivalent UK-specification vehicle, but the difference varies widely depending on the type of import. A parallel import (a car built to European specifications) may cost only slightly more to insure, while a grey import from Japan can be significantly more expensive, particularly if the vehicle is rare, modified, or has no UK equivalent.
Short Summary
There are two main types of imported vehicle: parallel imports and grey imports. Parallel imports are built to European or UK standards; grey imports come from outside the EU and often have specifications that differ from UK models.
Standard insurers can cover many imported vehicles, but specialist imported car insurance is sometimes necessary, particularly for grey imports and rare or high-value vehicles.
The same factors that affect standard car insurance premiums (your age, driving history, postcode, and vehicle value) apply equally to imported vehicles, alongside additional factors specific to the import type.
Getting multiple quotes is essential, as premiums for imported cars can vary considerably between insurers. Some mainstream insurers decline imported vehicles altogether.
What is the difference between a parallel import and a grey import?
The type of import has a significant effect on insurance cost and availability.
A parallel import is a vehicle manufactured in Europe and built to EU or UK specifications. These cars are often identical (or very close) to models sold through official UK dealerships. They are imported because they were available more cheaply in another European market. Insurers are generally comfortable with parallel imports because parts availability and repair knowledge are similar to UK-specification models.
A grey import is a vehicle brought in from outside the European Union, most commonly Japan, the United States, or Australia. Grey imports often have different specifications from any UK-equivalent model: different engine tuning, different safety equipment, right-hand or left-hand drive configurations, or entirely unique models unavailable in the UK. Insurers find grey imports harder to price because parts can be difficult and expensive to source, and repair expertise is less widely available.
| Import type | Origin | Specification | Insurance availability | Typical premium impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel import | EU countries | Matches or closely resembles UK spec | Most mainstream insurers | Minor increase |
| Grey import | Japan, USA, Australia | May differ significantly from UK models | Specialist insurers often needed | Moderate to significant increase |
What factors affect the cost of imported car insurance?
Beyond the standard rating factors (age, driving history, postcode, annual mileage), several import-specific factors influence your premium:
Vehicle rarity: rare imports with limited UK market presence are harder for insurers to value accurately. Difficulty in sourcing replacement parts drives up repair costs and therefore premiums.
Vehicle value: imported performance cars, classic vehicles, and JDM (Japanese domestic market) models often carry high purchase prices. Insuring a higher-value vehicle costs more.
Right-hand drive vs left-hand drive: UK roads are right-hand drive. Importing a left-hand drive vehicle from the US or Europe raises insurer concerns about driver visibility, particularly at junctions and overtaking manoeuvres, which can push up premiums or result in a decline.
Vehicle modifications: grey imports frequently arrive with non-standard modifications. Insurers require full disclosure of all modifications; undisclosed changes can invalidate your policy.
Type approval: some grey imports lack the necessary UK Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certification. Without this, the vehicle cannot be legally driven on UK roads and cannot be insured.
Which insurers cover imported cars?
Many mainstream insurers will quote for parallel imports and some grey imports. Specialist insurers with experience in imported vehicles include Adrian Flux, Footman James, and Lancaster Insurance. These brokers often have access to Lloyd's of London underwriters who specialise in unusual vehicles.
For rare or high-value imports, an agreed-value policy (where the insurer agrees the payout amount upfront rather than basing it on market value at the time of a claim) may be appropriate. This is particularly valuable for vehicles whose value may have appreciated rather than depreciated.
How can I keep imported car insurance costs down?
Join an owners' club or specialist community. Some classic and imported vehicle insurers offer reduced premiums for members of recognised owners' clubs, because club membership correlates with engaged, responsible ownership.
Limit your annual mileage. Agreeing to a lower annual mileage cap can reduce premiums significantly. If you use the imported vehicle as a second car for weekend use, a limited-mileage policy may be substantially cheaper.
Install an approved tracker. Tracker devices reduce the risk of theft for high-value vehicles. Many specialist insurers offer premium reductions for vehicles fitted with Thatcham-approved tracking systems.
Compare quotes from both mainstream comparison sites and specialist brokers. Do not rely solely on a single comparison platform; specialist importers car insurance brokers may access markets not listed on standard comparison sites.
FAQ
Can I insure an imported car on a standard UK policy?
Yes, in many cases. Parallel imports are accepted by most mainstream insurers with few complications. Grey imports are trickier; some standard insurers will quote, but many decline. If a standard insurer will not cover your vehicle, a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux or Footman James can usually find appropriate cover.
Is a grey import more expensive to insure than a parallel import?
Generally yes. Grey imports often require specialist parts, carry non-standard specifications, and may have fewer trained mechanics available in the UK. These factors increase repair costs and therefore insurance premiums.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I modify my imported car?
Yes, always. Any modification, including those that came with the vehicle as imported, must be disclosed to your insurer. Failure to disclose modifications is a form of misrepresentation and can result in a claim being rejected or your policy being voided.
What is an agreed-value policy and do I need one?
An agreed-value policy sets a fixed payout amount at the start of the policy, rather than paying out the market value at the time of a claim. This is valuable for vehicles that appreciate in value (such as classic cars and rare imports), where a standard market-value payout might be considerably less than the car is actually worth. Specialist insurers offer agreed-value cover for imported vehicles that meet their criteria.
Does my imported car need to pass a UK MOT?
Yes. Any vehicle driven on UK public roads (with the exception of vehicles exempt due to age) must hold a valid MOT certificate. Imported vehicles must also be registered with the DVLA and pay UK vehicle excise duty (road tax). Some grey imports require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing before they can be legally registered.