Insure an Imported Vehicle Before Registration: Value
Insure it on its VIN or chassis number before it goes on a road. The law does not wait for the V5C: section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 says a person must not use a motor vehicle on a road or other public place unless a policy of insurance is in force. A written valuation can help, because an insurer valuing an unusual or imported vehicle may rely on adverts, and agreed-value policies are normally used only for valuable or classic vehicles.
This page sets out what the Financial Ombudsman and DVLA say, where a valuation fits, and which company handles the import paperwork.
Need a documented value for insurance? Get a price for an insurance valuation.
Get a price for an insurance valuation
Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Do you need insurance before the vehicle is registered?
Yes, if you will use it on a road. Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes using an uninsured motor vehicle on a road an offence. DVLA's guide to importing a vehicle says to register, tax and insure it before use on UK roads, and to insure it on its VIN or chassis number. Some owners report that certain insurers will not quote on a VIN, so ask first.
How does an insurer value an imported or unusual vehicle?
The Financial Ombudsman Service says the valuation guides insurers use do not cover vehicles over 20 years old, unusual vehicles or conversions such as campers, and that in those cases adverts for similar vehicles are typically considered. It also says a deduction for a left-hand drive vehicle can be fair, and that an imported right-hand drive vehicle may be affected too, with the insurer expected to give supporting evidence.
Send the make, model, year and photos, and we will confirm a price in writing before starting.
Get a price for an insurance valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Where does an agreed value fit?
The Ombudsman says agreed-value policies are not very common and are normally used only for valuable or classic vehicles. If you want one, the insurer will want evidence of the vehicle's value before the policy starts, which is what a written valuation provides. Our guide to agreed value against market value sets out the difference.
Which company handles the import paperwork?
| Vehicle | Company |
|---|---|
| A car or a classic | The Classic Import Co. |
| A motorhome, camper or RV | Motorhome Import |
| A motorbike or scooter | Motorbike Import |
| Any vehicle, with transport and inspection abroad | Cars Import UK |
Frequently asked questions
Can I insure an imported vehicle before it is registered?
DVLA's guide says to insure it on its VIN or chassis number before use on UK roads. Some owners report that certain insurers will not quote on a VIN, so ask first.
Is it an offence to drive an imported vehicle uninsured?
Yes. Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 says a person must not use a motor vehicle on a road or other public place without insurance in force.
Do insurers value unusual or imported vehicles differently?
The Financial Ombudsman says valuation guides do not cover vehicles over 20 years old, unusual vehicles or conversions such as campers, so adverts for similar vehicles are typically considered.
Who handles the import paperwork?
The Classic Import Co. for cars and classics, Motorhome Import for motorhomes, Motorbike Import for motorbikes, and Cars Import UK for any vehicle.
Need a valuation alongside your import?
Send the details and photos. We confirm the cost first, and the written valuation, with the comparables set out, is usually with you the same day.
Get a price for my vehicle valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.