Valuation Before Importing a Vehicle: Do You Need One?
Not always. If you bought the vehicle in the last 6 months, GOV.UK asks for the invoice or bill of sale when you tell HMRC about it, not a valuation. A valuation helps when there is no invoice, when you want to know what a vehicle is worth before you buy it, or when you need a documented figure for insurance, probate or a dispute.
This page sets out when a valuation is useful, what it cannot do, and which company handles the import itself, because Bassett Valuations writes valuation reports and does not submit customs declarations or NOVA.
Need a documented value before you import? Get a price for a pre-import valuation.
Get a price for a pre-import valuation
Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
What does GOV.UK ask for when you tell HMRC?
When you tell HMRC a vehicle has arrived with NOVA, GOV.UK asks for the customs documents or your MRN, the invoice or bill of sale if you bought the vehicle in the last 6 months, or a current valuation carried out in person in the UK by a garage, dealership or other recognised business if you bought it earlier, and a document confirming the VIN. Check which applies to your case before you order a report. The Classic Import Co. explains the NOVA step in its guide to how to get a NOVA on an imported car.
When does a valuation help before you import?
- There is no invoice, for example a gifted vehicle.
- You want to know what the vehicle is worth before you agree a price.
- You need a written value for insurance, probate or a dispute once it is here.
Our guide to the customs value of an imported car explains why the figure matters, because duty and VAT are worked out on it.
Send the make, model, year and photos, and we will confirm a price in writing before starting.
Get a price for a pre-import valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
What can a valuation not do?
It does not file the customs declaration, submit NOVA or prepare the DVLA forms, and it does not predict what HMRC will accept in your case. It is an independent opinion of value with the comparables set out.
Which company handles the import?
| Vehicle or need | 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
Do I need a valuation to import a vehicle?
Not always. GOV.UK asks for an invoice or bill of sale if you bought the vehicle in the last 6 months, and otherwise for a current valuation carried out in person in the UK by a recognised business.
Does Bassett Valuations submit NOVA?
No. Bassett Valuations writes valuation reports and does not submit customs declarations or NOVA.
When is a valuation useful?
When there is no invoice, before you agree a price, or when you need a documented value for insurance, probate or a dispute.
Which company handles the import?
The Classic Import Co. for cars and classics, Motorhome Import for motorhomes, Motorbike Import for motorbikes, and Cars Import UK for any vehicle with transport and inspection abroad.
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.