Best Car Insurance for a Japanese Import in the UK

Finding insurance for a Japanese import has never been easier. Although some people think that Insurers won't insure a Japanes import or if they do it will be expensive. This is missinformation and not true. A small number of insurers will not recognise imported vehicles from absuce makes and models but if you have a European standard make and model like all of our stock cars then you will have no problem insuring your vehicle. Several mainstream companies will provide cover once the car has been correctly registered in the UK.

Our Recommendation: Admiral Car Insurance

From our experience, Admiral is one of the best places to start when insuring a Japanese import. They are a well-established UK insurer, their quotation process is straightforward, and they do not charge extra for imported vehicles. In fact, they don't even put on the insurance certificate that it is an import because this matters so little to them.

Get an Admiral car insurance quote

Insurance prices depend on the vehicle, driver, location, annual mileage and driving history, so it is always worth obtaining a personalised quote.

What You Should Declare

When requesting insurance, make sure you clearly state that the vehicle is a Japanese import. You should also provide:

• The UK registration number
• The vehicle’s correct make, model and engine size
• Its approximate UK market value (Your purchase price)
• Any modifications or non-standard equipment
• Where the vehicle will normally be kept

Giving accurate information is important. Failing to declare that the car is imported or modified could affect your cover or a future claim.

Are Japanese Imports More Expensive to Insure?

If you have a recognised make and model such as a Mercedes A Class then no, it is typically not more expensive to insure in the UK. However, if you are buying a specialised make and model that is not normal to the UK market, then this is where it can be more expensive. Some imports of rare cares or race spec cars may cost more because parts are harder to source or because the exact model was never officially sold in the UK. This however, does not normally effect the everyday consumer.

Many Japanese imports are standard, well-maintained vehicles and can be insured for a perfectly reasonable price. The understanding that car insurance for an import car is much higher is a urban myth not based on facts.

The price will depend on the individual vehicle and driver history rather than simply where the car was originally registered.

Ready to Get a Quote?

Make sure you have the vehicle’s UK registration and your driving details ready. The quotation only takes a few minutes, and there is no obligation to purchase.

Get your Japanese import insurance quote from Admiral