Importing a car from abroad? Let duck2water sort your UK car insurance
The cost of a new car, UK car insurance and road tax all adds up and in recent years many people have decided to buy their chosen vehicle from abroad and personally import it. Whilst it can save you money in the end, if you plan to import a car you will need to do your research thoroughly and extensively.
Here are a few basic considerations for car importing:
HM Customs - Start by obtaining all the forms you will need from HM Customs, and your local Vehicle Licensing Office and Vehicle Registration Office (VRO).
Use an authorised dealership - Contact the motor manufacturer for a list of official foreign dealers and importers.
Make contact - Telephone and visit your chosen dealer. Be clear that the car needs to be UK spec and supplied for export.
UK Specification - Use a UK brochure: UK spec means right-hand-drive, MPH speedometer and right-hand-drive headlamps. Use the options list to get full UK spec. Keep a log of all phone calls, including, representative name and items discussed.
Confirmation - Confirm the specification, options and delivery date in writing. Do not pay local taxes.
Finance - You will need the deposit and the balance. It is wise to get your bank to arrange a foreign currency bank draft ready for the day of collection.
Deposit - The average deposit is 20%. If you pay with a credit card you may be able to get a refund in the event of non-delivery. Get full written confirmation.
Be patient - If possible avoid shifting delivery dates and don't accept last minute price changes.
Certificate of Conformity - Nearing delivery date make sure the certificate has been organised by the dealer. You will need it when you register the car in the UK. The dealer can also arrange transit or temporary export plates for the journey home.
Arrange UK car insurance - Shop around as many insurers will not give cover on a chassis number only. Be aware of "parallel" and "grey" imports.
Parallel imports - A vehicle available in the UK, imported for financial reasons or because the vehicle is hard to obtain in the UK.
Grey imports - A model not available in, or imported to the UK. As components may not be made to UK spec, check car insurance carefully.
D-day - On the day of delivery keep all your travel receipts and fill up with fuel in the country of purchase to prove you have driven abroad.
VAT - You have seven days to get your documentation to the VRO when you get back to the UK, they will forward paperwork to Customs and Excise who will work out the VAT.
Number plates and tax disc - At the VRO fill in a V55/5 form to register the car and pay the fee. Buy the tax disc, get some number plates and you are good to go.
Warranty - Your EC made car will have a one-year pan-European warranty. In the UK your model may have three-year cover and if you wish you can buy the extra cover from the UK supplier or independent.
Duck2water motor cover
Duck2water is an online UK car insurance provider specialising in super-fast, competitive motor insurance quotes. However, we are not expert car importers and the above information should be treated as an outline of the necessary requirements only.
For a cheap UK car insurance quote call our friendly advisers on 0333 123 1308 or click on the Get a Quote Now button below.