How to Get Imported Vehicle Insurance in the UK

Bringing a vehicle into the UK is a very promising experience, but it is associated with obligatory duties too, namely with securing the vehicle. The insurance of imported cars is essential in conducting them against the aspects of risks during transportation and after delivery. This guide will cement you through the process, requirements and also considerations in matters about insuring an imported vehicle in the UK. Ship Cars Ltd provides a smooth and stress-free shipping of vehicle and cargo and thus can give you a complete guide on imported vehicle insurance procedure.

What is Imported Vehicle Insurance

Imported vehicle insurance is a special insurance policy to cover cars imported into the UK. As compared to the locally acquired automobiles, imported automobiles are susceptible to more risks during transportation including damage, theft or loss. As such, it is imperative to protect investment by ensuring that you have the appropriate insurance cover.

You may also need to read What is the Process of Shipping Cars.

What are The Types of Imported Vehicle Insurance

When insuring a vehicle imported in to the country, you need to consider one or two options:

1. Marine Cargo Insurance

This is insurance to the vehicle en-route to the UK. It covers risks such theft, damages during shipping or loss incurred.

2. Comprehensive Motor Policy

When the car gets to UK, comprehensive motor insurance covers against accidents, thefts, fire and third party liability. It is prudent to choose afty coverage plans which present wholesome cover.

3. Liability Insurance Provided by a Third Party

This is the least that is required in the UK. It includes repairs to an automobile or property and injuries to other individuals in the event of an accident involving you in which you might be found to be at fault. Nevertheless, it does not accomplish anything about the repair of your car.

There can be more to read on Car Shipping Tips and Advices.

What are The Steps to Insure an Imported Vehicle in the UK

Step 1: Bring a Contract of Insurance on Marine Cargo

Take marine cargo insurance on your vehicle before it is shipped by the shipping firm or the insurer. Review the policy thoroughly to ensure that the value of the vehicle is fully covered and risks like theft, fire and damage in transit are covered.

Step 2: Clearing The vehicle through customs

Once you are in the UK your vehicle must pass through custom. This involves the submission of the following documents:

• The Bill of Lading
• The purchase invoice and the proofs of payment of importation duties.
• Proof of Taxes.

Step 3: Secure an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

The vehicle will require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to show that it has adhered to the UK standards with which it was not originally built. This will further guarantee that the vehicle is up to UK roadworthiness and environmental standards.

Step 4: DVLA Registration of the Vehicle

Once you have the certificate of IVA, you should then go through the process of registering the vehicle at the respective Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This will involve provision of required documents and payment of required fee of registration.

Step 5: Buy a Motor Insurance with a Comprehensive Cover

After registration of your vehicle make a request to an insurance company to obtain comprehensive motor insurance. Present to them:

• All the necessary paper work in terms of vehicle registration details.
• IVA certificate
• Past insurance policies (if any).

You may like to read more about How to Export/Import Car to UK Safely.

What are The Key Documents Required for Insurance

In order to smooth the insurance process, make sure you have the following documents:

Bill of Lading: The Complete Document of shipment.  You may ask What is Bill of Lading.

Original Purchase Invoice: To check the price of the car.

Evidence of Payment of Import Duties and Taxes: Proof that customs laws have been obeyed.

IVA Certificate: This is to verify the ability to be in the United Kingdom.

Vehicle Registration: To obtain registration of a vehicle.

You may be interested in reading Important Regulations for Importing Cars to USA.

What to Consider When Insuring an Imported Vehicle

Age of Vehicle: Cars that are old will attract high premiums because of higher chances of breakages.

Vehicle Value: The vehicle may be appreciable value, which would need heavier coverage amounts.

Commercial: Commercial use may have varying insurance premiums to personal use.

Security Features: Cars with high security systems can avail low prices.

You may like to read Three Things to Remember When Shipping a Car.

How Ship Cars Limited Assists with Insurance Documentation

Ship Cars Limited is a well-established firm that deals in importation of vehicles by sea. They provide maximum services as they guarantee that all the processes in insurance are done with perfection.

Data Documentations Services

The Marine Cargo Insurance is taken on the transportation of the vehicle in between the country of origin, and the UK by the Ship Cars Limited.

Customs Clearance Services: We do provide custom clearance services to help settle the vehicle through the custom, and necessary documents done and duties paid.

IVA Testing Coordination: We assist in the acquisition of the IVA certificate through the coordination of inspection agencies which are authorised.

Driving License Support: They guide and assist in registering the driving license.

All-Round Insurance Coverage: We do help in obtaining comprehensive motor insurance coverage to ensure that the truck/automotive is covered to an appropriate extent, as soon as it arrives.

Utilization of the services offered by Ship Cars Limited would help you make your importation process streamlined and you can rest assured that all insurance related paperwork will be attended with professionalism.

You may also like to read Vehicle Shipping Documentation.

Conclusion

Several procedures are undertaken to insure an imported vehicle in the UK including marine cargo insurance on the vessel that transports the vehicle to obtaining comprehensive motor insurance when the vehicle reaches UK. Because it is possible to eliminate the risks that you might face when transporting your vehicle by knowing how the process works and enlisting the services of professionals, such as Ship Cars Limited. Remember to get all the relevant papers organized at all times and find the right car insurance that applies best to your car and your intentions with it.

You can also read on How to Avoid Damading During International Car Shipping.

To obtain more detailed information about people insurance procedures in the UK, you may appeal to the Federal Board of Revenue guide and discuss with the local insurers the policy levels and the coverage options.