How to Insure Your Imported Car
Are you planning to purchase an imported car, or have you bought one already? Insuring an import often is a frustrating and expensive process, but it’s not impossible. Just be ready to do some research, ask questions, and probably contact several insurance providers.
While you can get a great deal on the purchase of an import by buying it abroad, you can lose those savings when you pay higher insurance premiums. That is why it is helpful to research insurance before you even buy your import, and to get several quotes to be sure you get the most competitive rate. That’s especially true if you are importing a sports car. The rates for sports cars are always higher because of the higher frequency of sports car crashes.
Most insurers will offer you a policy for your import provided they can locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) or car registration numbers. If they cannot find the registration number in their databases, then you need to see if the insurance company can find your exact model in their look-up table. If that does not work for you, you will have to inquire of another insurance provider.
Some insurance companies will only insure popular import models and will only insure the vehicles for the market value. Other insurance companies will insure modified imported vehicles as long as the modifications aren’t substantial. If they are substantial, then you will need to find an insurance provider that specializes in substantially modified import cars. Substantial means different things to different people, so this is yet another reason to obtain several quotes from different insurance providers. One provider may rate the modifications substantial, while another provider may not. It is important to ask questions when obtaining an insurance quote.
Some companies will not insure European versions of a UK car, but with left-hand drive. This is also something to keep in mind when importing your car and obtaining your insurance.
It is very important to check your import’s security fittings. This could impact the vehicle’s eligibility for coverage, as well as the cost. Not having proper security fittings can either raise the insurance premiums dramatically, or cause the provider to refuse to insure the vehicle. Make sure you get detailed information on the vehicle’s security fittings prior to having the vehicle imported.
It’s true that finding the right policy for your imported car is usually a chore, but it is not impossible. Research, and ask questions. Get your dealer to give you advice. Ask your insurance provider if joining a club or organization of imported car owners will get you a lower rate?often times insurance companies may special deals with organizations of imported car owners. Make sure you get all the breaks that due to you. Finally, make sure you purchase comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. It’s an expensive investment, and you want it fully covered.
