Insuring an imported vehicle in the UK
Imported vehicles — whether Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars, grey imports, or parallel imports — often fall outside the pricing models of standard UK insurers. Specialist brokers with knowledge of import categories and access to appropriate underwriters are usually the best route.
Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles
JDM cars were manufactured for the Japanese market and imported to the UK through the grey import route. They may have right-hand drive (making UK road use straightforward) but different specifications to UK-market equivalents. Parts availability and repair costs are the primary concerns for underwriters. Specialist brokers understand JDM valuations and can access appropriate cover.
EU parallel imports
EU parallel imports are vehicles manufactured to broadly the same specification as the UK-market equivalent but originally sold in another EU country. These are generally the easiest to insure of the import categories, as specifications are similar and parts are widely available.
Grey imports from non-EU markets
Vehicles imported from the USA, Australia, Japan (for left-hand drive models), or other non-EU markets require specialist treatment. Left-hand drive vehicles present additional underwriting considerations. Specialist brokers with experience in these markets can access underwriters who price these risks appropriately.