Imported Car Insurance | Lifesure

Imported cars such as the Toyota Alphard, Nissan Elgrand, Mazda Bongo or Subaru Impreza usually have expensive repair costs and a higher risk of theft. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider imported car insurance. You’re in the right place for that—we’ve been providing imported car insurance for over four decades. We work with a panel of trusted insurers so you can find a policy that meets your budget and needs.

Why consider imported car insurance with Lifesure?

You’ll get access to a wide range of policies with Lifesure. That means you can find a suitable policy for your vehicle, budget, and requirements. Need support before you get going? Assistance is just a phone call away. Our friendly UK-based team is always happy to answer any questions you have.

What’s included in a typical imported car insurance policy

Here are some key features you can expect from an imported car insurance policy:

Cover if the car is damaged or stolen

Personal belongings cover up to £100

Repairs to windscreens, windows and sun roofs

Insurance Cover to Transport Vehicle For Repairs

Cover to transport your vehicle for repairs

Replacement keys if yours are lost or stolen

Insurance for a temporary car during repairs

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The imported cars we cover

We provide insurance for a wide range of imported vehicles, including:

Grey import cars: Vehicles outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Common makes include Japanese brands like Nissan, Toyota, and Honda.
Parallel import cars: Vehicles purchased from within the EEA but sold through unofficial channels. Popular models include various BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen cars.
Personal import cars: Vehicles brought into the UK by an individual, often after living abroad. These can include a variety of makes and models from around the world.

What's covered

Cover if your vehicle is damaged, stolen or taken without your permission
Up to £100 for personal belongings in your car
Cover to transport your vehicle for repairs
Cover for a temporary car during repairs
Replacement keys should yours be lost or stolen
Up to £500 for replacement locks if your keys are lost or stolen
Cover in the event of damage to your windscreen, windows or sun roof
Cover while your car is being serviced or valet parked
Personal accident up to £5,000

What's not covered

Any vehicle with a value exceeding £35,000
If you use your car for hire or reward
Loss or damage to any caravans or trailers
Damage to tyres from braking or road punctures

Optional Extras

Key cover Insures the cost of repairing or replacing keys if they are damaged, stolen or lost
Accidental death & personal accident cover provides a benefit payment for death or certain bodily injuries while driving or travelling in the insured vehicle
Vehicle excess protection reimburses you for the excess on your vehicle insurance policy following a claim on your vehicle insurance
Substitute vehicle and legal expenses cover provides a replacement vehicle and covers legal expenses if your insured vehicle is undriveable or written off after an incident
Motor breakdown, roadside recovery and at home assistance in the UK provided by the RAC

More reasons to choose Lifesure for imported car insurance

We've been assisting customers with car insurance for imported vehicles for over 40 years, so we know how to find you a suitable policy. You'll also get superb customer service at Lifesure. It's why we've earned the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for five consecutive years.

Our award-winning team is always on hand to help. Whether you need a new quote or want to change your existing policy, call us at 01480 402 460 and we’ll be pleased to help.

Specialist motor insurance (renewal on/after 01.01.23)

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Key cover insurance (renewal on/after 01.01.24)

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Accidental death and personal accident insurance (renewal on/after 01.01.24)

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Vehicle excess reimbursement insurance (renewal on/after 01.01.24)

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Substitute vehicle and motor legal policy insurance (renewal on/after 01.01.24)

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Lifesure RAC car breakdown policy

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Expect policies from trusted household names at Lifesure. We partner with established insurers, like AXA, Ageas, Allianz, Aviva, and LV, so you can choose from various reliable insurance policies, so you will be well-supported when making a claim.

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Car insurance should be simple. That’s why we make payments easy with multiple payment options, such as instalments by direct debit, debit card, credit card, BACS, or bank transfer. You can also spread the cost to make payment more manageable—we work with Close Brothers Premium Finance to enable you to pay in regular instalments*.

Flexible payment dates, online account management, and credit agreement renewal can make it easier to purchase appropriate protection.

*We work with a third party company called Close Brothers Premium Finance Limited (‘CBL’), which manages instalment payments. We act as a credit broker and we are not a lender. If you have opted to pay by monthly direct debit, we will pass your details to CBL and they will make a credit decision about you, which may include a credit check being carried out. Please let us know immediately if you do not consent to us sharing your details with CBL. If CBL agrees to provide you with credit you will receive a welcome pack including a credit agreement from CBL, which you will need to sign and return to CBL. Please note that CBL has its own set of terms, conditions and charges and you should familiarise yourself with these carefully. We may receive a commission for introducing you to CBL. Paying by monthly direct debit via CBL will cost more than paying by one off payment. As part of your premium finance journey, Close Brothers will provide you with a commission disclosure detailing the commission we earn. You will have 12 days to review this information and provide your consent. If you decide not to consent to the commission amount, Close Brothers will be unable to process your loan, and you will need to arrange to pay the balance in full.

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Are imported cars more expensive to insure?

Yes, imported car insurance can be more expensive than standard car insurance. Imported cars often have parts that are harder to find and may need to be specially ordered, which can increase repair costs. Plus, imported cars might meet different safety and emissions standards than standard UK vehicles, making them riskier to insure. These factors can lead to higher premiums.

Do I have to declare if my car is imported for car insurance?

Absolutely. If your car is imported, it’s important to declare this when arranging insurance. Imported cars usually require a specialised insurance policy because they may differ in specifications from domestic vehicles. Failing to declare your car as an import could result in your insurance being invalid, so it’s always best to be upfront.

What is classed as an imported car?

There are two different types of imported cars, Parallel Imports and Grey Imports. Parallel imports are vehicles sold via a broker and have been purchased through another European country, as opposed to through an official manufacturer or authorised dealer distribution network in the UK. Grey imports are vehicles that have been transported from overseas to the UK and are often left-hand drive. For example, a Japanese car that was designed to be sold to consumers in Japan but was instead sold and shipped to an owner in the UK would be considered a Grey Import vehicle. Read out guide to buying an imported car in the UK for more information.

How do I insure an imported car?

Getting insurance for an imported car can be easy with Lifesure. You can start by giving us a call. Our team is experienced in providing cover for imported vehicles, so we’ll guide you through the process and help you find a suitable policy for your needs.

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Read our reviews

Why consider imported car insurance with Lifesure?

What’s included in a typical imported car insurance policy

Cover if the car is damaged or stolen

Personal belongings cover up to £100

Repairs to windscreens, windows and sun roofs

Cover to transport your vehicle for repairs

Replacement keys if yours are lost or stolen

Insurance for a temporary car during repairs

The imported cars we cover

What does Lifesure's imported car insurance cover?

What's covered

What's not covered

Optional Extras

More reasons to choose Lifesure for imported car insurance

Imported car insurance policy information

Insurance partners you can trust

Our imported car insurance reviews

Flexible payment options

Useful articles about motor insurance

Feefo Platinum Trusted for Five Consecutive Years

Getting Insurance After a Driving Conviction

What to Do If You Fill Up with the Wrong Fuel

Celebrating 10 Years of Trusted Service

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Three good reasons to take out Motor Legal Expenses and Substitute Vehicle Cover

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Customer Care Champion

Coronavirus (Covid-19), Our Customers Frequently Asked Questions.

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Are you planning to drive abroad?

What to do if your car breaks down

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A Comprehensive Guide To Tyres

Long Journey? Make An Overnight Stop At A Motorway Service Area

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Buying An Imported Car - A UK Guide

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are imported cars more expensive to insure?

Do I have to declare if my car is imported for car insurance?

What is classed as an imported car?

How do I insure an imported car?