Japanese Import Insurance
The specialist area of Japanese import insurance requires a partner who is experienced and proficient in providing access to the right policy. The process of finding and actually importing your Japanese vehicle can often be a daunting, time consuming task. Neither is it made any easier by the dearth of specialist Japanese car insurance polices available in the UK.
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Click through on the ‘Get a Quote’ button above to compare Japanese import insurance quotes from leading specialist and mainstream UK motor insurers, and obtain the most suitable fully featured cover and protection you require. The Quotezone click and compare service is entirely free to use. It is a totally independent and impartial insurance comparison site, already helping over 1 million drivers across the UK to get the best deal.
Top 6 FAQs for Japanese Import Insurance in the UK
1. Can I insure a Japanese import car in the UK at all?
Yes — but you usually need a specialist insurance provider or broker. Standard UK insurers often can’t recognise imported Japanese vehicles (especially JDM-only models), because they lack ABI codes and standard UK insurance group ratings. This means comparison sites often won’t list them, so you’ll typically need to contact a specialist broker directly.
2. What documentation do I need to get insurance for a Japanese imported car?
To arrange cover you’ll generally need:
UK registration (V5C) or specialist VIN/chassis number insurance if unregistered yet
Import paperwork (Japanese export docs, customs clearance)
MOT certificate (if required)
Proof of vehicle value
Details of any modifications (performance parts, lighting, etc.)
Specialist insurers will tell you exactly what they require when you enquire.
3. Can I insure my car before it’s registered with the DVLA?
Yes — some specialist insurers offer chassis/VIN number insurance that covers your vehicle before a UK registration plate is issued. Without this, you cannot legally drive the car on UK roads or complete its registration.
4. Will imported cars cost more to insure than UK-spec cars?
Often, yes. Japanese import vehicles can be more expensive to insure because:
They may lack UK insurance group data
Spare parts can be harder/rarer to source
Repairs can be pricier or take longer
Insurers see non-standard or high-spec imports as higher risk. That said, pricing varies widely by insurer, model, age, and mileage — and sometimes imports used as second/hobby cars with limited mileage can be competitively priced.
5. Do modifications affect my Japanese import insurance?
Yes — any modifications should be fully declared. This includes performance parts, bodywork changes, suspension upgrades, lighting, etc. Failing to declare modifications may invalidate a policy, just as it would with any other UK car.
6. Can I use my current UK car insurance comparison tools for a Japanese import?
In most cases, no. Many comparison websites and mainstream providers won’t recognise imported models — especially those never sold in the UK. That’s why insurers and brokers who specialise in JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) imports exist and often give the best results.
Many mainstream UK car insurance companies seem to take advantage of anyone with an Japanese import by charging extortionately high premiums. This is often regardless of whether you use your vehicle every other weekend for specific club events or every day for commuting.
If you are importing from Japan for the first time or are an experienced importer bringing in vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Landcruiser 4×4, Nissan Skyline, or Subaru Impreza, you can find the best Japanese import car insurance policy for you through HomeApproved.
Importing a Vehicle from Japan
Many Japanese import cars have become very popular in the UK due to their high quality and low mileage. You can expect the prices quoted from importers to generally include all costs associated with importing the Japanese car. Basically, you will pay the advertised price and drive the car away. There is likely to be a warranty period, and some dealers will include six months road tax.
NOTE: All cars younger than ten years old imported from outside the EU are required to undergo the SVA / ESVA test for the Vehicle Inspectorate. Typical minimum work needed to pass an SVA / ESVA or MOT test with a Japanese imported car will be the fitting of a new Speedometer Facia (converts kilometers to miles per hour) and the fitting of a rear fog light. All cars registered after 1st January 1997 need to meet the requirements of the Enhanced SVA test, the ESVA, for the Vehicle Inspectorate.
