Insuring An 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.
Keep in mind, while you can get a deal on importing a car, you may lose whatever money you save when you purchase insurance for the car. That is why it?s important to get an insurance quote before you import the car. Shop around and get several insurance quotes in order to get a competitive rate. If your imported vehicle is a sports car, expect to pay more for insurance. That?s because sports cars traditionally cost more to insure simply because they are more prone to accidents.
Most insurers will cover an imported car as long as they locate the VIN numbers. If they cannot locate this registration number, then it is up to you to see if they can find the exact model your car in their look-up table. If that doesn't work, you will have to see an agent for another company.
Some companies only insure the most popular models of imports. They may only insure them for market value, not replacement cost. Other companies will write policies for modified vehicles, but only as long as the modifications are not significant. If you make substantial modifications to your imported car, then you will have to find a carrier that specializes in import cars. "Substantial" means different things to different companies, and sometimes small differences in the work on your car can make big differences in the price you are quoted. That's why it is important to ask around and to ask lots of questions as you get your insurance quotes.
Also, some companies will not insure imported vehicles that are European versions of a UK car, with a left-hand drive, the idea being that if you wanted that model, you should have bought it with a right-hand drive to drive in the UK. That is another thing to keep in mind as you import your vehicle and get your insurance.
It is also very important to check your security fittings. These could have a great impact on your vehicle's eligibility for coverage, not to mention the cost of the policy. Not having the right security fittings will either raise your premiums dramatically, or cause the company to reject your car for coverage altogether. Make sure you get detailed information on security fittings before you import your car.
While finding proper insurance for an imported car can be time consuming and expensive, it is not impossible. Do your homework and ask questions. Call your auto dealer and ask for insurance provider suggestions and recommendations. If your imported vehicle is a sports car, look at joining a club or organization for sports car owners. You can often get insurance at a discounted rate simply because you are a club member. Clubs often work out deals with insurance providers for their members. Ask about what benefits are available to you. Finally, make sure you purchase comprehensive insurance for your imported vehicle. This is most likely an expensive investment, and it needs to be properly and thoroughly protected.
Keep in mind, while you can get a deal on importing a car, you may lose whatever money you save when you purchase insurance for the car. That is why it?s important to get an insurance quote before you import the car. Shop around and get several insurance quotes in order to get a competitive rate. If your imported vehicle is a sports car, expect to pay more for insurance. That?s because sports cars traditionally cost more to insure simply because they are more prone to accidents.
Most insurers will cover an imported car as long as they locate the VIN numbers. If they cannot locate this registration number, then it is up to you to see if they can find the exact model your car in their look-up table. If that doesn't work, you will have to see an agent for another company.
Some companies only insure the most popular models of imports. They may only insure them for market value, not replacement cost. Other companies will write policies for modified vehicles, but only as long as the modifications are not significant. If you make substantial modifications to your imported car, then you will have to find a carrier that specializes in import cars. "Substantial" means different things to different companies, and sometimes small differences in the work on your car can make big differences in the price you are quoted. That's why it is important to ask around and to ask lots of questions as you get your insurance quotes.
Also, some companies will not insure imported vehicles that are European versions of a UK car, with a left-hand drive, the idea being that if you wanted that model, you should have bought it with a right-hand drive to drive in the UK. That is another thing to keep in mind as you import your vehicle and get your insurance.
It is also very important to check your security fittings. These could have a great impact on your vehicle's eligibility for coverage, not to mention the cost of the policy. Not having the right security fittings will either raise your premiums dramatically, or cause the company to reject your car for coverage altogether. Make sure you get detailed information on security fittings before you import your car.
While finding proper insurance for an imported car can be time consuming and expensive, it is not impossible. Do your homework and ask questions. Call your auto dealer and ask for insurance provider suggestions and recommendations. If your imported vehicle is a sports car, look at joining a club or organization for sports car owners. You can often get insurance at a discounted rate simply because you are a club member. Clubs often work out deals with insurance providers for their members. Ask about what benefits are available to you. Finally, make sure you purchase comprehensive insurance for your imported vehicle. This is most likely an expensive investment, and it needs to be properly and thoroughly protected.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.