Are you considering importing a car from Japan? Whether it’s a classic, vintage or a more contemporary vehicle, there are a few insurance considerations to bear in mind before “japanese import car insurance ”. Here we look at the essential facts about insuring an imported car from Japan and how to ensure that you get the cover you need.
Types of Cover Available
When arranging insurance for an imported car, it may be beneficial to compare a number of different policies beforehand in order to find the best cover. Generally speaking, most providers will offer two major types: third party-only and comprehensive.
Third-party only is the minimum legal requirement for driving in the UK. It covers any damage caused to other vehicles in the event of an accident, as well as any injury sustained by another party. Comprehensive insurance provides all the benefits of third-party cover, while additionally covering your own car against theft, fire, vandalism and accidental damage. It is also possible to opt for ‘guaranteed value’ instead of market value if your car is considered a rare classic.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to remember that when it comes to Japanese import car insurance, the worth of the vehicle must be correctly assessed in order to receive adequate cover and to prevent overpayment. Furthermore, some insurers will require additional measures to be taken such as fitting immobilisers, alarms, or tracking devices in order to keep premiums down.
Documents Required for Policies
Most insurance companies will require a completed application form to be submitted, along with proof of identity (e.g. a valid driver’s licence). In addition, confirmation of the vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety must usually be provided – this could include MOT certificates, emissions reports or photos of the vehicle itself.
Comparing Quotes Online
Shopping around for Japanese import car insurance quotes is easy and straightforward thanks to online comparison sites. All you need is your postcode, the age and make of the vehicle, and a little information about yourself and you can quickly generate a plethora of policy options. Simply use the search filters to narrow down results, and don’t hesitate to contact insurers directly if further information is required.
Restricted Vehicle Age and Use
In general, insurance companies place restrictions on age and annual mileage of imported cars, so you should always check the small print with any provider. For example, many will refuse to insure cars over 20 years old and may set limits for the maximum distance the car can be driven each year. As a result, it’s important to obtain a reliable estimate of annual mileage prior to taking out cover.
Raise Your Deductible
Once you have settled on an insurance policy for your imported car, the next step is to decide upon the amount of ‘deductible’, which is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket in case of an accident or a claim. While it might be tempting to reduce the amount of deductible in order to lower premiums, it is recommended to opt for the highest deductible you’re comfortable with as this will keep costs down in the long run.
Finding the right Japanese import car insurance policy doesn’t need to be complicated. With a wide variety of options available, there’s sure to be one that meets your individual needs – just make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before signing anything!