If you are planning to purchase, or if you have already purchased, an imported car, getting the vehicle insured so you can get it on the road is a top priority. However, finding coverage for your import can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. But it's not impossible. Just be ready to ask questions and possibly contact several insurance agents to get the coverage you need.
While you can often get a good deal on the purchase of an imported car, you may lose the money you save on the purchase price by having to pay higher insurance premiums. That's why you should shop around and get several quotes to find the most competitive rate. If you are importing a sports care, you almost certainly will pay more for coverage. That's because sports cars are more prone to crashes.
Most insurers will offer you a policy for your import provided they can locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) or car registration numbers. If they cannot find the registration number in their databases, then you need to see if the insurance company can find your exact model in their look-up table. If that does not work for you, you will have to inquire of another insurance provider.
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.
In addition, some insurance providers will not insure imports that are European versions of a UK car, but with left hand drive. This is something to keep in mind when importing a car and trying to obtain an insurance quote.
It is very important to check your import?s security fittings. This could impact the vehicle?s eligibility for coverage, as well as the cost. Not having proper security fittings can either raise the insurance premiums dramatically, or cause the provider to refuse to insure the vehicle. Make sure you get detailed information on the vehicle?s security fittings prior to having the vehicle imported.
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.
While you can often get a good deal on the purchase of an imported car, you may lose the money you save on the purchase price by having to pay higher insurance premiums. That's why you should shop around and get several quotes to find the most competitive rate. If you are importing a sports care, you almost certainly will pay more for coverage. That's because sports cars are more prone to crashes.
Most insurers will offer you a policy for your import provided they can locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) or car registration numbers. If they cannot find the registration number in their databases, then you need to see if the insurance company can find your exact model in their look-up table. If that does not work for you, you will have to inquire of another insurance provider.
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.
In addition, some insurance providers will not insure imports that are European versions of a UK car, but with left hand drive. This is something to keep in mind when importing a car and trying to obtain an insurance quote.
It is very important to check your import?s security fittings. This could impact the vehicle?s eligibility for coverage, as well as the cost. Not having proper security fittings can either raise the insurance premiums dramatically, or cause the provider to refuse to insure the vehicle. Make sure you get detailed information on the vehicle?s security fittings prior to having the vehicle imported.
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.
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