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Owning Japanese import cars is becoming more popular than ever with UK car enthusiasts. Whether you love classic Japanese cars like the Nissan Skyline, or you’re importing modern Japanese domestic market (JDM) sports cars, it’s essential to find a good Toyota car insurance policy or other Japanese import insurance to stay legal on UK roads.
Japanese import car insurance policies are designed for vehicles imported from outside EU countries, often called ‘grey imports’. These cars can offer great value for money, high specifications and lower mileage, but insuring them can be more complicated than standard UK car insurance. That’s why it’s worth comparing quotes to find the right cover at the best price.
Japanese cars are admired for their reliability, performance and unique design. Many classic car enthusiasts choose Japanese classics for their build quality and tuning potential. From kei cars to high-performance sports cars, Japanese imports attract owners looking for something different.
However, cars imported from Japan may need individual vehicle approval or single vehicle approval before they can be registered for UK roads. Always check that your Japanese import car is legal and fully roadworthy before arranging import car insurance.
Japanese import cars are classified as ‘grey imports', meaning that they are imported from a country outside the EU. This means they may not conform with UK or EU standards. For insurance companies, grey import cars are seen as riskier to insure because they represent an unknown quantity. Insurance premiums are therefore likely to be more expensive for grey imports due to this risk factor.
Japanese import cars can also cost more to insure because of potential repair costs. Parts will often be more expensive for Japanese cars because they aren't always available in the UK and may have to be imported. It may also be more difficult to find mechanics in the UK who are experienced in repairing Japanese cars and are likely to be more expensive.
Read our guide for more information on imported car insurance.
Whilst it is true that insuring an imported car will almost always cost you more than insuring a UK-registered vehicle, there are ways to reduce your potential insurance premium on a Japanese import car.
Here are a few useful tips to help you find a cheaper insurance policy for your Japanese import car:
Make sure that you compare plenty of different quotes from different insurance providers. This way you will increase your chances of finding a good quote.
Japanese car imports are popular because you can modify them easily, but this can increase the cost of your insurance. Modified cars will often be faster and therefore more dangerous to drive. Insurance companies will see this as a greater risk and increase your premiums.
The more securely you keep your car, the lower your insurance policy is likely to cost. For example, if you keep your car in a locked, private garage then it will be safer than if it is kept parked on a public road.
When you claim on insurance, the first part of the claim is paid by you. By increasing this excess, you can decrease your premium. However, make sure that you can afford the amount of excess you choose.
By paying your annual insurance upfront rather than in monthly installments you can reduce the total amount you pay.
To drive your Japanese import legally, you’ll need a valid insurance policy, the correct vehicle identification number, and an MOT if required. Many imported vehicles will need individual vehicle approval or single vehicle approval to confirm they meet UK standards.
A question many drivers have is whether Japanese imports need to pass additional checks before they can be legally driven on UK roads. In many cases, yes. An imported vehicle may require an individual vehicle approval (IVA) or single vehicle approval to ensure it meets UK safety and emissions standards. This is especially important if the car is modified or rare.
Failing to get the right approval could make your insurance invalid. So always check the legal requirements when you bring a Japanese car into the UK.
Because many insurers treat Japanese imports as higher risk, you might get vastly different quotes for the same car. Comparing quotes from a range of specialist insurers helps you find the right balance between cost and cover. Some insurers offer discounts if you’re part of an owners club or if you agree to fit extra security features, so don’t be afraid to ask what discounts might apply.
Need to insure imported cars for a short time? Temporary cover can be useful if you only drive your Japanese import occasionally or for car shows. A specialist insurance broker can provide insurance for temporary use, helping you stay legal without paying for cover you don’t need all year round.
Some specialist insurance policies for Japanese imports include extra benefits like breakdown cover, uninsured loss recovery, and legal expenses. These can give you peace of mind if you ever need to make a claim. Breakdown cover is especially useful for older Japanese classics or modified cars that may need extra attention. Legal protection helps recover costs if you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Having these extras means you’re better protected if the unexpected happens.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
