Can I insure an American car?
If you own an imported car built for the American market, you may have limited options when it comes to car insurance. However, car insurance is still compulsory for an American car. Luckily, there are specialist insurers – and even some mainstream providers – who will provide car insurance for an American car.
Is it more expensive to insure an American car?
Insurance for American cars is likely to be more expensive. This is because they’re often more powerful than cars built for the UK market, and because replacement parts will need to be sourced from abroad if you’re involved in an accident.
However, if your American car is classed as a classic car, it may actually be cheaper to insure. Definitions vary, but a classic car is often considered to be any car that’s more than 15 years old and worth more than £15,000. Premiums are lower for classic cars because it’s assumed that their owners will do more to keep them in good condition.
Keep in mind that some insurers might require you to be 25 or older in order to qualify for classic car insurance.
What should I watch out for when insuring an American car?
If you use your American car for work – for instance, by hiring it out for weddings – you need to make sure you purchase business car insurance. Otherwise, you risk invalidating your insurance.
If you plan to take your cars to shows or races, you should similarly make sure that you have appropriate insurance, or you may not be covered in the event of an accident.
Finally, it’s often a good idea to reach an agreed value with your insurer. This means that both you and your insurer agree on the total value of the car, so there won’t be a dispute over what you’re entitled to if the car is stolen or written off after an accident.
How can I save money on American car insurance?
There are many ways you can help keep the price of insurance for an American car low. Some of these include:
- Avoid modifications: If you modify your American car – even adding a custom paint job or tinted windows – it can push up the cost of insurance, as insurers can’t guarantee the standard of your alterations
- Boost your security: Your insurance premiums should fall if you add security features such as an alarm or an immobiliser, and park your car in a garage or driveway rather than on the street
- Limit your mileage: Many owners of American cars don’t use them as their primary vehicles. If you don’t drive your American car very often, you could save on insurance by agreeing to a more limited mileage. But remember: you have to keep to this limit to avoid invalidating your insurance
- Join a club: If you’re a member of a recognised club for owners of American cars, you may be able to get discounts on your premiums from some providers
The best way to make sure you’re getting the cheapest possible deal on American car insurance is to use a price comparison site like MoneySuperMarket. It’s quick and easy, and we can connect you to hundreds of insurers at the click of a mouse.
Compare American car insurance quotes
It’s not always easy to get quotes for American car insurance, but MoneySuperMarket’s online comparison service can save you time and money. You can find details of a range of policies and competitive premiums all at the click of a mouse.