Insurance problem while importing a car

[aadi42]

Hi all. I have a bit of a problem.. I've bought a Porsche 911 GT3 from France and my plan was to take a flight there and drive it to UK and get it registered. I've now called through pretty much all major insurers in UK and it seems no one is willing to insure the car while its in France. So the chassis number insurance only kicks in when the car arrives into UK.

Does anyone know an insurer who would insure a car which is in French plates in France for 2 days? All the short term insurers in UK are shying away as its not UK registered and because of the high value of the car.. My hunch is that I need a French insurer but getting the service in English isn't always easy.

Alternatively I can get the car shipped to UK but driving through France would've been the optimal solution.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[dry664]

Have you tried Greenlight, Sky or Adrian Flux?

[aadi42]

Adrian Flux will only insure it once its in UK. The car is above maximum vehicle value for Greenlight. Sky wont give short term insurance for it due to value but I'll check them for full one.

[msmith0592]

Couldn't you find someone to insure it full term and then cancel within 14 days and get a refund.

[nitrodave]

have you tried any of the day insure places just to get you back and then purchase a full policy once you arrive here?

[aadi42]

None of the full term insurances will cover the car before it hits UK soil, that's essentially the problem. I've got pretty decent insurance quotes when its in the country but I can't get anyone to insure it while its in France. The guys at Sky insurance just told me I should get the seller of the car to get the insurance for the time its in France as they cant do it.

[aadi42]

day insurers wont insure it because 1) the car is too valuable 2) its not in UK plates

[rovermorris999]

Get it transported to the ferry checking that the transporter is insured for the load. See if the UK insurer will cover it on the ferry. If not, see how much for the transport guy to deliver to UK dockside. Can't see it being cheap though.
You could get a UK service, I've personally used this guy
http://www.sterlingmotortransport.co.uk/
within the UK but a chap I know used him to collect a car from Sweden. I can recommend him, he does a proper job. If you want to go that route pm me and I'll give you a contact there.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Tuesday 21st October 16:09

Edited by rovermorris999 on Tuesday 21st October 16:11

[wibblebrain]

I personally imported a car back in 2000 and if I remember correctly the supplying dealer organised some temporary insurance for me.

Alternatively I know that in the UK Aviva to a very competitive one day insurance cover. Maybe you could contact www.aviva.fr to see if they can help you.

[sunbeam alpine]

I bought a car in Holland a couple of years ago.

The Dutch equivalent of the DVLA (except much more efficient) issued me with transit papers, temporary insurance (3rd party only) for 14 days and transit number plates with which I could drive the car home, all for about €140. Plates/insurance for a month was also an option.

Maybe something similar exists in France?

Edited by sunbeam alpine on Tuesday 21st October 19:59

[dry664]

Did Sky sort you out?

[aadi42]

Sky had the same issue, they will only insure the car when it arrives in UK. So at the moment it seems that I can get third party coverage from France with the temporary plates but fully comprehensive only kicks in when i'm in UK. Still quite sub optimal and I'm quite surprised how reluctant UK insurers are.

[marshalla]

Any use ? http://www.acorninsure.co.uk/car-insurance/import-... (via Google)