Imported Car Insurance In Australia: What You Need to Know

You’ve found the dream car, worked through the import process and finally have the keys. The next question is: how do you insure a vehicle that wasn’t originally delivered to the Australian market?

Rarity, modifications, replacement parts, specialist repair requirements and vehicle value can all affect how an insurer assesses the risk. That’s why imported vehicles may need a more tailored approach than a standard locally delivered car.

Here’s what you need to know.

Can you get insurance for an imported car in Australia?

Yes, you can insure imported cars in Australia, but not every insurer will offer cover for every type of vehicle.

Imported models may have different specifications, parts, or performance characteristics than Australian-delivered versions. Some may also have been modified before or during import and compliance.

So you may want to consider specialist car insurance for:

• Classic or collectible imports
• Japanese or European imports
• American muscle cars
• Performance or modified vehicles
• Rare or limited-production models

The more unusual and rare the vehicle, the more important it is to work with an insurer or broker that understands its value, specifications, and intended use.

You can request a free quote at Ryno Insurance or speak with a broker directly to learn more about how to secure your vehicle.

What information do you need for imported car insurance?

Having the right information ready can make the quote process much smoother. Depending on the vehicle and insurer, you may be asked to provide:

• Make of the car, model and year it was built
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number
• Purchase price and current vehicle value
• Modifications and added accessories
• Engine and performance specifications
• Intended use of the vehicle
• Estimated annual kilometres
• Storage and security details
• Driver information and claims history

Accurate vehicle information is particularly important because an Australian-delivered version of the same model may differ from the vehicle you own.

For older vehicles, the Department of Infrastructure advises that applicants may need to provide evidence of the build date, such as original sales documents, deregistration certificates or photographs of the VIN, chassis number or compliance plate.

Learn more about importing vehicles 25 years or older

How much does imported car insurance cost?

There is no standard cost for imported car insurance.

Premiums can be influenced by the vehicle’s value, age, rarity, performance, modifications, availability of replacement parts, repair requirements, annual kilometres, storage and security, driver history and selected excess.

A securely garaged classic driven occasionally can present a very different risk from a heavily modified performance vehicle used every day.

Imported vehicles may also rely on specialist repairers or overseas-sourced parts, which can affect repair options and claim timeframes.

For this reason, it can be worth comparing policies based on cover as well as price.

Does imported car insurance cover modifications?

Cover for modifications depends on the insurer and policy.

Imported and enthusiast vehicles are often modified, so disclose relevant changes and confirm whether they are included in your cover. Do not assume that modifications already fitted when you bought the vehicle are automatically known to your insurer.

What should you look for in imported car insurance?

Price definitely matters, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Before choosing cover, speak with your insurer or broker, and ask questions:

• Is the vehicle insured for agreed value or market value?
• Are declared modifications covered?
• What usage or annual kilometre restrictions apply?
• How are imported or difficult-to-source parts handled?
• What repairer arrangements apply?
• What excesses apply?
• What happens following a total loss?
• Are there storage or security requirements?

Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and applicable policy documentation so you understand the cover, exclusions, limits and conditions that apply.

Ready to protect something special?

At Ryno Insurance, we specialise in securing prestige, performance, and classic vehicles which may require more than the standard car insurance.

Speak with one of our experienced brokers to explore insurance options based on your vehicle, and let’s work together to secure it. Request a quick, free quote from Ryno Insurance.