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Imported motorbike insurance

Imported motorbike insurance

Importing a motorbike can be a complicated process. Of course, you could go to a UK specialist importer to do the work for you, but this might cost a bit more.

Once you’ve imported the motorbike and paid the taxes, you still have to get it registered and insured. Here's what you need to know, and how we can help you get covered.

Louise Thomas, Motor Insurance Expert at Confused.com

Reviewed by: Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert 8 min read | Published 08/09/2023

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Types of imported motorbikes

There are 2 main types of imported motorbikes, and some can be easier to insure than others

Parallel imports

Parallel imports are motorbikes brought into the UK from the EU. Under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the process for importing from the EU has not fundamentally changed. They’re often available through the manufacturer’s franchised dealer network in the UK.

These bikes should meet minimum UK standards, although some specifications can differ. For example, the speedometer may show km/h instead of mph. Parallel imports should be EU approved, and you can ask the manufacturer for a European Certificate of Conformity to confirm this.

Grey imports

Grey imports are motorbikes brought into the UK from outside the EU. Historically, these often came from countries such as the US or Japan, typically for collectors or enthusiasts. More recently, imports from some Chinese motorbike manufacturers have also become more common.

Because grey imports are not EU approved, the bike may need to be checked to ensure it meets UK safety and environmental standards before it can be registered. If the bike is under 10 years old, it must usually pass a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) inspection before it can be insured and used on the road.

What's a Q-plate import?

The DVLA may issue a Q plate if there is uncertainty about confirming a motorbike’s age or identity. Q-plated bikes can be either parallel or grey imports, and they will still need to meet the relevant UK or EU road safety requirements. The main difference is that these bikes often don’t have a full document history, which is common with older or classic motorbikes. You can still compare quotes for Q-plate motorbike insurance, although you may find fewer insurers willing to offer cover.

Steps to get imported bike insurance

Get the bike UK registered: You can’t get import motorbike insurance until the bike has been registered in the UK. Once it is, you can get a quote based on your details and the bike’s details.
Confirm what type of import it is: Parallel imports are usually easier to insure because they tend to meet environmental and safety standards and parts are easier to source. Grey imports can be harder, as parts may be less available and repairs can be more complicated.

Reduce risk where you can: Rare or collectable imports can be more attractive to thieves, which can push prices up. Improving security and storage may help.
Check your paperwork and get support if needed: After approval, the documentation is checked. If there are gaps, the DVLA may issue a Q plate, which can limit insurer options. If you’re struggling to get cover, owners’ clubs can often point you towards insurers who are more likely to quote.

How much does it cost to import a motorbike?

The cost of importing a motorbike varies according to its age and engine size, according to GOV.uk:

Age of motorbike	Engine size	VAT	Import duty
Under 30 years	over 250cc	20%	6%
Under 30 years	under 250cc	20%	8%
Over 30 years	any	5%	None

Shipping costs from the USA, Japan or South Africa can be up to up to £1,200, but are often less.

How can I get cheaper insurance for an import?

Aside from the type of motorbike or import you choose, there are some ways you could bring your prices down when getting a quote. Here are some ways you could save:

Choose a higher excess
Give an accurate mileage
Consider a multi-bike policy
Improve security and storage
Consider advanced riding qualifications

Choosing a higher excess - Excess is the amount you agree to pay in the event of a claim. You could reduce your motorbike insurance costs by agreeing to a higher excess, as it means the insurer pays less. But you have to be able to pay this in the event of a claim or accident, so make sure it's a realistic amount you're comfortable with.
Give an accurate mileage - Accurately predicting your annual mileage could make a difference to your policy costs.
Consider multi bike policy - If you have more than one motorbike you might be able to reduce costs with a multi bike insurance policy. Insurers naturally gain financially the more policies, so can pass this on a savings incentive to customers.
Improve security and storage. Theft is the biggest problem for motorbike owners. According to the Metropolitan Police, 9,000 motorcycles, mopeds and scooters were stolen in the last year in London alone. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) also reports that motorbikes are 11 times more likely to be stolen than cars. This makes up 25% of all motor vehicle theft in 2021. Storing your bike in a secure locked garage is the ideal place to keep it. It should keep your motorcycle safer and reduce your insurance costs.

Other security could also help. Fit an insurance-approved lock and alarm, immobiliser or other security device and tell your insurance provider about it. This all reduces the risk of theft, and the insurance company having to pay out, which means cheaper prices.
Consider advanced riding qualifications - Complete an approved advanced riding course. Along with cheaper quotes, it also improves your riding skills. Courses from organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the British Motorcycle Federation are recognised by insurers.

How to buy and register an imported motorbike

It might seem like a huge task to bring a motorcycle across from overseas. But so long as you have the right paperwork, it shouldn't be too much of a bother:

Find a motorbike you like and buy it. Make sure that the seller is reputable, and that it has all the right documentation. If you're able to inspect the motorbike via video call, that could help too.
Arrange for the motorbike to be shipped to you. There are several companies that specialise in shipping imported motorbikes, and know how to package and safely transport them overseas.
Make sure the motorbike has a V5 equivalent. For example, in the US it's called a US Title. This document is necessary for export and it's unlikely that the motorbike can leave the country without it.
Tell HMRC that you've bought a vehicle into the country. How you do this depends on whether or not you're a VAT-registered business. You have 14 days from when the motorcycle arrives in the UK, and you can't register the motorbike until you do this.
Pay any VAT and duty that's owed.
Get vehicle approval. If the motorbike is over 10 years old, you might only need to get an MOT.
Register your motorcycle with the DVLA and get your V5 document.
Once all other paperwork is sorted, you can then get a motorbike insurance policy.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.

Do I need a NOVA form?

If you're a VAT registered business you should complete a notification of vehicle arrivals (NOVA) form.

If you aren't VAT registered, or are a private individual, HMRC should complete a NOVA for you. You just send them an import declaration by email.

If you're using a specialist importer, check that they've completed the NOVA for you.

Running an imported motorbike

While the initial price of an import motorbike may seem appealing, remember you also have to budget for the cost of importing the bike.

Also, general running costs could be higher. Parts can be difficult to source and expensive to obtain. Servicing a vehicle with specific parts could require specialist knowledge, which could also bump up the cost.

What our motorbike insurance expert says

''Growth in Chinese manufacturing has made imports more affordable and popular in recent years, especially for grey imports. Importing can be a great way to get a rare or different model on the UK roads. If you’re ready to get insured, we could help you get covered today depending on the history and type of import you have.''

Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert

The risks of imported motorbikes

Fraudsters are always looking for ways to part you from your money. Import motorcycles can be one way they do this.

If you’re buying in the UK but not from a franchised dealer, research the seller before buying.
Keep a look out for anyone who wants you to pay for the motorbike before it’s landed in the UK. You shouldn’t part with your cash unless you’ve seen the motorbike first.

Maintenance and warranty:

Check the warranty – UK dealers should honour the warranty if the motorbike’s imported from within the EU. But every country has different warranty periods, so the cover could vary.
Imported models are designed to match the climate of the country they were manufactured in. For example, a model that’s designed in Japan may use seals or paintwork that aren't designed for the UK’s rainy climate.

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