We handle the whole process of importing a car from the USA, including inland trucking, export, shipping, customs clearance, UK inland trucking, lighting conversions, compliance testing and DVLA registration. We handle the whole process, saving you time, hassle and unforeseen costs.
After your car’s arrival at our depot, we’ll then load it into its shipping container with the utmost care and attention. Our agents on the ground in the USA have been handpicked because of their experience and attention to detail when dealing with cars.
Should you wish for further assurance, we offer marine insurance which covers your car up to its full replacement value.
On arrival in the UK, your car will be subject to a number of tests and modifications in order to ensure it reaches UK highway standards.
Modifications mainly include adjustments to the signal, fog and brake lights on the car. US manufactured cars tend to have different coloured indicators, which are often integrated into the brake light bulbs. They also have different coloured side lights and the cars regularly have no side indicators or fog lights.
We will convert your car to UK standards using the latest in-house LED light technology, allowing us to complete all changes with very minor aesthetic impact by highly qualifies technicians.
cars imported from USA that are under ten years old will then need to undergo an IVA test before the DVLA will approve your registration. As the only company in the UK with a privately operated IVA testing lane for passenger cars that is approved by the DVSA. The time it takes to complete this feature of the import is considerably quicker as your car never needs to leave our site and we are not subjected to government waiting times.
An IVA test isn’t required for cars over ten years old, however it will need to pass an MOT so must be roadworthy in terms of signal lights, tyre wear, suspension and brakes, which we will of course check, in order to be fit to be driven on UK roads.
We have successfully lobbied for our clients to have access to our own My Car Import dedicated DVLA Account Manager, meaning after you pass testing your registration can be approved far quicker than elsewhere.
We then fit your new UK number plates and have the car ready for either collection or delivery to a location of your choice.
Tempted to import your car but want an idea of how much it’ll cost?
If you are unsure of how much it will cost to import your car from the USA to the United Kingdom then we can provide a quotation for your car covering everything from collection to registration in the United Kingdom.
However, if you’re simply looking for a rough idea of what it might cost then the age of the car plays a huge part in the cost to import. Import tax is the first calculation you need to make which will help you to determine the cost of the car’s overall worth on arrival in the United Kingdom.
Generally speaking, the cost to convert a car is often greater the newer a car especially those that fall under ten years old. Although, not every car from the USA is the same.
We have imported everything from a classic Ford mustang to a brand new top of the line extensively modified pickup trucks and every car requires a unique plan to ensure compliance within the United Kingdom.
If you would like an accurate and detailed quote that explains the process of importing your car from the USA don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Have a question about importing a car from America to the United Kingdom?
Absolutely. We work with a number of classic cars and for the large majority of vehicles that are already in the United Kingdom, we can assist.
Depending on your vehicle we will alter our quotations accordingly depending on what the route to registration is.
If you are moving from America to the United Kingdom then you might be using the ToR relief scheme to bring your possessions with you to the UK. Whilst we can’t complete your ToR1 form, we can provide assistance with any queries that you have.
We help a number of customers each year to move from the United States to the UK.
Please note that if you would like to use your vehicle as a way to transport your possessions we are more than happy for you to do so. We understand that you are wanting to make the most of the space when paying for shipping and you can save a great deal of money by doing so.
If there is a car of particular interest to you that you haven’t purchased yet – don’t hesitate to get in touch.
With years of experience buying cars abroad, we can offer impartial guidance on the process and take over the importation of the car once you have purchased it.
We can also assist in some cases with the sourcing cars that might be hard to find or obtain. Please note this is not a service we offer for all cars and is intended for serious buyers only.
If you haven’t actually purchased the car you intend to import – where do you even start.
Take the time whether or not the car is actually genuine. It’s worth working with dealers who specialise and have a good reputation in the motor trade. However, if you are already in America and are purchasing at face value, then you can be a little more liberal with who the car is purchased from. But if you are purchasing the car from overseas? Use a trusted car dealer.
Look over the car and don’t be afraid to scrutinise the fine details of it all. Don’t feel pressured to make the purchase then and there – as there could be a history of damage to the car that might catch you out. Once you’re happy with the American car – it can be tricky to get the best price due to fluctuations in the exchange rates. For everyday purchases, it can make a very minor difference to the overall figure but in regards to large capital purchases? It can be a big difference. There are many companies that act as brokers which will often provide a reasonable and above market exchange rate than say, your high street bank.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss the purchasing of a car.
Ranging from priceless classics to modern masterpieces
Our customers have trusted us with brand new modern muscle cars to one of a kind cars like the Ford Raptor. But we don’t solely deal with modern cars, and we also undertake a number of classic car imports each month from customers wanting to take advantage of the fantastic tax breaks available for older cars alongside the newest MOT exemption rules which make registering an American classic simple.
So whether old or new, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We offer the complete import service
What our clients say
My Car Import has successfully performed thousands of vehicle imports from start to finish. Wherever your vehicle is in the world, we will be able to handle every step of your import and registration process. We have a worldwide network of agents on every continent to give us up to date local knowledge and confidence wherever your vehicle is located.
We are the only car importer in the UK to have made a considerable investment in a DVSA approved testing facility for our site. This means DVSA inspectors use our onsite testing lane to issue individual type approvals to our client’s vehicles. With our worldwide presence and ongoing commitment to all aspects of UK compliance, we are the market leaders in our field.
My Car Import has successfully performed registrations for thousands of imported vehicles. Wherever your vehicle is in the world, we will be able to handle every step of your import and registration process.
With our worldwide presence and ongoing commitment to all aspects of UK compliance, we are the market leaders in our field. Whether you are personally importing your vehicle, commercially importing multiple vehicles, or trying to gain low volume type approvals for vehicles you are manufacturing, we have the knowledge and facilities to meet all of your requirements.
Don't hesitate to fill out our quote request form so that we can provide a quotation for the importation of your vehicle to the United Kingdom.
