We handle the whole process of importing a vehicle 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 vehicle up to its full replacement value.
On arrival in the UK, your vehicle 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 vehicle. US manufactured vehicles tend to have different coloured indicators, which are often integrated into the brake light bulbs. They also have different coloured side lights and the vehicles 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.
Vehicles 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 vehicles that is approved by the DVSA. The time it takes to complete this feature of the import is considerably quicker as your vehicle never needs to leave our site and we are not subjected to government waiting times.
An IVA test isn’t required for vehicles 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 vehicle ready for either collection or delivery to a location of your choice.
Tempted to import your vehicle but want an idea of how much it’ll cost?
If you are unsure of how much it will cost to import your vehicle from the USA to the United Kingdom then we can provide a quotation for your vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicles overall worth on arrival in the United Kingdom.
Generally speaking the cost to convert a vehicle is often greater the newer a vehicle especially those that fall under ten years old. Although, not every vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle from USA don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Haven’t actually purchased your dream american import yet?
If you haven’t actually purchased the car you intend to import – where do you even start.
Firstly take the time to assess 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 vehicle is purchased from. But if you are purchasing the vehicle from overseas? Use a trusted car dealer.
Secondly, take your time to 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 vehicle that might catch you out.
Finally, the purchase.
Purchasing vehicles from abroad can be tricky 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.
Ranging from priceless classics to modern masterpieces
We offer the complete import service
Decades of experience
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