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.
During any moving of your vehicle, it is insured as per our terms and conditions. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch, but we move thousands of cars each year without issues so please rest assured we have spent a long time finding trusted logistic partners.
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. In our experience, we have never had any issues that have resulted in a customer’s total loss of a vehicle.
The shipping of a car can be daunting, especially from America. With the West Coast it can take a little longer than the East Coast and we understand that during this time you will most likely be eager to know it is safely through the gates of the port, cleared through customs, and either on its way to our premises.
Once your vehicle is out of your hands it is insured even off the water with the logistics companies. So this is also additional peace of mind that we hope helps you to feel a bit more comfortable giving away the keys to your American car.
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.
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.
Absolutely. We have worked with countless American vehicles and can offer a like-for-like manufacture-level finish.
We understand that so much of the appeal comes from those big indicators that are sequential. Which is why for most vehicles we will offer a very bespoke process.
The truth is, no two cars are alike. We modify cars to maintain that look and feel but also make them road legal.
We have developed a lot of different methods that are in some cases unique to us. For example, some companies will choose to break apart lighting modules when they can to change your indicators over to amber. This is something that we do in the worse case scenario, but a lot of vehicles can be modified with a like for like effect without damaging the integrity of the vehicles lighting units.
We have worked with a wide variety of vehicles from America and motorbikes are no exception. There are so many fantastic examples of motorbikes that come from America (although they are usually always Harley’s) we can understand why sometimes owners import them.
For motorbikes, we work with some of the best motorbike transporters in the industry to ensure there are no issues.
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.
Depending on the age of your vehicle there could be remedial work required to get it ready for the roads and safe.
We offer a bespoke service. Our mechanics are onsite and can assist with conversions, remedial work, and any special requests that you might have.
Whether that’s a classic Corvette that needs a full restoration or a Mustang needing new brake lines fitting.
We always like to think it’s a great time to take advantage of not having your vehicle – whilst its with us, you can have any work done that you might want undertaking before you pick up the vehicle.
So don’t hesitate to get in touch with any special requirements.
We don’t know if it makes us the most awesome import company for vehicles ever, but we did once import a school bus. They don’t fit in shipping containers just so you’re aware.
So yes, we can help to import a wide variety of vehicles to the United Kingdom for you.
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
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