Importing Your Car from Canada to the UK
My Car Import regularly imports a vast number of cars from Canada to the UK. We also deal with hundreds of registration applications every month. It probably seems a mind field to consider importing a car from such a distance, and we appreciate that the process can be daunting.
Working with a team of professionals like us can make it easier done than said.
From modern sedans to classics, and even trucks like Dodge Rams, we’re always excited to help our customers bring their cars to the UK.
Let’s delve into the process to give you a better understanding of how it all works.
Receiving a Quote from My Car Import
The first step is to complete our quote form to give us an idea of your requirements. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it paints a better picture of the both the number of, and level of services that you’re seeking.
In some cases, customers only require a small aspect of the process dealt with. It might be that they’ve taken care of transport to and from their destination but simply need helping with customs clearance. That’s fine, we’re able to pick up where you left off and handle the complex aspects for you.
More often than not, when the whole process is out of your comfort zone, we’ll gladly take the reins and handle all aspects of the import.
We always tell our customers that while you can import a car from Canada to the UK singlehandedly, you’re likely to hit a few stumbling blocks along the way. It’s also going to take longer to get your car to the UK than when you’re using an established, reputable company who have Canadian partner agents.
Completing the quote form informs us precisely what you need help with, and we’re always happy to offer our expert advice.
Shipping your car to the UK
You’ve received your quote and we’re good to go.
First, we’ll organise the collection of your car should you require us to. We typically use a trailer or a truck that takes your car to the port. We’ll head to one of two Canadian ports: Vancouver or Mississauga and begin the journey.
Our Canadian agents will load your car onto our shipping container with the utmost care and attention. For your peace of mind, it’s worth knowing that we handpick loading agents who have experience and expertise in handling cars. They treat your vehicle like it’s their own to avoid a solitary scratch!
Once we’ve cleared your car through customers, we ship to the UK using either an enclosed or open container depending on your requirements. Open containers are more affordable options and perfectly suitable for all cars, but if you’re importing a classic car, we often recommend using our enclosed container to minimize any potential damage from extremities. This is something we’ll advise you on during the initial phase so don’t worry if you’re undecided.
We’re always asked all manner of questions about safety during the journey. It’s important to know that your car is in safe hands, and we’ll be more than happy to reassure you at any stage of the process.
So, in the first instance, let’s talk about the safety of your vehicle.
Keeping Your Car Safe
The most important thing to know is that your car will be fully covered for the duration of the journey using marine insurance. Regular insurance won’t cover your vehicle for the shipping process, a factor that self-importers have occasionally fallen short of. Don’t fall foul of that rule.
This insurance covers the full purchase value in the unlikely event of total loss, and any damage incurred has a repair excess of £450. While we don’t anticipate any issues due to our highly perfected system, we’ll never take a risk with your valuable property.
When your car arrives at our HQ in the UK, the first thing we do is a full inspection to assess for any damage. Don’t worry, we’ll never overlook the bodywork of the vehicle, we want to hand it back to you in pristine condition.
Customs Clearance in the UK
Some of the most import aspects of customs clearance relate to the associated costs.
You might have to pay import tax and duty, or you could be transfer free under the Transfer Residency Scheme. We deal with 3000 customer clearances a year, so we’re well versed in knowing what you need to pay, and we’ll ensure that you’re not overpaying.
If you’ve owned and used the vehicle for over six months, and lived in Canada for over 12 months, you can import your car tax free when relocating to the UK.
If this doesn’t apply, your vehicle will be subject to one of two tax rates: under 30 years old at a rate of 20%, and over 30 years old at a reduced rate of 5%.
As fully authorised Customs Declaration Service (CDS) agents, we’ll get your car through customs swiftly and without the stress!
How long will it take to get my car to the UK?
Obviously, this is one of the most commonly asked questions, and we’re always happy to share our expertise on the subject.
The average shipping time for a car from Canada to the UK can range from approximately 2 to 6 weeks. Please understand that this is variable, and wholly dependent on the chosen shipping method.
There are two ways to ship a car, container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Container shipping involves placing the car in a container for transportation, while RoRo shipping involves driving the car onto a specialized vessel. RoRo shipping is generally faster than container shipping though container shipping is often considered a safer option for car transportation.
Confused? Don’t worry. You’ll have a terrific understanding when the time comes.
The route taken by the shipping vessel, and the distance between the Canadian port of departure and the UK port of arrival can also impact the overall shipping time. The most common route for shipping cars from Canada to the UK involves crossing the Atlantic Ocean via the Panama Canal. This route can add additional time to the overall journey of the vessel.
You also have to factor in time for customs clearance at both the Canadian port of departure and the UK port of arrival. Ensuring that all necessary documentation and customs requirements are fulfilled accurately can help avoid delays.
This is why we emphasise the importance of trusting an expert service like our own. You’ll not only be privy to an all-inclusive door-to-door service, but you’ll save hours, days, potentially weeks!
Finally, there there’s availability of vessels to consider. As each consignment has to be paired to a container carrying other cars, it can add more time to the shipping process.
It’s important to note that the provided time frame is an estimate and can vary based on specific circumstances. We’ll always provide you with an estimate at the time of shipping.
Modifications for UK Road Compliance
When your container arrives in the UK, we’ll haul it from port to our HQ in Castle Donington and unload it on site.
Okay, we know how much you want the car turned around and handed over to you, but it isn’t as simple as that. In order to be able to drive your car legally, it’s important that it adheres to UK road compliance. That means that there will be necessary modifications.
Cars from different parts of the world vary in terms of modifications needed, so we’ll always provide you with a bespoke service. As most of the cars from Canada fall into the US car specification, there are certain expected modifications. As an example, Canadian red indicators will need to be modified to UK-compliant amber alternatives.
Any other aspects of lighting will be taken care of on your behalf to ensure that your car is legal and ready to drive.
And if your newly landed Canadian import needs a little work, don’t worry! We have a full team of car-crazy mechanics on site to help with a wide range of services. We even have specific experts in American and Canadian cars who are familiar with the necessary changes. Aside from lighting conversions, they regularly manage full car rebuilds and general maintenance.
The benefit of this full-service under one roof is a competitive price and quick turnaround.
IVA and MOT testing
In order to gain the necessary registration for your car roadworthy, it will need to need to reach compliance standards and undergo an MOT, an IVA, or both.
My Car Import is the only UK company to own a privately run testing facility, so your car never has to leave our site. The added benefit of this is avoiding you’ll avoid the standard government 12-week lead time.
The IVA test is only conducted once and solely if your car is under ten years old. Any car imported from Canada under ten years old needs to undergo an IVA process. This is a UK specific scheme to ensure that imported cars meet the necessary safety and environmental standards.
Next, we’ll carry out an MOT at our facility to examine the general road fitness of the car. Our expert mechanics will work hard to get the car through, and once it has, we’ll submit your application to the DVLA who processes the paperwork and issues us with your new UK registration number.
As long as your car is in a good mechanical condition, it’s highly likely that it will pass both tests.
We then have your plates made and fitted, submit all paperwork and testing certificates to the DVLA via our dedicated account and its nearly time to hit the road.
So, when can I have my car back?
We get it, you’re desperate to reunite with your Canadian car.
Our service level agreement with the DVLA allows us to register cars within 10 working days of receipt of our application. That’s super quick, so the answer is – much quicker than you’d hoped!
You’re welcome to collect it from our premises in Castle Donington or we can deliver via an open or enclosed trailer to an address of your choosing. This is the most convenient and popular option as it saves you having to do anything.
Well, you will need to insure and drive the car, but that shouldn’t be too much of a push.
Relocating to the UK
Many of the cars that we import from Canada are part of a wider relocation plan. A large number of our customers decide to bring their cars back from Canada taking advantage of the tax-free incentives offered when relocating.
When relocating, you can even have certain personal belongings transported within your vehicle to reduce costs.
Certain items are prohibited while others may carry restrictions. Insurance must also be considered as personal items might not be covered with marine insurance. You’ll also need to ensure that items are packed securely and safely to protect them from damage.
Once on site at My Car Import, we may need to empty the car’s contents in order for it to be tested. There will be a charge for this service, or you’re welcome to visit our facility and collect your belongings to avoid the fee.
We can help you organize any added extras to simplify the process.
If you’re applying for the Transfer of Residency scheme (ToR), personal belongings can impact your eligibility for duty and tax relief. My Car Import offers a unique service to pay a deposit to avoid pricey rate transfers. Our deposits are priced fairly at 65% of the total cost.
We’ll outline this information for you in more detail during the quotation stage.
Why you should choose My Car Import
Allowing us to manage the car import process from Canada to the UK means that you’re privy to the following services:
- Inland collection of your vehicle from Canada
- Consolidated container shipment
- Comprehensive marine insurance
- Efficient, speedy handling of customs clearance
- Container unloading on site at My Car import
- All modifications and necessary tests to ensure UK road compliance
- Private IVA testing facility
- Fast track DVLA Registration
- Delivery to your pre-selected UK address
- Regular updates throughout
- Friendly, caring customer service from a team of car enthusiasts!
Now give us one good reason why wouldn’t you want My Car Import to handle the import process for you?
