Importing your car from the Isle of Man to the United Kingdom
Our services
My Car Import offers a wide range of services that are designed to assist with the entire process of importing your vehicle to the United Kingdom. Whether you need help with customs clearances or transport, we are here to help.
Why choose My Car Import?
My Car Import deal with a wide variety of imports from around the world. The Isle of Man is a little closer to home but it will still require registration to be used once it comes back from the Isle of Mann.
We can assist with the entire process and provide guidance along the way if there is anything that you need to do.
The amount of queries we get regarding the Isle of Man is surprisingly high so please don’t hesitate to fill out the quotation form on the right so that we can better quote you for the importation of your car.
Often we arrange road transport back to the United Kingdom, storage, and the later paper exercise of registering the car but every import is different!
Frequently asked questions
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We do this using an IVA test. We have the only privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, meaning your car will not be waiting for a testing slot at a government testing centre, which can take weeks, if not months to obtain. We IVA test every week on-site and therefore have the fastest turnaround to get your car registered and on UK roads.
Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.
We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.
Australian cars may require some modifications, including the speedo to display an MPH reading and the rear fog light positioning if it is not already universally compliant.
We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of cars we have imported so can give you an accurate estimate of what your car will require to be ready for its IVA test.
What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?
Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.
If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.
How long does it take to transport a car from the Isle of Man to the United Kingdom?
The duration to transport a car from the Isle of Man to the United Kingdom can vary depending on the shipping method chosen, the specific locations involved, and the logistics of the shipping process. Here are some common shipping methods and their approximate durations:
Ferry Service: The most common and straightforward way to transport a car from the Isle of Man to the UK is by using a ferry service. The ferry route between the Isle of Man and the UK typically takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on the specific departure and arrival ports. Ferry schedules may vary, so it’s essential to check the available departure times and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Container Shipping: If you opt for container shipping, where your car is loaded into a container for added protection, the duration will depend on the shipping company’s schedule and the transit time from the Isle of Man to the UK port. This method can take a few days to a week, depending on the shipping route and the frequency of sailings.
Ro-Ro Shipping: Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping involves driving your car onto a specialized vessel for transport. This method is generally faster than container shipping and can take around 12 to 24 hours to complete the journey from the Isle of Man to the UK port.
Air Freight: If speed is a top priority, you may consider air freight, although it is typically more expensive than other shipping methods. Air freight can transport your car from the Isle of Man to the UK in a matter of hours.
Please note that the actual transit time can also be influenced by weather conditions, customs procedures, and any potential delays at ports. It’s essential to work with a reputable shipping company that can provide accurate information on transit times and assist you with the logistics of the car transport process. Additionally, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and paperwork prepared for a smooth and efficient shipping experience.
Can you drive a car from the Isle of Mann in the United Kingdom, or do you need to register it?
There is no reason that you can’t drive your car in the UK for a short period of time, however if you are moving to the United Kingdom then you will have to register the vehicle here.
There is a small amount of time that you could most likely not register the car for, but for peace of mind it is worth getting it registered her.