Skip to main content

Importing your car from the EU to the UK?

Whatever stage of the import process you’re at, we’re happy to take over and simplify the remainder of the journey.

Maybe you’re moving to the United Kingdom or have your eye on a low-mileage classic car. Whatever the reason for importing a car to the UK, let us help you get it on the road.

Our swift, streamlined process makes us the fastest car import company in the UK for getting cars and motorbikes road registered. Why wait a minute longer than you need to?

Get a quote

We can collect your vehicle from within the EU and deliver it the United Kingdom

 

We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your transportation needs. That means a wide variety of options to suit your budget.

Having our own enclosed multi-car transporter is a gamechanger for our clients. It also means that we’re regularly embarking on journeys to the EU to collect vehicles. Whether you require enclosed road haulage or shipping services from Europe, the convenience we provide allows you a seamless and efficient process,

Our multi-car transporter is equipped to handle a variety of vehicle types. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking classic cars or luxury cars, we’ve got the expertise and equipment to transport them safely.

My Car Import is blessed to work alongside a broad network of diverse partners. These ongoing relationships allow us to accommodate your specific requirements, ensuring that your vehicles are transported securely, safely, and efficiently to their destination.

We can modify your vehicle

Once your car is in the UK, trust us to take care of the modification process for you. This can vary based on the year of the vehicle, but we’ll tell you the best route to registering your car or motorbike in the UK at the quotation stage.

The most common modification to vehicles includes adjustments to headlights, fitting rear fog lights, and changing speedometer fascias. This is not an exhaustive list, however, and modifications are unique to each and every vehicle.

 

Headlights

LHD cars are typically equipped with headlights designed for driving on the right-hand side of the road. As the UK drives on the left-hand side, this means the beam pattern is usually incorrect on LHD cars.

Fog lights

In the UK, vehicles are required to have a right-hand side rear fog light. Many EU cars have rear fog lights on the left-hand side or may not have them at all. To comply with UK regulations, fog lights must be on the right-hand side.

Speedometer

In the UK, speedometers must be displayed in miles per hour (mph). If a speed reading is displayed in kilometers per hour (kph), it needs to be recalibrated or the fascia replaced.

We get your EU vehicle tested
and handle the DVLA paperwork

Before we can put your vehicle in for the expedited registration process, it’s essential to understand the prerequisites that must be met when importing a car into the UK.

Your car will either require an MOT or an IVA test beforehand.

MOT Test

Importing a car into the UK often necessitates undergoing a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test. This examination ensures that the vehicle meets the UK’s safety and emissions standards. It’s a comprehensive assessment that covers various aspects such as brakes, lights, emissions, and structural integrity. Passing the MOT is a vital prerequisite for road legality and safety.

IVA Test

In certain cases, especially for cars that don’t conform to standard EU or UK specifications, an IVA test may be required. This thorough examination evaluates the vehicle’s conformity to specific UK regulations, including those related to emissions, safety, and construction. Passing the IVA test is essential before the vehicle can be registered and driven legally on UK roads.

With these prerequisites in mind, our dedicated trade association account with the DVLA plays a pivotal role in simplifying the registration process for imported vehicles. We offer a streamlined and efficient service with a swift turnaround time of just 10 working days for registration.

This means that once your vehicle has successfully undergone the necessary MOT or IVA tests and meets all the compliance requirements, we can swiftly handle the paperwork and registration, ensuring that your imported car is road legal and ready for use within a minimal timeframe.

Get a Quote

Once registered you can drive your car in the UK

Once we receive your registration number, our dedicated team springs into action to ensure a smooth transition for your newly registered vehicle.

First, we’ll order your number plates. These are made in strict accordance with DVLA regulations to ensure that they meet all legal requirements.

Depending on your preference, we can either collect your number plates on your behalf or have them delivered to a location of your choice. We want to make the process straightforward for you, so we’ll do all we can to ensure that you receive your plates in a timely and convenient manner.

The process of bringing your car home can feel longwinded at times, but with the assistance of My Car Import, we promise that it’ll happen quickly and efficiently.

[/vc_row_inner]

How much does it cost to import a car from Europe?

The quickest route to obtaining a price for importing your car or motorbike to the UK is by filling in a quote form.

If you’d like to know more about the individual factors than can impact the overall cost, here are a few helpful things to consider.

What region of the EU are you importing your car from?

While import rates won’t vary from EU states to the UK, it can impact on transportation costs.

What car or motorbike are you importing?

Price can be affected by vehicle type. For example, certain headlights can be adjusted on cars while others can’t. Some cars will come with dual rear fog lights while others have a digital speedometer.

How are you getting the car here?

While driving your car to your destination can be an attractive option that might save you money, it’s worth considering the risks that can be avoided with enclosed transportation.

Our fees for importing your car 

Our rates are based on the level of assistance we provide for the overall importation process.  The more we do, the higher the rate.

Consider the exchange rates 

We accept GBP but exchange rates are always worth considering as this can affect the total cost. This depends on your individual circumstances, and whether you are moving to the UK or buying a car from the EU.

Please note, it is difficult to provide you an accurate quote without your vehicle details and the level of help required. Taking a few minutes to complete our quote form speeds up the process of getting your car home.

How long does it take to transport a car from Europe to the UK

My Car Import is here to help with getting your car from the EU to the UK. However, the time it takes to transport a car from Europe to the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the method of transportation, the specific route, and any logistical considerations. This is something that we take care of when you decide to import your car with us.

As such there really isn’t a definitive answer as to how long it can take to transport a car as this depends on the routes of the transporters, and the time to collect other vehicles along the way.

Our multi car transporter will take a variety of routes that take it through a number of different EU states meaning that your car might be collected first, or last.

At the time of quotation we will give you a rough idea of when we plan to collect your vehicle if you go ahead.

How long does it take to ship a car from Europe to the United Kingdom

The time it takes to ship a car from Europe to another destination can vary depending on several factors, including the distance, the shipping method chosen, the specific route, and potential delays. Here are some general estimates for different shipping methods:

Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping:

This is one of the most common methods for shipping cars internationally. It involves driving the vehicle onto a specialized vessel (Ro-Ro ship) and driving it off at the destination. Shipping times typically range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the destination and the shipping company’s schedule. Shorter distances within Europe may take less time.

Container Shipping:

Cars can also be shipped in containers. The shipping time for containerized car transport can be similar to Ro-Ro shipping, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the route and any transshipment points.

Air Freight:

If you need to expedite the shipping process, you can opt for air freight, which is significantly faster than sea transport. Shipping a car by air can take a matter of days or a week, but it is much more expensive than sea transport.

Inland Transportation:

If your car needs to be transported to a major port before being shipped overseas, you should factor in additional time for inland transportation. The duration of this phase depends on the distance and mode of inland transport (e.g., by truck or train).

Customs Clearance: Customs clearance procedures can also add time to the shipping process. The time it takes to clear customs can vary from country to country and may be influenced by factors such as documentation accuracy and any potential inspections.

Shipping Company and Route:

The choice of shipping company and the specific route taken can impact shipping times. Some routes may be more direct and have more frequent departures, reducing transit times.

Season and Weather Conditions:

Weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, can affect shipping schedules. Adverse weather may lead to delays.

Documentation and Regulations:

Ensure that all necessary documentation, including export/import permits and compliance with local regulations, is in order to prevent delays.

In summary, the time it takes to ship a car from Europe can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above. It’s essential to work with a reputable shipping company, plan well in advance, and consider the shipping method that best suits your needs and timeline.

Get a quote
Get a quote