Why is imported car insurance so expensive? Look under the hood of any vehicle these days and you will understand that the grease monkeys that used to change the plugs, belts and air filters on vehicles have gone the way of the dinosaur. Good vehicle mechanics today are highly trained and specialized people – hence that high hourly charge for anything you have done. Foreign vehicles have the added problem of parts too. So even though any accident damage may look minor from the outside, underneath there are computer chips and bits and pieces that all have to be ordered specially, and often from the country of origin. That takes time, expense, long waiting periods sometimes and the added expense of shipping the parts. A repair shop may also have to use specialized tools too, which all cost money. That’s why imported car insurance can be so costly.

Bear in mind that thieves know that the parts on your exotic foreign car are very valuable – which may make it more prone to theft. If it doesn’t have a tracking device and a high tech alarm, then add one – and there’s more expense. If you don’t, the insurer will ask, and of course your imported car insurance will cost you more if you don’t have them.

If the vehicle you have your heart set on is a vintage imported foreign vehicle, try to locate an owners’ club. Quite often they will deal with specific insurers who can cover that vehicle for less than one of the big name insurers. The club may also be able to put you in touch with people who have parts in stock, which will save you time and money.

Safety standards vary by country, and some vehicles are simply not up to par with US safety standards. Don’t be surprised if you get turned down for imported car insurance, especially if you have made the wrong choice of imported vehicle.