Insurance · 24 September 2026

How to Insure a Japanese Import Car in Ireland (2026 Guide)

Insurance is the one cost people forget to check before importing. Most everyday Japanese imports are straightforward to insure in Ireland, but a few models and situations need a specialist. Get a quote before you bid.

Why imports are treated differently

Insurers call cars built for another market "grey" or "parallel" imports. Their concerns are practical: parts availability, repair costs, theft rates and, for performance cars, accident risk. A Japanese-market car may also have a slightly different specification from the Irish version.

Easy, harder and specialist

• Usually easy: European models bought in Japan (Golf, Polo, A3, 3 Series), plus Japanese models that were also sold new in Ireland (Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, C-HR, CR-V, Leaf).
• Shop around: Japan-only hybrids such as the Aqua, Fit Hybrid, Vezel, Shuttle and Note e-Power. Irish drivers on boards.ie report that some mainstream insurers decline these while specialist brokers quote normally. The Aqua in particular has been a target for thieves in Dublin.
• Specialist: performance and modified cars, such as the Civic Type R, WRX STI, GT-R, Supra and Skyline, and kei cars.

How to get the best quote

1. Quote before you buy. Give the insurer the exact model, engine and year from the auction listing.
2. Use a broker who covers imports. Several Irish brokers advertise Japanese import schemes.
3. Declare it as an import honestly. Non-disclosure can void cover.
4. Keep your paperwork: export certificate, auction sheet, VRT receipt and NCT pass help show the car's history and value.
5. Security helps: a Thatcham-approved immobiliser or tracker can reduce premiums on theft-prone models.
6. Agreed value is worth considering for rare or modified cars.

When does cover start?

You need insurance before driving on Irish roads. The car must also be registered (VRT paid) within 30 days of arrival. We deliver on Irish plates, so you can arrange cover to start on delivery day.

Ask us for the model details and we will send you a sample specification to use for insurance quotes before you commit to a bid.