American Cars

[MC HP]

How practical is it to insure an American car in the UK?

[LeMarchand]

I would imagine quite expensive (and from previous experience with a "classic car" parts may be scarce and/or expensive). You could try typing the details in to somewhere like http://www.insuresupermarket.com/motor/ to get some idea.

[RogerK]

You could try via owner's clubs and insurers that advertise in classic car mags - you would probably get a better deal with someone like this than the big insurance companies, they just seem to turn you away if it isn't on their list or charge to a fortune to be on the safe side. One of the AB regulars, KevUK, has an American car - hopefully he can give you some ideas.

[slimjim]

A slightly different opinion. I'm assuming you're talking about an older car. If so, classic insurance can be very cheap especially on limited mileage. And parts are usually cheap and plentiful too (usually more so than classic Brit stuff). Loads usually on ebay and plenty of specialists all over the States. Shipping costs are not excessive. If you're talking about a newer car, then the answer is probably that it does cost more to insure than a UK-sold car.

[Kev_UK]

I own 3 american cars, my daily driver is a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with a 305 cubic inch (5 litre) V8 engine, it is 20 years old now, and I have a limited milage policy of 3000 miles and I can get the basic fully comp cover for around �157 (I pay a bit extra for other benefits like legal cover, etc). You can also get 4500 and 6000 miles a year cover, they told me to phone them if and when I reach the 3000 in that year and I can upgrade it.. I think it was about �15 for 4500 and �27 for 6000. Parts are very easy to get.. and relatively cheap. A set of front disc pads, �15 + VAT. I use Adrian Flux insurance company. I get people saying things like "That must cost a fortune in petrol" .. well, I can get 25mpg on a run, but around town and if accelerating quickly it may be only 15mpg.. but you do get performance usually only found in expensive sports cars.. and an american car is a head turner, both young and old people admire them.. you are driving something different. You can pay �2000 for a yank car and turn more heads than spending �10,000 or more on a euro-box that every man and his dog have. Insurance and parts are cheap and the depreciation of the car is quite low.. so actually they do work out cheaper to run than your average car.

[Kev_UK]

.. and by the way, I had never driven a car with left hand drive or automatic transmission before I bought it over 2 and 1/2 years ago.. my previous car was a cheap and cheerful Renault 5, 1.0L TC (bought privately for �320 and sold privately some 2+ years later for �200)

[MC HP]

The car I have my eye on is a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. Confused.com and the one recommended by LeMarchland(much appreciated BTW) would not offer a quote. I am 23. Maybe this is the reason??? but i have 3 years no claims (touch wood) and I drive a high risk car anyway. Has anybody got any links or info on classic insurance. thanks all for comments

[Kev_UK]

http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/ That's Adrian Flux who I am with. I tried quotes from others but they were either more or roughly the same. This is another link I found in my favourites.. http://www.classic-car-insurance.uk.com/american-import.html You said you had your eye on a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. Try calling a few american car dealers, parts specialists to make sure parts are readily available. Chevrolet service parts are generaly iin stock, other items may take about a week. Call Stateside Autoparts on 01827 717600 (you can tell them Kev with the camaro Z28, and Chrysler Laser told you to phone). They have a website, http://www.statesideauto.co.uk Good Luck

[g_attril]

Bit late on this, but you will find that if you are over 25 most American cars will be extremely cheap to insure. Since you are under 25 it will be a bit tricker, but a popular sports model (eg. Camaro, Firebird, Mustang) will be no more than a normal UK car. For under 25's there are really only two insurers in the UK that will quote: Adrian Flux and Graham Sykes. When you reach 25 pretty much any specialist insurer will be able to quote, but I have just turned 25 and renewed with MC Edwards and got comprehensive cover for the same price as my third party cover last year. As a rough guide when I was 24 I was paying about �500 for third party cover on a 1985 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z at 24 with 2yrs NCD. For more information the American Auto Club International has a busy forum (free) which will advise on purchasing etc: www.aacint.com Gareth