How Does Imported Second-Hand Car Insurance Work?
In a Nutshell: Insuring an imported second-hand car (e.g., a Japanese import like a Nissan Skyline or Toyota Crown) can be 20–60% more expensive than insuring the same car if it was Australian-delivered. This is due to expensive replacement parts, specialist repairers, and uncertainty about the vehicle's history. Not all insurers cover imports — you may need a specialist.
Why Imports Cost More to Insure
| Factor | Why It Increases Cost |
|---|---|
| Parts availability | Many parts aren't available in Australia — must be imported from Japan, UK, or USA |
| Parts cost | Shipping and rarity drive up prices — a bumper can cost 2–3× an Australian part |
| Repairer knowledge | Fewer repairers are qualified to work on imported vehicles |
| Compliance history | Some imports have unknown crash history or modified compliance |
| Theft/fraud risk | Some grey imports have unclear ownership history |
| Vehicle identification | VIN and chassis numbers may not match Australian databases |
Import vs Australian-Delivered — Premium Comparison
| Vehicle | Australian-Delivered | Import (Same Model) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 (est.) | $800–$1,100 | N/A (not usually imported) | — |
| 2016 Subaru WRX (AU spec) | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,800 (JDM import) | +50–60% |
| 2014 Mercedes C250 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,200 (UK import) | +40–50% |
| 2018 Nissan Qashqai | $750–$1,000 | $1,000–$1,500 (UK import) | +30–50% |
| 1995 Nissan Skyline R33 | N/A (no AU spec) | $1,200–$2,000 (JDM) | — |
💡 Note: Some popular imports (Toyota HiLux, LandCruiser) that are also sold as Australian-delivered models may be cheaper to insure because parts are readily available.
Which Insurers Cover Imports?
| Insurer | Import Cover | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shannon's | ✅ Excellent — enthusiast focus | Best for JDM, UK, and US imports |
| Enthusiast | ✅ Excellent | Specialises in classic and imported vehicles |
| Just Car | ✅ Good | Young driver + import combination available |
| NRMA | ⚠️ Limited — case by case | May cover if parts are available |
| AAMI | ⚠️ Conditional | Depends on make/model and parts availability |
| Allianz | ⚠️ Conditional | Some imports accepted |
| Budget Direct | ❌ Usually not | Will decline many imports |
| Youi | ⚠️ Case by case | Call to discuss — personalised quotes |
💡 Best bet: Shannon's and Enthusiast Insurance are the most import-friendly.
Required Documents for Import Insurance
| Document | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Import approval | Department of Infrastructure approval |
| Compliance plate | RAWS compliance for Japanese imports |
| Customs clearance | Proof of legal import |
| Vehicle identity check | State-mandated identity check |
| Previous registration (overseas) | Paperwork from the country of origin |
| Engineering certificate (if modified) | For modified imports |
| Professional valuation | Recommended for rare/unique imports |
Modified Imports — Double the Complexity
If your imported car is also modified, insurance is even more complex:
| Situation | Premium Impact | Insurer Options |
|---|---|---|
| Stock import | 20–40% above AU spec | Shannon's, Enthusiast, Just Car |
| Import + basic mods (exhaust, wheels) | 40–70% above AU spec | Shannon's, Enthusiast |
| Import + performance mods (engine, turbo) | 60–100%+ above AU spec | Shannon's (only) |
| Import + full race spec | Very limited — may be declined | Specialist broker |
How to Save on Import Insurance
| Strategy | Saving |
|---|---|
| Choose a model with Australian parts availability | 20–40% |
| Join a car club | 5–15% discount |
| Use Shannon's or Enthusiast (specialist pricing) | Better than standard insurers |
| Increase excess | 15–30% |
| Garage parking | 5–15% |
| Agreed value (avoids disputes) | May be higher premium but more certain |
Key Takeaway
- Import insurance costs 20–60% more than Australian-delivered vehicles.
- Parts availability and repairer knowledge are the biggest cost drivers.
- Shannon's, Enthusiast, and Just Car are the best insurers for imports.
- Declare ALL modifications — non-disclosure can void your policy.
- You'll need import approval, compliance paperwork, and identity check documents.
- Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) imports are the most common in Australia.
- Parts-sharing with Australian models (e.g., HiLux) reduces insurance costs.
- Always get a specialist quote before buying an import.
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about insurance for imported second-hand cars in Australia. Import regulations and insurance availability vary. Check the Department of Infrastructure for import compliance and your insurer for policy terms.