Can I get short-term insurance for an import?

Hi, I have purchased a car in the UK and paid the VRT here. When I rang about taxing it I was told I have to have insurance first and give them the policy number and date of expiry. When I rang an insurance company I was informed that the car would have to be taxed first - so checkmate.

Is there a solution to this problem? I only want to insure it for a short while as I bought it to sell it and long term insurance would eat up any profit I hope to make.

James Neville (Dublin)

Dec 2016 Filed under: importing

---

Expert answer

Hi James,

Usually you can get so-called 'bridging' insurance from a UK-based insurer to cover the car for a few weeks on it original plates etc. to deal with this sort of situation. I think a quick ring-round should see you right. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe