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.
Have you reviewed the Lexus IS 300h?
Have you got a review of the Lexus IS 300h?
Bob Allen (Ashbourne)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Bob,
Short version? The IS 300h is good looking, ultra reliable and comes with very low tax. Shortcomings are the strange CVT gearbox and less than sparkling acceleration. A viable diesel alternative though.
READ: Lexus IS 300h review
What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
What is the tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
What is the motor tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
Tom Quinn (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Assuming you mean the D5 diesel with the automatic transmission, then €1,200.
What's the tax on a commercial SUV?
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a commercial SUV; what is the tax rate on it?
Garoid Byrne (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Garoid,
Well, it depends on the car and how you're taxing it. If you're taxing any vehicle as a commercial then it's €333 a year, but there are strict limits on usage, which include no personal driving, doing the school run, stopping at the shops etc. If you've taxed a car as a commercial but are using it for personal use then you're liable for a massive fine.
Can I reclaim UK VAT on exporting a new car?
Hi,
I'm thinking of importing a new car from the UK. I am aware that I will need to pay VRT and VAT in Ireland. My question is whether I will be able to reclaim the UK VAT if I export the car immediately on purchase.
Jim Byrne (Dalkey)Nov 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
You don’t reclaim the UK VAT if you’re exporting a brand new car to Ireland, you simply don’t pay it in the first place. According to HMRC, you won’t be liable for UK VAT on your purchase if you take it out of the UK within two months of buying and don’t drive the vehicle in the UK unless you register and tax it. You’ll also have to fill out a VAT 411 form.
Will Ireland move to paperless motor tax?
Hi,
Are you aware of any plans for Ireland to move to a paperless tax, NCT and insurance system like they use in the UK? To see all that paper hanging in the windscreens of modern cars is very last century and is simply clutter that does nothing to complement the great design of many modern cars.
Martin Smith (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
There are certainly no concrete plans that we’ve heard of. There was some discussion of the subject, back in 2014 when the UK did away with paper tax discs, that Ireland might move to a similar system, and the abolition of being able to carry over unused vehicle tax from one owner to another is kind of the first step on that road. Dublin City Council this year suggested that we should start moving towards paperless tax but plans haven’t gone any farther than that for now.
Worth paying VRT to import a Ford Focus?
Is worth paying €17,000 for a UK import of a 2014 Ford Focus Zetec 1.0 turbo 125hp? Any problem to trade in in the future?
Thanks.
Shiu Hung Chui (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Shiu,
It’s an excellent car, but you’ll need to modify your own driving style a little to get the best economy out of the little 1.0-litre turbo engine. It is a terrific engine, though. You’re most likely looking at paying around €2,900 in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) to import it.
There are a huge number of imports from the UK and we don't believe it will adversely affect the trade-in price in a few years time.
How much VRT on a Mercedes CLA import?
What VRT or tax in Ireland would I pay on a Mercedes Benz CLA 220 Sport auto diesel coming from England?
Fidelis Mannion (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Fidelis,
Well, it depends on the year, but assuming you mean a 2014 model, you’ll pay around €5,300 in VRT.