Import Car Insurance Premiums - How to Get Discounts

Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 December 1969 15:59) Written by Andy Darwinson Sunday, 29 November 2009 16:38

Do you drive an imported car? If so, you're well aware that import car insurance is significantly costlier than are the premiums you pay to insure a domestic vehicle. Of course, if you have chosen an imported vehicle, it stands to reason that you can afford to pay a little more for your car insurance; but that doesn't mean that you can't save on your premiums.

Do you drive an imported car? If so, you're well aware that import car insurance is significantly costlier than are the premiums you pay to insure a domestic vehicle. Of course, if you have chosen an imported vehicle, it stands to reason that you can afford to pay a little more for your car insurance; but that doesn't mean that you can't save on your premiums.

All drivers should carry car insurance. In most states, it is legally required that all drivers have this coverage and even if you live in a state which does not make car insurance mandatory, you should still have this important protection. You could save money on your premiums by carrying just the bare minimum of insurance required by law in your state, though there are other, better ways to reduce your insurance costs.

The following ideas for reducing your import car insurance premiums can also help you to save:

1. The make and model of car you drive has a significant effect on your premiums. The more expensive the vehicle, the more it will cost to insure; and of course, imported cars tend to be more costly. You may want to go for a less expensive car if you're currently looking for a new vehicle.

2. Consider joining an owner's club. An owner's club generally will be able to offer lower rates on car insurance since they use their collective bargaining power to secure lower premiums, much like a group health insurance plan provides to its members.

3. Check for cost-saving features and company policies. Even if you obtain insurance through an owner's club, check various plans that offer bigger savings for modifications made on import cars. For example, adding a performance filter to an otherwise unmodified 1.6-litre Honda Civic can actually improve its performance enough to earn you additional savings. This is because more and more insurance companies are going to great lengths to be more specific with their policies on car insurance from other countries.

4. Find out about any no-claims discount offered by your insurer; this is something you should do no matter what kind of car you drive. If you maintain a good driving record, you can receive a discount on your premiums.

5. Be a security freak. If your car is imported from countries with little to no car crimes, such as Japan, chances are, your car comes with little or no security features as well. Probably because of the fact that it's not readily available (or it used too be), in your local market, cars from other countries are hot stuff to car-nappers. Insurance companies place a high premium on security features on these types of cars. Having alarm or tracking systems and immobilizers installed on an import car can greatly reduce your car insurance premiums.

The popularity of import cars is undeniable. Although insurance might pose a slight setback to your wanting to own one, top-notch performance at incredibly low prices make thousands upon thousands gravitate toward fuel-efficient, overall economical Japanese cars. Plus, the design makes for interesting car buff-magnet.