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The Best Chassis Number Insurance Options for Imported Vehicles

Chassis number insurance is essential for covering imported vehicles that haven’t been registered in the UK yet. This type of insurance uses your vehicle’s unique chassis number or VIN instead of a registration plate. Without it, you can’t legally drive your imported vehicle before it’s registered. This article explains what chassis number insurance is, why you need it, and how to get it.

Key Takeaways

  • Chassis number insurance, also known as VIN insurance, is essential for imported vehicles that are not yet registered in the UK. It uses the vehicle’s unique VIN for coverage. A necessary first step to enable proceed with the DVLA registration process.
  • Specialist insurers offer significant benefits for imported vehicle coverage, including tailored policies, discounts for car club members, limited mileage policies, and comprehensive coverage for modifications and unique vehicle features.
  • Chassis number insurance is primarily designed for legal and mandatory purposes, such as vehicle inspections and registration, rather than everyday driving. It provides temporary cover until a vehicle obtains a UK registration number, after which standard insurance can be used for daily use.

Understanding Chassis Number Insurance

Chassis number insurance, also known as VIN insurance, is a specialist type of car insurance designed to cover imported vehicles that have not yet been registered in the UK. Unlike standard insurance policies that identify vehicles by their registration plate, chassis number insurance uses the vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to provide coverage.

Before the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) can issue a UK registration number, the vehicle must be insured. This creates the need for chassis number insurance or VIN Number insurance. 

Those planning to import a car without a UK registration number should consider this insurance. 

When You Need Chassis Number Insurance

Understanding when chassis number insurance is necessary can save you time. If you’ve imported a vehicle or built one yourself, you’ll find that most insurers won’t provide coverage until the vehicle is registered with the DVLA. This presents a classic Catch-22 situation: you need insurance to register the car, but you can’t get standard insurance without a registration number.

During the registration process, chassis number insurance is necessary. You can purchase temporary VIN insurance to cover the vehicle while it undergoes necessary inspections and paperwork. Many drivers find themselves more than a little confusing, as UK insurers typically require a UK registration number to provide coverage, but the DVLA mandates insurance before issuing the registration. This insurance is stop gap that enables the vehicle in question to be registered within the UK.

Examples uses of Chassis number insurance include:

  • Returning expats bringing a vehicle from overseas often require this insurance to ensure their cars are legally covered upon re-entry
  • MOD Vehicles: These are ex ministry of defence vehicles that have a secret past
  • Vehicle Rebuilds : Cars or bikes that have been completely rebuilt. This category also includes cars that had been previously classed as a write-off.
  • Kit Cars - Not that common and are normally associated with car enthusiast that that love to recreate classics at an affordable price. 

Tips to Save on Chassis Number Insurance Costs

You can take steps to save on chassis number insurance, one method is to shop around and compare insurance quotes to find a deal that suits your budget.

Increasing the voluntary excess on your car insurance policy is another way to reduce the insurance premium. Enhancing your vehicle’s security features can further lower insurance costs, as insurers often provide discounts for added security measures.

Joining an owner's club can also provide discounts of up to 15%. These clubs often have partnerships with insurers, offering their members exclusive rates. By taking these steps, you could reduce the cost of chassis number insurance.

Temporary vs. Long-Term Cover

Temporary chassis number insurance is typically a short-term solution designed to provide cover for unregistered vehicles while they undergo the registration process. This type of insurance is essential when the DVLA won’t register a vehicle without insurance, and standard motor insurance is unavailable.

Temporary insurance is often needed for non-UK registered vehicles to be driven on UK roads while awaiting DVLA registration. It provides a short-term solution until the vehicle can be registered and standard insurance obtained. Once the vehicle has passed the necessary inspections and received a UK registration number, owners can then switch to long-term insurance.

Long-term chassis number insurance offers comprehensive coverage for vehicles that have already passed the IVA test and are registered with the DVLA. This type of insurance provides full protection for everyday use, including coverage for:

  • Accidents and collisions
  • Third-party liability
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Fire Damage

With long-term chassis number insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is adequately covered for all eventualities.

Why Chassis number insurance 

Chassis number insurance plays a pivotal role in the process of importing and registering vehicles in the UK. It bridges the gap between the need for insurance to drive on public roads and the requirement for a registration number to obtain standard insurance. From understanding what chassis number insurance is to knowing when you need it, this guide has covered all the essential aspects to ensure a smooth registration process.

Time to get VIN Number insurance quotes?

You may have guessed that we can provide you access to multiple quotes for chassis number insurance. Simply click the Get Quotes option below and fill in a quick form to get access to multiple quotes. Then all you have to do is pick the best one!

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Chassis number insurance FAQs


What is chassis number insurance?

Chassis number insurance, also known as VIN insurance, is designed for vehicles (cars and bikes) that have not yet been registered and identifies vehicles using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) rather than a registration plate.

When do I need chassis number insurance?

You need chassis number insurance during the registration process for imported or self-built vehicles, those requiring SVA or IVA inspections, and for returning residents bringing vehicles from overseas.

How do I obtain chassis number insurance?

To obtain chassis number insurance, you should approach specialist companies experienced in this insurance niche and be abel to provide necessary documentation such as VIN, proof of IVA, and engine number. 

Can I drive my vehicle with chassis number insurance?

No, chassis number insurance is not meant for everyday driving, but for specific purposes like inspections and registration.

How can I save on chassis number insurance?

To save on chassis number insurance costs, shop around for quotes and check direct with specialist providers of this category of insurance, example Adrian Flux or Growthorne. 

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