The process of importing a car from the UK to Ireland has become very popular over the last decade. Irish motorists are saving money buying their cars in the UK. Since Brexit, the process has changed and can be more expensive than it was. We outline the key factors to consider when importing a car from the UK to Ireland.
Why are people importing cars from the UK to Ireland?
Since the UK has voted to leave the EU, there has been a growing demand for imported cars. The drop in strength of the Sterling has been a factor for this increase. People were looking for a bargain and took advantage of the weak exchange rate.
Do a History Check
Ensure you do a history check before you purchase the vehicle you want to import. The check will confirm all details of your car, such as the date of first registration, number of previous owners and other important information.
Get an Inspection Done on the Vehicle
This is an optional step, but it will give you peace of mind to get an idea of the car’s condition. You should go to a professional to undertake this inspection to see if they spot any possible issues. Various businesses can perform an inspection to different levels to suit your budget. It may be an extra expense, but importing your dream car could be worth it.
Register
All cars imported from the UK are subjected to a levy known as Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). If you buy from a dealer, it may already be included in the sale price. You should ask your car dealer this. If the price does not include VRT, you must arrange it yourself. You can find more information on the Citizens Information website.
Collect/Deliver the Car
There are essentially two options for you to collect a car from the UK to Ireland.
You could get it delivered to you. Regular lorries travel between the UK and Ireland and offer car delivery services.
The other option is to collect the car yourself. It could be more costly and is more time-consuming as you have to full over or travel by ferry and then return by ferry. You may also need to book a night’s accommodation depending on the transport times. It may be worth asking the seller if they could collect you at the airport. They are more than willing to if it means they will make a sale.
NCT
Cars over four years old will need an NCT on arrival in Ireland. It will need to be sent to a National Car Testing Service. (NCTS) the centre where it will be assessed. You have seven days upon arrival to get this done. All you need to do is book online on their website.
License plates
You must fill out a VRT Purchase Details Form, depending on whether your vehicle is new or used. You must also fill out a Declaration of Registration. Your vehicle will be assigned a registration number once you’ve registered and paid for VRT. You can use this number to order your license plates, which must be displayed within three days of being issued.
Car Insurance
You’ve done all the hard work importing the car and getting the documents in order. You now need insurance to drive the vehicle. It is a legal requirement to have car insurance to drive in public. When looking for your imported car insurance, you must tell your reinsurers that the vehicle is an import. They may invalidate your cover if you fail to do so.
It is well worth researching importing a car from the Uk before deciding. You must have all the correct paperwork, stick to the rules set around the NCT, etc.
Importing a Car from the UK to Ireland FAQ
What are the requirements for importing a car from the UK to Ireland?
The requirements for importing a car from the UK to Ireland include the following:
- The car must meet Irish standards and regulations
- The car must be registered in the UK and have a valid UK registration certificate (V5C)
- You must have ownership documents for the car, including a bill of sale or purchase receipt
- You must pay the appropriate import duties and taxes
- You must have valid insurance for the car in Ireland
How do I import a car from the UK to Ireland?
To import a car from the UK to Ireland, you will need to follow these steps:
- Check that the car meets Irish standards and regulations
- Obtain ownership documents for the car, including a bill of sale or purchase receipt
- Pay the appropriate import duties and taxes
- Arrange for the car to be transported to Ireland
- Register the car in Ireland and obtain valid insurance
Are there any import duties or taxes when importing a car from the UK to Ireland?
Yes, import duties and taxes must be paid when importing a car from the UK to Ireland. The duties and taxes you will need to pay will depend on the type of car you are importing and its value.
If you have imported a car from the UK to Ireland and you need car insurance, then get a secure quote online our call on 01 409 2600.
