ASK THE EXPERT: WILL I BE ABLE TO INSURE MY AUSTRALIAN-MARKET CAR IF I IMPORT IT TO THE UK?

Dear Alex,

I am moving to the UK from Australia and I am considering bringing my 2021 MG HS 2.0T Excite with me. Leaving import issues, DVLA registration and tax aside, will I be able to insure it in the UK? Also, might servicing and repairs cost more than for a UK-market model?

– DH

Dear DH, 

While the HS is sold here, you’re correct that the 2.0-litre engine isn’t – we only get the 1.5 version. 

You should be able to get insurance in the UK although you’ll probably have to use a specialist insurer that deals with imported cars, rather than a mainstream firm. That might lead to higher premiums (and restrict your choices come renewal time).

And while I imagine you’ll be able to get your car serviced at an MG dealer, be prepared for some scratching of heads if you have an issue with the engine or drivetrain (the 2.0-litre HS is four-wheel-drive), as the dealer will have to special –order parts from MG, which could cause delays. 

A couple of other things to consider: when you come to change your car, you’ll have a harder time doing so given it’s a model that isn’t officially sold here and has an import marker. And because dealers will also find it more difficult to sell on, they will have less appetite to part-exchange it and will probably offer you less than they would for a UK-market example. 

One other thing: the HS 2.0-litre turbo is thirsty, with an average economy of just under 30mpg, and fuel in the UK is much more expensive than in Australia – think half as much again. That means it won’t just be insuring and maintaining your car in the UK that’ll be costly – fuelling it will be, too.

Admittedly, it would cost you quite a lot more to buy an equivalent 1.5-litre UK car, since prices are much lower in Australia. But once you’ve factored in the cost of shipping, import duties, VAT and the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection, that difference would dissipate.

And you’d end up with a car that would be easier to insure, maintain and sell, as well as cheaper to fuel. It’s a no-brainer, in my book. 

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