Buying an imported car is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re after an iconic Japanese sports car, a muscle car from the USA, or a rare European model that never made it to UK dealerships, imports offer something different. But the further a car has travelled, the harder it is to know what it’s been through, which makes a thorough history check essential.
We walk you through what to look for when checking the history of an imported vehicle, broken down by country of origin.
The Difference Between Parallel Imports and Grey Imports
It’s worth understanding the two types of imported cars, because the risks and the checks you’ll need to carry out differ between them.
- Parallel imports are vehicles brought into the UK from other EU countries. They’re built to European specifications, meaning they typically meet UK safety and emissions standards without significant modification. Registration and insurance tend to be more straightforward, and parts are generally easier to source.
- Grey imports come from outside the EU, most commonly Japan or the USA. These are often models that were never officially sold in the UK, which is a big part of their appeal. However, they may need modifications to meet UK regulations, can be more expensive to insure, and their history is harder to verify once they’ve crossed borders.
Why History Checks Matter More for Imported Cars
When you buy a UK car, a standard HPI check covers most of the bases: outstanding finance, write-offs, stolen records, and mileage discrepancies. With imported vehicles, the picture is more complicated. Records may be held overseas, written in another language, or unavailable once a car crosses borders.
There’s also a higher risk of odometer tampering, making mileage difficult to verify independently. Without the right checks, you risk inheriting problems you didn’t know existed – and that can affect everything from roadworthiness to your insurance premium.
Pros and Cons of Buying an Imported Car
| Pros | Cons |
| Access to models unavailable in the UK | Vehicle history records may be incomplete, overseas, or in a foreign language |
| Potentially lower purchase prices, especially from Japan and the USA | Potentially higher insurance premiums due to non-standard specifications and parts availability |
| Japanese imports are often well-maintained, with strict vehicle regulations | Grey imports may require modifications to meet UK standards |
| Higher spec levels and features not commonly found in UK versions | Sourcing replacement parts can be difficult and costly |
| Parallel imports from Europe are easier to register and insure in the UK | Resale value can be lower |
How to Check the History of a Japanese Import
Some of the most sought-after grey imports in the UK come from Japan. Think Nissan Skylines, Toyota Supras, Honda NSXs, and Mitsubishi Evos. Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars are often well-maintained, but verifying their history requires a different approach.
Auction Grade Sheets
Most JDM imports pass through Japanese car auctions before export. Reputable importers should be able to provide an auction inspection sheet, which grades the car’s condition and notes any damage, repairs, or discrepancies. Look for a grade of 3.5 or above for a good-condition used vehicle.
JAAI and JEVIC Inspections
The Japan Auto Appraisal Institute (JAAI) and Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre (JEVIC) offer pre-export inspection certificates. These verify the vehicle’s condition and mileage before it leaves Japan. Ask importers if one of these is available.
Mileage Verification
Japanese odometers display in kilometres. Be wary of suspiciously low readings, as odometer tampering (known as ‘clocking’) does occur. Cross-reference the reading against service stamps and the auction sheet wherever possible.
UK HPI Check
Once the car is registered with the DVLA and given a UK plate, run a standard HPI check. This won’t cover the car’s Japanese history, but it will flag any issues arising after UK registration.
How to Check the History of an American Import
American imports, particularly muscle cars, pick-up trucks, and performance vehicles, are popular in the UK. However, they also come with history risks that are worth understanding before you buy.
Carfax and AutoCheck Reports
These are the US equivalents of an HPI check and are available online. A Carfax or AutoCheck report will show accident history, number of previous owners, service records, and whether the vehicle has a salvage title.
Salvage and Rebuilt Titles
In the US, a car that has been written off and subsequently repaired gets a ‘salvage’ or ‘rebuilt’ title. Salvaged vehicles can legally be imported into the UK, but their history must be declared. A salvage title car can be harder to insure and may affect resale value.
Flood Damage Records
The USA sees significant flood damage to vehicles each year, particularly after hurricane events. Flood damage isn’t always visible. It can lie dormant in electrical systems for years. Carfax and AutoCheck reports include flood damage records where declared, but it’s best to commission an independent inspection for any American import.
State Title Laws
Vehicle title laws vary by US state, which affects how damage and ownership history are recorded. A car registered in a state with lax title laws may have a cleaner paper history than its actual condition suggests. Ask your importer to confirm the registration status and check accordingly.
How to Check the History of a European Parallel Import
Parallel imports from EU countries are generally the most straightforward type of import to buy. They’re built to European specifications, so they’re closer to UK models, and the paperwork is more familiar. That said, history checks are still important.
HPI Check
A UK HPI check won’t reveal history from before the car was registered in the UK. For European history, you’ll need to contact a history check provider in the country of origin. Many EU countries have national vehicle registers that can be accessed for a small fee.
Outstanding Finance
Finance agreements don’t automatically transfer between countries. If a car was purchased on finance in Germany or France, for example, that debt may still be secured against the vehicle. Always verify the car is free of outstanding finance in its country of origin.
Certificate of Conformity
EU imports should come with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which confirms the vehicle meets European safety and emissions standards. This is a key document for DVLA registration. Check it carefully and ensure it matches the vehicle’s VIN.
Service History
European service records are usually straightforward, but may be in a foreign language. Ask the seller or importer for a full service history and, if needed, get records translated before committing to a purchase.
What to Do if the History Is Incomplete
Gaps in an imported car’s history aren’t automatically a dealbreaker, but they should prompt further investigation.
- Commission an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the vehicle type.
- Ask the seller or importer what documentation is available and why records may be missing.
- Request all available paperwork (auction sheets, import certificates, customs documents) and verify them independently.
- Be prepared to walk away if the history simply can’t be verified to your satisfaction.
How Imported Car History Affects Your Insurance
A vehicle’s history plays a significant role in how insurers assess risk. And for imported cars, incomplete or unverifiable records can make arranging cover harder and more expensive.
Standard insurers may decline to cover grey imports altogether, particularly if the vehicle has a salvage history or requires modifications to meet UK standards. Even for cleaner imports, premiums tend to be higher due to the difficulty in sourcing parts and the lack of UK-specific manufacturer data.
Specialist Cover from Advanced Insurance
At Advance Insurance, we’ve specialised in import car insurance for decades. We have access to insurers who understand the unique requirements of Japanese, American, and European imports – and who can help provide cover that reflects your vehicle’s true nature and value, rather than declining because it doesn’t fit a standard policy.
If you’re buying an imported vehicle and want to make sure you have the right cover in place from day one, contact us. We’ll help you understand what documentation your insurer will need, and find a policy that works for your vehicle.
