Performance insurance for international drivers

[DistressedYank]

Apologies if this is the wrong locale; search engine is down, and I do not see a sub-forum for general UK region.

I'm having considerable troubles trying to acquire any variant of 'performance' vehicle in regards to insurance coverage.

As we all know, they will not take into account your international driving record, so my ten+ years of riding around like a granny on the streets, being the mature driver when all my friends wanted to put their foot on the gas, doesn't impress.

The other factors are obviously modifications, and the dreaded import status.

So far I've eyed up RX-7s, Supras, Skylines, 300ZXs and BMW 840ci. Yes, I have kept looking for Mustangs, and other well known American vehicles, but the combination of left hand drive, 5+ litre motors and all of the things I just mentioned above, makes the whole thing even worse.

Thus I'm resigned to buying what we yanks call an 'import tuner.'

What I am after is some general advice, as well as names of insurance companies that are flexible. I have been to the likes of Adrian Flux, and was flat denied on most models. Surely there's an insurer out there that will fill the vacuum in the market for people such as myself, who are reputable and capable drivers over the age of twenty-five, just looking for a nice weekend toy.

Again, any suggestions or information would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Distressed Yank

[Tom_C76]

You could try MSM Insurance, they insure my Caterham and are very helpful. Suspect your non-UK license will still be a problem.

TC

[DistressedYank]

Thanks for the suggestions sir.

I should have clarified, I do possess a full UK license, however I haven't had it for more than two years. It still presents a problem, but at least I have one..

[Tom_C76]

Definitely give MSM a ring then. You may have to settle for a limited miles policy though.

http://www.msminsurance.co.uk/

[DistressedYank]

I've been able to tier/classify the most glaring issues.

A) Length of held license
B) Modifications
C) Import

I'm going to wait a bit longer and try again.
And I'll also go for something stock that's not imported.
That's initially what I had hoped for; a lot of modified vehicles have been run into the ground, always best to get something more fresh.

America's insurance isn't THAT much better; but they really need to do something in this country about no claims history and how they group people.
To tell me that I'm a risk like a seventeen year old driver with no driving history is completely insulting and I think should be entirely illegal.

So if anyone is reading this:

-Wait till you've had your UK license at least a year, possibly three to be safe.
-Don't mess around with imports.
-Try to get something stock, preferably avoiding the word 'turbo.'

On a more comical note; I actually got someone to quote on a Skyline of all things. £1800 excess and yearly premium of £6800! God forbid I ask about a Veyron.


Thanks again

Yank

Edited by DistressedYank on Thursday 24th June 17:52