JDM Import missing info on the V5 - how to sort it?

[FiftyTwo52]

Has anyone had experience with updating vehicle details on the V5? Not the things you can change by filling out Section 1, that's obvious, other things like the Model.

Some background: I've just become the proud owner of a Subaru WRX STI, imported from Japan a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, whoever did the import forgot to tell the DVLA most of the info - including important stuff like the model. As a result, I've had a frustrating time ringing round insurers who wouldn't quote becuase their computer system couldn't recognise what the car was.

It's definitely not a normal thing for JDM imports, right? I checked a few other JDM Imprezas, when you run their plates through an online insurance quote it pulls up details no problem (usually says "Subaru Impreza WRX" "4 Door Saloon" "1994cc" etc).

What's the process like - just get in touch with the DVLA and see if they'll sort it?

[D_G]

Very unlikely. They are unable to type what you want into the V5, as there's no set preset for your car from Japan you have what you have unfortunately.

[500TORQUES]

What does your V5 state?

[FiftyTwo52]

500TORQUES said:

What does your V5 state?

It's got Make ("Subaru"), Tax class ("PLG"), Capacity ("1994cc") and chassis / engine numbers. The Model is blank, as is the rest. Section 1 of the V5 would let me update body type, seats, etc, but not the Model.

It's odd that other JDM imports I've looked at seem to have the right info though.

[500TORQUES]

FiftyTwo52 said:

It's got Make ("Subaru"), Tax class ("PLG"), Capacity ("1994cc") and chassis / engine numbers. The Model is blank, as is the rest. Section 1 of the V5 would let me update body type, seats, etc, but not the Model.

It's odd that other JDM imports I've looked at seem to have the right info though.

Don't worry about it, it's often wrong anyway. Just deal with a specialist insurer like Gary Moulson at Keith Michaels.

[Prohibiting]

As above, it’s no big deal as it’s an import. The model won’t come up on the database anyway so can’t be insured the normal way. You need to phone a specialist insurer and just tell them the model.

[FiftyTwo52]

If it's not something that can be fixed I'll have to live with it. As you say, it's not a huge deal, but it is a headache ringing round. Even a couple of the specialist insurers that I knew of couldn't do anything. I saw another thread on here listing other specialists a bit too late.

Also paying 1k for a year's insurance does hurt a little when you're used to paying a quarter of that amount!

[500TORQUES]

FiftyTwo52 said:

If it's not something that can be fixed I'll have to live with it. As you say, it's not a huge deal, but it is a headache ringing round. Even a couple of the specialist insurers that I knew of couldn't do anything. I saw another thread on here listing other specialists a bit too late.

Also paying 1k for a year's insurance does hurt a little when you're used to paying a quarter of that amount!

Have you tried who i suggested?

Insurance costs depend on your circumstances, but I've never been anywhere close to that amount on a highly modified JDM STi

[trails]

My understanding is that you have to write to the DVLA and send the V5 back if you want anything amended; they managed to register my newly import Gen5 Legacy as a Gen4 last year, when I contacted them that was the advice I was given.

[FiftyTwo52]

trails said:

My understanding is that you have to write to the DVLA and send the V5 back if you want anything amended; they managed to register my newly import Gen5 Legacy as a Gen4 last year, when I contacted them that was the advice I was given.

Thanks, sounds like it's worth getting in touch with them. I take it all went well, you now have the right details. Did you have to produce anything to prove it was a Gen5?

500TORQUES said:

Have you tried who i suggested?

Insurance costs depend on your circumstances, but I've never been anywhere close to that amount on a highly modified JDM STi

Keith Michaels managed to get it down below 500, top shout! I'll be telling Adrian Flux to take a hike!

[trails]

FiftyTwo52 said:

trails said:

My understanding is that you have to write to the DVLA and send the V5 back if you want anything amended; they managed to register my newly import Gen5 Legacy as a Gen4 last year, when I contacted them that was the advice I was given.

Thanks, sounds like it's worth getting in touch with them. I take it all went well, you now have the right details. Did you have to produce anything to prove it was a Gen5?

500TORQUES said:

Have you tried who i suggested?

Insurance costs depend on your circumstances, but I've never been anywhere close to that amount on a highly modified JDM STi

Keith Michaels managed to get it down below 500, top shout! I'll be telling Adrian Flux to take a hike!

I have yet to get around to it...this has been a useful reminder though