MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Insuring a TF in the UK

G'day,

It seems very likely now that my wife and I will be emigrating to the UK early next year and I plan to bring my TF over. I'd appreciate if someone in the UK could recommend a good insurance company (do these exist??) as I'll need to insure the car when I arrive.


Thanks
Phil
Phil

Phil,

You are in luck - older cars in the UK are normally insured via a Classic Car Policy. These restrict the mileage per year but because owners of these types of car are normally careful, rates are inexpensive. There are many companies that will arrange a policy for you but an outfit called Footman James advertises in the Octagon Club Bulletin www.footmmanjames.co.uk

Even better news is that older cars don't pay road tax but you have to prove the date of original registration. Don't know what the procedure is with an re-imported old car but I am certain someone else will know.


Jan T
Jan Targosz

Phil,
Does this mean that you really are now going?
Peter Daley

Be aware you might get caught for tax (VAT probably plus any other tax "they" can think of, such as import duties) when you take the car into the UK. You may have to provide written proof that the car was originally for export from the factory and that all taxes were paid at the port of exit and entry. Otherwise "they" may try to determine that the car was exported from the UK privately, in which case "they" would want proof that the sales taxes were fully paid in the UK before the time it was sent abroad. VAT starts, I believe, at 171/2 percent but I am out of touch having been an economic refugee from the UK for 26 years.

For "they" read H.M. Customs and Excise.

I did find, however, that a crafty 50 quid slipped into the correct and always ready open palm was very helpful on a few occassions when I took aircraft into the UK. and substantially oiled the whole process.

Geoff Love

I shipped a 69 BGT to England in 1990 when I temperally moved there from California.
When I went to pick up the car from the shipping yard they told me of the 17.5 % VAT on the value of the car in England, (about 4,000 pounds) I purchased the car for $1,500 dollars just six months before. I could not afford the tax, did not know what the do then the customs agent looked at the car and said "Oh its British, then she is just coming home, there is no tax". I do not know if it was just him or the law, but it was wonderful.
Purchased a few extra pints with the money.
Ben.

B J Simpson

Phil

Having been involved in importing bits of historic railway to the UK, and especially as your car is originally British, I think you will have no problem. You declare her as an "historic vehicle" and get proof of her age and as much provenance as possible. It will be especially easy if you have the original import paperwork of course, but that is not essential.

BTW definitely DO NOT try the fifty quid idea floated above. That will cause a lot of trouble: UK Customs Officials take any suggestion of bribery or corruption very seriously!

As to insurance it is worth shopping around especially if you have another everyday modern vehicle to insure as well. Ask for a Classic Car policy - there may be an annual mileage limit placed on it. My insurers ask for good photographs annually and a statement of the car's value in the open market as Classics are best insured for an "Agreed Value" so if damaged the insurer will not write off but allow you to reinstate or replace at the agreed market value. Rates are low because Classic car drivers take good care of their property.

Applying for a free taxation status is easy once the car is registered at the DVLC Swansea. The taxation class comes up as "Historic Vehicle" and all you then have to do is to demonstrate she is insured and has passed the MoT safety test. The biggest worrier then is whether you apply for 6 month's free tax or 12 months at £00.00!
Paul Joachim

I am trying to get set up to bring my '38 MG VA saloon to the UK for a 3-month stay in 2004. I also tried in 2000 to bring my TC for a similar stay. Biggest hurdle then, and so far this time, is insurance while there.
UK insurers say that they don't/won't/can't offer coverage (wording varies) unless the car is registered in the UK, which I'd assume is nearly impossible to do until after the car is actually in the UK. None of the UK insurers so far have been willing (or able) to tell me exactly WHY this is so. Is it a matter of law, or merely one of company "policy"?
I can obtain coverage from my current USA insuror, but the premium for the 3 months in the UK will be several times my current ANNUAL premium.
Comments and/or suggestions??
Carl

Bugger! I can run but can't hide! Yes Pete I'm on way - just have to organise the wedding using wedding cars tunbridge wells now so we can get a MQ - what a pain in the backside that's turning out to be. If we go through a celebrant, it'll cost anywhere between $230 - $300. So we're going to try for the RAAF chaplain and maybe do it at Duntroon chapel.

Phil
Phil

Thanks guys appreciate the advice and info. As far as importing is concerned, I'll check with the DVLA guys and get it in writing.

Pete - Jude has just told me that you're not to say anything to Pat about the nuptials - otherwise, I shan't be walking very well for a few days!

Cheers,

Phil
Phil

Insurance for our TF costs £130 fully comprehensive for 5 named drivers. This includes recovery in the UK and in all EU strates. For many mnay years we have used Peter Best Insurance Services. Mr Best is an old MG hand, was Chairman of the MGCC and is currently a Vice President. Call hin on UK (o)1621 840010 or fax UK (0)1621 851041 or write to The Faarriers Bull Lane Maldon Essex CM9 4QB. Use my name. Hope that helps.
Bob Marshall

Phil,
Just saw your threads - great. Mum's the word but make sure you let me know immediately after otherwise I won't be able to walk for a few days afterwards!
Peter D
Peter Daley

Have just gone through the rigmarole of getting competitive quotes for my TF's insurance which is up for renewal at the end of this month. Just about all the UK insurers who I have contacted tell me that a classic car policy for a TF would start at around £120 per annum. For this you would get fully comprehensive cover, agreed value (submit photos), breakdown recovery (UK and Europe), legal expenses cover. There would be an annual mileage limit of approx. 1500 and a £100 excess. Car to be garaged overnight. The premium may be loaded if your vehicle is particularly valuable. The premium quoted varied by a few pounds either side of £120 up to a maximum of £150 and the terms and conditions also varied slightly but in general this is what you can expect.
The lowest quote which I got was £91.67 to include fully comp. cover, 1000 miles pa, legal expenses, breakdown cover, green card, £100 excess. This was from Carole Nash Insurance 0800 298 5500 (freephone in UK) <www.carolenash.com>.

Hope this helps.
Ian Roberts

Bob & Ian, many thanks for the info - it's greatly appreciated.

Pete - yes, I'll let you know after the event.

Cheers,

Phil
Phil

This thread was discussed between 09/07/2003 and 20/07/2003

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.