If you've imported a car from South Africa - whether it's a unique right-hand-drive variant of a familiar model, a classic saloon, or a rare sports model - you need an insurer who understands what you've brought home. At Chris Knott Insurance, we arrange specialist cover for South African imports, accounting for parts sourcing, agreed-value claims, and the enthusiast context most of these imports sit in.
Our UK-based team will work with you to get the paperwork right, value your car properly, and arrange cover that recognises you've bought something out of the ordinary.
Excellent service from start to finish. The team took time to understand exactly what I needed and found me a great policy at a competitive price. Couldn't be happier with the whole experience.
Been with Chris Knott for over 5 years now. Easy renewal process and the team are always a pleasure to speak with. Proper UK-based advice you can actually trust.
After being let down by my previous insurer, Chris Knott made the whole process painless. Honest, straightforward, and friendly from the very first call. Highly recommend them.
Andy was brilliant - talked me through all the options clearly, no pressure, and found me a much better deal than the comparison sites. This is how insurance should be done.
I needed specialist cover for my classic Jaguar and Chris Knott sorted it quickly and at a great price. Really impressed with the level of knowledge and personal service.
Switched my home insurance after a recommendation from a friend. Very competitive premium and the whole thing was done in under 20 minutes. Very pleased with everything.
First-class service. I dealt with Emma who was patient, helpful and knew exactly what I needed for my thatched cottage. Got proper specialist cover, not a standard policy.
Genuinely good old-fashioned customer service. A real person who actually listens and helps you find the right cover. Wouldn't go anywhere else for my insurance now.
Had a claim last year and Chris Knott supported me throughout. Made a stressful situation much easier. Fair, fast, and professional - exactly what you want from a broker.
Renewed my multi-car policy today. Still the best value I've found anywhere and the team remembered me from last year. That personal touch really makes a difference.
Very helpful team, especially when I needed to add a modified vehicle to my policy. Talked me through everything and made sure I was properly covered. Excellent all round.
Chris Knott have been brilliant for my listed property - most insurers wouldn't touch it but they found me comprehensive cover at a sensible price. Grateful for their expertise.
Efficient, clear, and competitive. I ran through three comparison sites before calling Chris Knott and they beat them all. UK-based team made the whole thing painless.
Outstanding from start to finish. I've recommended Chris Knott to everyone I know - my parents, my sister, and even my colleagues. They never let anyone down.
The service is what sets Chris Knott apart. You get proper advice from people who understand insurance, not a script. Worth every penny and more.
South Africa built variants of familiar marques that were never sold in the UK: BMW 333i and 325iS, Ford Sierra XR8, Opel Kadett Superboss, Toyota Conquest RSi, and right-hand-drive editions of cars the European market skipped. They arrive here with paperwork that often needs translating, an SA NATIS registration to unpick, and a UK V5 that doesn't quite match the factory spec sheet. Insurers who don't see these cars regularly either misprice them or decline altogether - the BMW 325iS, for example, is often rated as a standard E30 despite its Evo II engine and unique bodywork. We arrange cover through insurers who'll take the time to understand what you've actually imported.
SA-market cars tend to command a real premium here because of their rarity, but mainstream insurers don't see the premium - they see an "E30" or a "Sierra" and price accordingly. That matters when the car is hit. A 325iS on UK roads today can be worth three times what a standard E30 is worth, and a Sierra XR8 is in another bracket again. Agreed value, properly documented, is what protects you from a book-value settlement that wouldn't cover a replacement. The other pressure point is parts: unique SA trim, dashboard pieces, even glass sometimes has to come from South African specialists, so repair costs run higher than the equivalent UK car. Our panel understands that and rates the car as a classic or specialist import rather than a generic model.
A typical policy arranged through our panel for an SA import can include:
Speak to our UK-based team, tell us what you've got and how you use it, and we'll put the right quote in front of you.
The most common questions we're asked about south african imports insurance. Can't find what you're looking for? Speak to our UK-based team on 0800 917 2274.
We provide various levels of coverage to suit your needs, including comprehensive cover, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only. Our extensive coverage includes full protection for your vehicle against accident damage, fire, and theft, protection against third-party claims, optional breakdown cover, windscreen coverage, and personal effects coverage.
Yes, we specialise in providing insurance for modified vehicles, including South African imports. Whether your vehicle has performance enhancements, off-road modifications, or aesthetic changes, we can help find appropriate coverage. Just ensure you declare all modifications when obtaining a quote.
While South African import insurance can sometimes be more expensive than standard car insurance, we work to find you the most competitive rates. Installing approved security devices, maintaining a clean driving record, and agreeing to limited annual mileage can all help reduce your premium costs.
One broker, many kinds of cover - all handled by our UK-based team.
Home, landlord, holiday home, listed buildings, thatched properties and places of worship.
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ExploreEvery page is written and fact-checked by our UK-based insurance specialists. Chris Knott Insurance has been arranging cover since 1983.
Every south african imports insurance policy is different. Speak to our specialist UK-based team and we'll arrange a quote that properly reflects your property and circumstances.
