Insuring an Unregistered Car
#1 Insuring an Unregistered Car
Hello
My e-type (imported from the US) is now at a stage in the restoration where I have put enough money in the car to want to insure it for fire and theft and for when I am transporting it to and from various restorers. My first call to a broker caused great confusion as they were unable to insure an unregistered car unless it was about to be registered (i.e. in a month or so). My car is still many months from being finished so the call ended with us going our separate ways. Does anyone have experience of this and be able to recommend a broker who would insure an unregistered car?
Thanks
Myles
My e-type (imported from the US) is now at a stage in the restoration where I have put enough money in the car to want to insure it for fire and theft and for when I am transporting it to and from various restorers. My first call to a broker caused great confusion as they were unable to insure an unregistered car unless it was about to be registered (i.e. in a month or so). My car is still many months from being finished so the call ended with us going our separate ways. Does anyone have experience of this and be able to recommend a broker who would insure an unregistered car?
Thanks
Myles
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#2
I use RH who insure mine on a classic car policy, laid up cover, using chassis number instead of reg.
https://www.rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk ... -insurance
https://www.rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk ... -insurance
Last edited by neil4444 on Mon Nov 30, 2015 4:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Neil
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#3
Can't you use the previous US registration number ? an insurer should not only insure British cars but also foreign ones ?
otherwise an official expertise should help, as the value (in case of fire or theft) will have to be established anyway
otherwise an official expertise should help, as the value (in case of fire or theft) will have to be established anyway
2+2 1970
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#4
I had exactly the same problem and I found garage only cover hard to find and stupidly expensive.
I was able to insure the car fully comp using its chassis number with Chaucer (via Broker Carole Nash Ins).
However, Chaucer will discontinue the policy unless the car is registered within 3 months. So I waited until the car was close to being roadworthy before insuring it.
I suggest you make the car as secure as possible at home and if the car is being moved make sure whoever moves it is FULLY insured.
I was able to insure the car fully comp using its chassis number with Chaucer (via Broker Carole Nash Ins).
However, Chaucer will discontinue the policy unless the car is registered within 3 months. So I waited until the car was close to being roadworthy before insuring it.
I suggest you make the car as secure as possible at home and if the car is being moved make sure whoever moves it is FULLY insured.
64 S1 4.2 OTS 1E10012 73 S3 2+2 manual 2013 V6 F type OTS
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#5
Hi...can it not be covered under your houshold personal insurance....eg your lawn mower,, trailer, golf clubs etc......may be worth exploring after all they say you can insure anything
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
-
ALAN COCHRANE
- Posts: 712
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2012 9:37 am
- Location: Fife

#6
Myles
I've insured my TR250 basket case, sorry restoration project, through Heritage as part of a three car polcy. There's no time limit on this, it's now well into it's second year of cover and it was very reasonable being part of a larger policy.
In addition they also included cover for the large amount of spare parts I've been amassing.
Might be worth giving them a ring.
Cheers
Alan
I've insured my TR250 basket case, sorry restoration project, through Heritage as part of a three car polcy. There's no time limit on this, it's now well into it's second year of cover and it was very reasonable being part of a larger policy.
In addition they also included cover for the large amount of spare parts I've been amassing.
Might be worth giving them a ring.
Cheers
Alan
Alan Cochrane
1961 S1 OTS,1968 Triumph TR250, 1971 Triumph GT6 Mk3, 2008 Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder
1961 S1 OTS,1968 Triumph TR250, 1971 Triumph GT6 Mk3, 2008 Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#7
I'm sorry I can't remember the actual insurer mine is covered with (also an Ex-USA model being recommissioned) but its on a "laid up" policy - paperwork is at home, but I'm not.
Most of the insurers I spoke to couldn't get their head round no number plate (and I didn't know the US one at that stage so didn't proffer it) and also that I wouldn't be driving it.
One you could try is Adrian Flux, I got a check price from them and it was very competitive and they could definitely do a policy based on a chassis no.
Most of the insurers I spoke to couldn't get their head round no number plate (and I didn't know the US one at that stage so didn't proffer it) and also that I wouldn't be driving it.
One you could try is Adrian Flux, I got a check price from them and it was very competitive and they could definitely do a policy based on a chassis no.
Matt
1971 S2 LHD FHC.
1992 Ferrari 348TS.
1971 S2 LHD FHC.
1992 Ferrari 348TS.
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#8
I'm with Footman James.
They have no problem insuring from a chassis number.
The premium can be more expensive than an on road policy, depending on the value, but as already stated you won't be able to get an on-road policy unless the car is due to get an MOT in the next few months.
Paul
They have no problem insuring from a chassis number.
The premium can be more expensive than an on road policy, depending on the value, but as already stated you won't be able to get an on-road policy unless the car is due to get an MOT in the next few months.
Paul
65 Series 1 FHC, 68 Jaguar 340
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#9
I'm with Peter James for the Sam reason and no issues with just using chassis number
ANDS59
1964 Series 1 E Type Roadster
1970 TR6
1964 Series 1 E Type Roadster
1970 TR6
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#10
Hi all,
I today asked my insurer (RH) to increase my cover from fire/theft only to comprehensive so I could drive the car to an MOT. They said that as it is currently unregisterd (I can't register it without an MOT) they couldn't offer road cover and I would need to have it transported to the MOT station. They have previously been fine with it being on chassis number only & had just said they can up the cover whenever required - not sure why they've changed their stance ! Has anyone else encountered this issue and can anyone give advice as to who offers this cover ?
Regards,
I today asked my insurer (RH) to increase my cover from fire/theft only to comprehensive so I could drive the car to an MOT. They said that as it is currently unregisterd (I can't register it without an MOT) they couldn't offer road cover and I would need to have it transported to the MOT station. They have previously been fine with it being on chassis number only & had just said they can up the cover whenever required - not sure why they've changed their stance ! Has anyone else encountered this issue and can anyone give advice as to who offers this cover ?
Regards,
Neil
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#11
Hi Neil....even if you trailer it what cover would you have... Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#12
They were inferring I would need to get the MOT station to collect it from me - hence would be covered by them. It's crazy as MOT station only 1 mile away but I daren't risk driving it there.
Neil
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#13
Neil
I insured our S1 with comprehensive cover with Carole Nash (Chaucer) just on the chassis number and drove it to the MOT without plates, and was fully covered. If its covered TPFT, I would just drive it carefully that mile and dont worry PROVIDING its insured for the road, if PC plod stops you and the car is booked in you will be fine legally I was advised by DVLA and my local copper.
Have you only got garage cover then at present?
Ian
I insured our S1 with comprehensive cover with Carole Nash (Chaucer) just on the chassis number and drove it to the MOT without plates, and was fully covered. If its covered TPFT, I would just drive it carefully that mile and dont worry PROVIDING its insured for the road, if PC plod stops you and the car is booked in you will be fine legally I was advised by DVLA and my local copper.
Have you only got garage cover then at present?
Ian
64 S1 4.2 OTS 1E10012 73 S3 2+2 manual 2013 V6 F type OTS
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#14
Thanks Ian, I'll give them a try. My lot won't give me ANY road cover !
Neil
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#15
I just spoke to RH again and they've agreed to do a 1 day covernote to cover an MOT. Thanks Ian for info re Carole Nash - I just used that to make a point & they relented.
Regards,
Regards,
Neil
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
1962 S1 OTS
1967 S1 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
-
mystery type
- Posts: 950
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:46 am
- Location: lancashire

#16
Or you could use the garage`s trade plates?It's crazy as MOT station only 1 mile away but I daren't risk driving it there.
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#17
Yes you can insure a car on it's chassis number. I had to do it with a Porsche from the states as you need to get an MOT before you get plates assigned and it needs to be insured to take it for an mot.
Try Classic line.
I currently have a S-Type from South Africa, unregistered/unrunning on laid up cover with them, was about ?80
Try Classic line.
I currently have a S-Type from South Africa, unregistered/unrunning on laid up cover with them, was about ?80
Richard
____________
1972 S3 2+2 - Black with Red leather, 4 Speed and Wires
1966 S Type 3.8 MOD - ex South Africa
1994 XJS V12 coupe - 59,000 miles
____________
1972 S3 2+2 - Black with Red leather, 4 Speed and Wires
1966 S Type 3.8 MOD - ex South Africa
1994 XJS V12 coupe - 59,000 miles
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#18
I have several cars insured with Hagerty on chassis numbers only with no problem and they even insured a car on French plates for me for a couple of years. Advantage of Hagerty is that if you and your friend both insure with them they will cover you to drive each others cars without any additional paperwork, and fully comp agreed value not just 3rd party.
Cheers, George
Cheers, George
1962 FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |





