classic car customs import valuation HMRC UK

Classic Car UK HMRC Import Tax Valuations

Classic Car Valuations Specialist is an expert supplier of independent valuations for HMRC NOVA import and export and company asset valuation purposes, providing an efficient valuation service based on decades of experience. Independent classic car market valuations for import purposes covering vehicles up to £25k in value cost £90 each and are accepted by all official bodies including HMRC.

All valuations are based on fair market value. We do not undervalue vehicles. Our good reputation is paramount.

We also provide valuation reports for modern vehicles; recent examples including a 2010 Mini Countryman S All4 and a 2023 Range Rover Vogue HSE P510e. We also value motorhomes, motorcycles and overlanders. Note that, in some exceptional instances, HMRC will ask for a valuation based on inspection in person. This is hard to predict but the service is also possible, depending on location.

HMRC delivers excellent turnaround time on import approval for customers using my remote/desktop valuation reports. A client bringing a Yamaha WR250R in from France recently had his valuation with 24 hours and emailed the following day to say that his NOVA letter had arrived that morning. Less than 48 hours from start to finish is exceptional and testament to the work HMRC is doing in often quite challenging circumstances.

Valuation guidance from HMRC states that it does not accept online valuations, but our multi-page valuation reports are different. Based on detailed information and adjusted for several factors, including market comparables, they are accepted by HMRC and have been submitted by several customs agents when their own valuations have been queried. I work with a number of UK import agents on more complex cases where purchase paperwork or a Bill of Sale is not available.

Order an online classic car HMRC tax valuation below. Email me to discuss classic or modern car market valuations. Note that we also value classic motorcycles, motorhomes and many other vehicles for HMRC import and tax purposes.

Classic Car Import Valuation

About the Photo Uploader

Photos typically include one of each side, one front and rear, one engine bay and a couple of the interior. You may also email additional photos - perhaps a speedo reading or photos of any damage or deterioration. If you experience any issues with uploading, you may email or WhatsApp photos later. You can also use wetransfer.com to send a complete file of photos to me using my email: john@classic-car-valuations.com.

Classic Car import Valuation conditions:

By submitting this form and using my online classic car import valuation service, you agree that:

  • The valuation is for UK import purposes only
  • No litigation is expected or pending
  • All representations of condition have been full and complete
  • No relevant information has been omitted
  • The valuation service is non refundable. Please ask any questions in advance!

My signed valuation report will be emailed to you as a PDF document which can be sent to your agent. All submissions are treated in complete confidence. Your details are used for valuation purposes only and we fully respect your privacy. See my privacy policy. Contact me with any questions: john@classic-car-valuations.com.

Secure card payments are handled by Stripe - we do not see or save your card details. You may also pay by Paypal.

About Classic Car Import Valuations for HMRC

The process of importing classic cars into the UK has changed. Whereas previously it was easy to fill in the paperwork and pay any duty oneself, HMRC now requires importers to use a customs agent to clear cars into the UK.

While vehicles of historical interest are not liable for import duty, VAT is charged at the reduced rate of 5%. To be eligible, the vehicle will have to satisfy certain criteria, the main one being age.

HMRC states that you will need vehicle approval to tax your vehicle if it was first registered on or after 1 March 2001 with EU type approval. Your imported car may also need IVA approval if LHD.

You do not need vehicle approval for:

  • heavy goods vehicles (more than 3,500kg maximum weight) over 25 years old
  • light goods vehicles (3,500kg maximum weight or less) over 10 years old
  • cars and minibuses with 8 passenger seats or less (not including the driver) over 10 years old
  • buses, coaches and minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats (not including the driver) built by a single manufacturer before 29 July 2010
  • buses, coaches and minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats (not including the driver) with different body and chassis manufacturers, made before 29 July 2011
  • tracked vehicles, for example a vehicle that runs on tracks rather than wheels
  • vehicles designed and constructed for use on construction sites, quarries, ports and airports
  • vehicles designed and constructed for and used by the armed services, fire and rescue forces, or used in maintaining public order

Contact me to discuss your classic car HMRC import valuation requirements.

classic motorcycle valuations for insurance, divorce, probate and HMRC import

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I commission a bespoke classic car agreed market valuation report for insurance?

Classic cars valued by insurers in-house are typically valued at average market prices, which are often too low for special examples. For rarer models, low mileage, in excellent restored condition, significantly and tastefully modified etc, owners should always commission a bespoke expert online agreed value classic car market valuation report. They are the ONLY way to ensure that your vehicle's unique qualities are fully appreciated and properly insured against total loss. Why lose thousands of pounds?

Why do classic car owners choose your Classic Car Agreed Value service?

I am the only independent online classic car and motorcycle valuer approved by insurers including Adrian Flux, Footman James, Classicline, Performance Direct, Sterling Insurance, Lockton Performance, Bikesure and REIS Motorsport Insurance. With over thirty years of professional independent valuation experience, including ten years as the Editor of Glass's Guide to Older Cars and Modern Classics and many years serving the courts as an Expert Witness, I am the classic car valuations expert that insurers, lenders and solicitors come to for specialist valuation advice and support.

My individual agreed valuation reports are an industry benchmark. Each report is valid for two years and I support my insurance valuation reports against queries as part of the price. Most clients have been with me for years and appreciate my personal attention to their beloved cars. We handle renewals as part of a private client service.

How do your valuations compare with Owner's Club valuations?

Owner's Club valuations may be the least consistent form of classic car valuation. A club valuer can be an enthusiast for one model and badly informed for all others - particularly when cars have been modified. Club valuations are rarely in tune with an expert independent valuer. We will happily 'sense-check' your club valuation free of charge before you order a valuation.

What do your agreed Insurance Valuation reports include?

My bespoke online classic car agreed value reports are valid for two years - not one - and account for your vehicle's history, specification including any modifications and current condition. All my agreed insurance valuation reports are researched and created by a human valuer - not a computer or AI data scraping - and include:

  • A VDI Car Check detailing any previous history of theft, insurance damage, mileage and MOT history
  • My detailed overview of current classic car market trends
  • Model-specific history and points of note
  • Details of the subject vehicle and its provenance
  • A look at market activity and prices for similarly unique vehicles in context
  • A bespoke market valuation based on your car’s unique features and market appeal
Do you value at the full cost to recreate or restore a project?

It is important to note that insurers cover for market value and not the full cost to recreate the vehicle from scratch. We tend not to value at the full rebuild cost but it really depends on the car. Special cars tend to value at the high end of available data or we take quitea more optimistic view if no data is available. The aim is to be reliable and keep any later queries to a minimum.

How much do online agreed insurance valuation reports cost?

My bespoke and highly detailed independent classic car valuation reports for agreed insurance purposes are valid for two years, not one as with insurance company valuations. The cost depends on the estimated value of your vehicle. Prices start from £65 for vehicles up to £25k in value.

Contact me with any questions. Please use my other forms for probate valuations and HMRC import and tax valuations.

What vehicles do you value?

I have provided valuation reports for everything from pre-war vintage Rolls Royces to motorhomes, motorcycles, tractors and the very latest supercars in need of agreed insurance valuations. Rare or modified cars sometimes take slightly longer, as more research is involved.

Where does your information come from?

I use a wide range of sources when researching valuations. The results are weighted depending on the source and the purpose of the valuation. There is also an element of adjustment when observations are drawn for vehicles with differing mileages, conditions etc.

Do you value cars in person?

I inspect many vehicles every year for valuation purposes. From my base in the centre of England, I have travelled all over the UK and Europe looking at cars, including Germany and Italy this year. It is not always necessary to inspect vehicles in person - I recently used a video call to inspect a classic Land Rover in Mallorca for a divorce valuation.

Are your online valuations suitable for court use including divorce?

Expert valuation reports for use in court must conform to a set format and carry very specific declarations. As the expert serves the court, the reports involve detailed research following inspection in person, so the online service may not be suitable.

That said, as the same experience and skillset goes into all of my reports, my online market valuations tend to be accepted in the pre-court stages of divorce negotiations, such as mediation and financial remedy discussions. However, should your situation go all the way to court, the court will usually require that a valuation report completed to Family Procedure Rules Part 25 be provided.

How do you use and protect my data?

All data is confidential: Specialist Car Valuations is ICO registered and will never share your details. We use your information solely for valuation. See our privacy policy.

Do I have to be a classic car club member to use your service?

You do not need to be a club member to use my unique online service. An in-house condition report form from your insurers is not required with my signed valuations.

What our customers say about our online Classic Car Valuations:

“John, this is great. Thanks very much, I really appreciate your work. I’ll be back in touch with you probably once it’s at the state I wish to keep it in. Best wishes.”

Boglarka – Bristol – Series Land Rover Overlander insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you very much indeed. This is perfect, and exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate your time and insight, and this will be very helpful indeed with the insurance company.”

Stephen – Isle of Man – Mk1 Mini Cooper S insurance valuation

“Hi John. Many thanks for the valuation of my Morgan Plus 4, an excellent prepared report, great detail and a very professional job.

David in York – 1993 Morgan Plus 4 4-seater insurance valuation

“Dear John, thank you for sending this on. The insurance valuation makes me feel that perhaps in my car buying experience over the years I might just have bought it right. I really do appreciate your input into the whole experience and it has made my wife and I feel very happy about our latest car purchase.”

Chris in Dorset – Porsche 993 Cabriolet inspection, purchase support and insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for the insurance valuation on my E Type. I must say it is very rare these days that a service is provided with such speed and so comprehensively. I can’t think of a better £80 that I have spent in a long long time. Your help and assistance is really appreciated.”

Paul  in Warwickshire – Series 1 E Type OTS insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive valuation report for my car. A great service provided by yourself and also a very quick response to my initial enquiry. I have forwarded it on to Adrian Flux for them to increase their much lower valuation. I will certainly endorse and recommend your service to other like minded classic enthusiasts going forward.”

Roy in Carlisle – MG RV8 insurance valuation

“Hello John, Many thanks for the speedy reply and valuation. I have never used a service like this before and I am very impressed with your detailed report and overall service. I’ll certainly be back when I need another/update and I’ll recommend you where I can. Have a great day.”

Andy in Wales – Aston Martin DB9 insurance valuation

“Thank you John so much for your kind attention to my valuation. Wonderful service all round.”

Shirley in Brighton – 1963 Wood and Pickett Morris Mini Minor insurance valuation

“Hi John, very many thanks for your report. It makes very interesting reading and it is pleasing to note you consider the car is still in the bracket of a desirable acquisition and as such have increased the replacement cost. I’ve no current intention to sell but it’s always good to know my small collection is not likely to lose huge sums overnight.”

Simon in Warrington – bespoke classic Porsche insurance valuation

“Hi John, my insurance company accepted your valuation and amended my policy to suit. The information provided and the way the valuation was composed was in my, and my family’s opinion truly excellent and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in the future should the need arise.”

Simon in Essex – Classic Triumph Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your efforts in providing this valuation! I’m sure my grandad will be thrilled. I shall forward it onto him and advise him with regards notifying his insurance company. Again, can’t thank you enough and shan’t hesitate to employ your services again in future!”

Oli in Manchester – Riley Special Agreed Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you so much for your kind words and honest evaluation. I think your valuation and the accompanying justification are more than fair, derived in a very logical and professional way and shown in an easy to read format. If I can provide a reference or a review for your services please let me know as I would be more than happy to do this.”

David in Switzerland – HMRC NOVA Valuation – Classic Motorcycle

“John, many thanks for all your help. I am especially grateful for how quickly you have done this valuation. I’m really happy with your valuation and glad that you have appreciated the work that has gone into creating this car. I will not hesitate to recommend your services.”

Matt in Birmingham – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Frontline MGB GT

“Hi John, I can now understand why my insurance company recommended you to carry out an assessment of the value of my vehicle. You have done a splendid job, I am very impressed with the detail which you have included and you display an in-depth knowledge of the market. Please accept my grateful thanks for your efforts on my behalf and you can be sure that whenever the opportunity arises I will recommend your services.”

Dave in Reading – Classic Ferrari 355 Insurance Valuation

Hi John, Many thanks for getting this back so quickly. Your market commentary is encouraging and I am very happy with the figure. I will send it over to the insurer and ask them to amend the agreed value accordingly.

Nick in Manchester – Agreed Insurance Valuation

“John, this is incredibly helpful, and I can see how much work you have put into it. I am enormously grateful – thank you so much – and Dad will be delighted, I’m sure.”

Karen in Ipswich – Agreed Insurance Valuations on unique Jaguar conversions

“John, thank you for the excellent valuation report, most enlightening, particularly the points about the macro economics and how that influences the market demand. We will be in touch when the need arises to revalue our other classics.”

John in Bristol – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Morgan 35th Anniversary

“Hi John, Many thanks for your condolences and for the speedy response. The valuation is just what we need as we go through the probate process. The report is very thorough and clear. Thanks again.”

Jane in Slough – Probate Valuation – Rover Mini Mayfair

Hi John, I just wanted to give you an update on the car. I listed it for sale on Friday – for £78k to test the waters – and have accepted an offer for £75k, deposit paid, just subject to viewing. I had 3 very serious enquiries within 48hrs, one from Australia. Seems your fantastic insights were spot on – black 911s are very desirable. So just wanted to say thank you.

Simon in London: Porsche 964 market valuation (to sell quickly)

Email

john@classic-car-valuations.com

PHONE/WHATSAPP

07565 348453

HQ

1 Percy Road
Woodford Halse
Northants NN11 3RN

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8AM - 5PM
Friday: 8AM - 1PM

Valuations EXPERT

Classic Car Valuations Specialist is part of Specialist Car Valuations Limited: UK company number 13782283. Values on this site are an opinion: markets can go down as well as up.