Japanese imports temp insurance

lauralaura3

There was a similar thread here a couple of years back but not quite what I'm looking for. Basically, I'm importing (buying) a car from Japan. How do I get it from the port to the first NCT? A couple of insurers can issue temporary cover if there are Japanese plates, but since it's not my own car that I'm bringing, there won't be any plates. Another option is to hire car transporter - but too expensive. Or, another option- just drive it, citing rule that you have 7 days to NCT it and 30 to VRT it. Anyone has any advice?

User1998

Completely incorrect that you have 7 days to NCT it. You’ll be driving a car with no tax, nct, or insurance.

Don't get me wrong, I do it all the time collecting Japanese cars but I’m aware of the risk I’m taking.

SortingYouOut

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120783612#Comment_120783612

So is it illegal to buy a car in Ireland without NCT and drive it to its NCT?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120783658#Comment_120783658

Its illegal to drive a car without an NCT, regardless of where its been driven to.

Like I said, I do it myself all the time but I understand the risk.

SortingYouOut

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120783687#Comment_120783687

and here's me thinking I was a saint.

If you import a car from another country yourself, you are responsible for registering it at an NCTS (National Car Testing Service) centre. You must book an appointment with an NCTS centre within 7 days of the vehicle entering Ireland. You must pay VRT at the NCTS centre within 30 days of it arriving into Ireland. Find out more about importing a vehicle to Ireland.

Confusion understandable though. Above from citizens advice could be clearer. So you have 7 days to book an appointment with an NCTS centre, only the car must remain off the road.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120783746#Comment_120783746

The 7 days is for booking a VRT appointment, which just so happens to be carried out at the NCT centre. There is no time limit on booking the actual NCT test. You just can’t drive the car on a public road without one.

Realistically if you want to import a car from Japan and won’t pay for it to be transported then you’ll have to break a few laws by doing so.

lauralaura3

Thank you all

lauralaura3

So the whole temp insurance cover seems to be a myth then. Another question, how long can the car stay in the port yard after coming off the ship (it's going to be the Roro shipment)? Maybe I can coordinate the NCT with a car transporter hire, and only hire it once, as opposed to hiring it twice (port - home; home- NCT). Any input?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784108#Comment_120784108

It can stay there for as long as you like but its €10 per day after 4 days

Del2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784108#Comment_120784108

The port will charge you storage and I doubt it'll be cheap as they don't want people using it for storage. IIRC from reading in the main motors thread you really need to use a customs broker to import now.

You can't drive the car from the port it has to be taken on a transporter or tow truck. You can try and get the car taken from the port-NCT-home but the storage at the port could eat any savings if the appointment is several days from docking.

lauralaura3

Do shipping companies have their own yards, or do they use a common one, as in the Dublin Port one? Just trying to determine who do I ring to confirm everything.

lauralaura3

Yes, already spoke to a customs agent. Just need to find a transporter or tow truck. Thank you