Why do some insurers not insure some "imported" cars?

Another issue is petrol performance cars are often bought by boy racers so many insurers refuse to insure Japanese cars as the profile of the drivers is more likely to crash. Similar European cars have a different driver profile.

If you have a Japanese car with a "square" rear number plate many joyriders think it may be an easy steal and attempt to rob even if it has an immobilizer, causing damage over and over again. Often the catalytic converter on Japanese cars in particular are a favourite for those cutting it off using a grinder as they Co rain more precious metals than other makes.

That's the biggest factor on the everyday stuff.

The "no immobiliser" cars are obviously a massive risk, but a damaged car sitting up for months waiting on parts costs them a fortune too. To the point that writing it off is preferable.

It used to be that they were write offs. They'd import, repair and sell them on the Irish market. I used to know a guy who did this. It was all perfectly legal at the time. They've since closed this off. The cars can be damaged, but not written off. It's still a factor for insurance because it's still the common business model to buy cheap, damaged cars, repair and sell on.