Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Detroit, Michigan to London

Importing a car from the US to the UK costs several thousand pounds, combining shipping (£900-£1800+), import duty (10%), VAT (20%), and significant fees for IVA testing / modifications (£150-£450+) and registration (£55), plus agency/customs fees, with total costs often reaching 30-40%+ of the car's value due to these taxes and compliance requirements. Classic cars might get duty/VAT relief, but most need homologation for UK roads.

Make an import declaration. You must pay a shipping company or customs agent to do this for you. They can either do this before bringing the vehicle in or at the UK border. Pay VAT and customs duty at the UK border - your shipping company or customs agent will usually arrange to do this for you.

Budget: The shorter the distance, the more cost-effective it is to drive instead of ship your car. Regardless of the total distance, look at your total moving budget and how much you can afford to spend on car shipping services compared to a cross-country drive.