Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Is it legal to import an electric car?

I’ve noticed that abroad, there are tons of options for affordable electric cars. Is it legal to import an electric car to the U.S.?

avatar
Allison Stone · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unfortunately, for now you will have to keep your search for an affordable
electric car
stateside, as imports of foreign cars are illegal unless they are over 25 years old.
The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act regulates the safety of all the vehicles allowed on American roads. In order to sell their cars in the U.S., automakers have to submit their models to the government’s rigorous safety protocols.
So while you yourself can’t personally import an electric car, tons of foreign automakers have imported options on the market right now. If you don’t see a foreign car you like being marketed in the states, chances are that there just wasn’t enough consumer interest for that car to be produced in U.S. markets.
If you’re looking for an affordable electric car, a few options available now include the Chevy Bolt, the Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Kona.
Car insurance
for these electric cars can be expensive, but you can maximize money saved when you sign up with
Jerry
.
Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk—Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from more than 50 top providers. Don’t lose coverage, find savings with Jerry.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings