Insuring a UK car in the USA?
Discussion
A friend is looking to take his UK car to the USA for a short stint (under a year); obviously he could rent or buy there but is rather attracted to the idea of taking his own car over with him so investigating the options.
In terms of the export/import I believe all is sorted, the only sticking point seems to be on the car insurance front where all roads lead to a blank.
Does anybody have any hints as to companies who may cover UK cars on US soil? Or any recommendations/experiences doing such a thing?
Many thanks
In terms of the export/import I believe all is sorted, the only sticking point seems to be on the car insurance front where all roads lead to a blank.
Does anybody have any hints as to companies who may cover UK cars on US soil? Or any recommendations/experiences doing such a thing?
Many thanks
It is NOT like popping over to France.
I had the same problem when I took my Corvette over to the US for a six week trip.
My insurance company were not interested in covering the Vette while in the US. I also .tried numerous other companies and brokers including specialist companies who advertise in Classic Car magazines.
The shipping agent finally put me in touch with a broker in New York who agreed to the cover. It was nt cheap but I offset the cost slightly by switching my UK cover to "Off Road' while the Corvette was out of the UK ( about three months in total) Out via Baltimore, home from Long Beach LA.
Interestingly I was also going to put the tax on SORN but was told that I had to display a current tax disc in the US to keep the insurance legal.
The broker I used was Michael I. Mandell Inc, 6800 Jericho Turnpike , Suite 201 ,West Syosset, NY 11791
They do a Temporary U.S Automobile Insurance Program for visiting foreign Nationals
Another tip. Take all handbooks etc in your hand luggage as things can disappear on route.
My agent also told me to take a spare set of number plates as UK plates can be taken as souveniers. In fact I did loose a set in deepest Kentucky.
There is a fair amount of paperwork to do ,which was done by the agents in the UK and the US but it still took three days to get the Vette out of the Baltimore customs. So allow a bit of time for that possibility.
My trip was nt without its "moments', such as breaking down on the Las Vegas Strip, and having a window broken in Los Angeles but it was the trip of a life time .I would do it again tomorrow given half a chance,
I had the same problem when I took my Corvette over to the US for a six week trip.
My insurance company were not interested in covering the Vette while in the US. I also .tried numerous other companies and brokers including specialist companies who advertise in Classic Car magazines.
The shipping agent finally put me in touch with a broker in New York who agreed to the cover. It was nt cheap but I offset the cost slightly by switching my UK cover to "Off Road' while the Corvette was out of the UK ( about three months in total) Out via Baltimore, home from Long Beach LA.
Interestingly I was also going to put the tax on SORN but was told that I had to display a current tax disc in the US to keep the insurance legal.
The broker I used was Michael I. Mandell Inc, 6800 Jericho Turnpike , Suite 201 ,West Syosset, NY 11791
They do a Temporary U.S Automobile Insurance Program for visiting foreign Nationals
Another tip. Take all handbooks etc in your hand luggage as things can disappear on route.
My agent also told me to take a spare set of number plates as UK plates can be taken as souveniers. In fact I did loose a set in deepest Kentucky.
There is a fair amount of paperwork to do ,which was done by the agents in the UK and the US but it still took three days to get the Vette out of the Baltimore customs. So allow a bit of time for that possibility.
My trip was nt without its "moments', such as breaking down on the Las Vegas Strip, and having a window broken in Los Angeles but it was the trip of a life time .I would do it again tomorrow given half a chance,
OP, how old is your friend's car?
We're having a hell of a job getting insurance for our 6 montht trip with a 1990 land rover - we're nearly there, just have to get visas before they'll confirm the quote (yikes!). Seems if the car is, say, less than 10 years old or considered "vintage" then it's a lot easier than a 20-odd year old vehicle.
SCS1, thanks for the tip re tax - we'll enquire about that also as we were going to SORN the vehicle while it's out of the country.
We're having a hell of a job getting insurance for our 6 montht trip with a 1990 land rover - we're nearly there, just have to get visas before they'll confirm the quote (yikes!). Seems if the car is, say, less than 10 years old or considered "vintage" then it's a lot easier than a 20-odd year old vehicle.
SCS1, thanks for the tip re tax - we'll enquire about that also as we were going to SORN the vehicle while it's out of the country.
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