US Import Questions

[Lockhouse]

Hi,

I've got a some questions about bringing a vintage car into the UK from the US (a car over 50 years old).

Assume I've had it inspected and it's legit.

What physically happens with the title document - is it just handed to the shipper when they come to collect?

What do I do about insurance - I'm assuming that once I pay the car is mine and it's my problem?

I also believe I need a bill of sale - is that just a handwritten or printed receipt that's signed by the owner?

After that does the shipper take care of all the other documentation until the car arrives here?

Thanks very much,

Andy

[Getragdogleg]

I've done it a few times and used Kingstown shipping in Hull to get the cars here.

You need a US company to "send" it but speak to them at Kingstown, they were really helpful and have people at both sides that will sort papers and the like.

What are you buying?

[Lockhouse]

Thanks for the reply - I'm waiting for the FB Marketplace guy to get back to me so not wanting to count chickens.

I have a transport company in mind but didn't want to look like a lemon whilst talking to the vendor hence my questions.

[16v stretch]

I bought mine from Washington, and on the title transfer there was a bill of sale bit. Seller fills it in with your details and the sale price.

US exporter will need the title/bill of sale to register for export before the vehicle leaves the states. I just got the seller to leave it in the glovebox for them.

You will need insurance, my importer sorted the shipping insurance for the combined purchase and shipping price. Once it was unloaded from port, my regular car insurance took over - insured on the VIN.

You need to think about whether you want RO-RO or shared container. If you're not bringing anything in the car you can go for a Roll On Roll Off car transporter ship. Shared container you can load up the car with as much stuff as you need.

I used a Milton Keynes based importer, and they were ok at best. Slow at communication, quick to blame covid/brexit/logistics/dvsa and not particularly cheap.

[Lockhouse]

16v stretch said:

I bought mine from Washington, and on the title transfer there was a bill of sale bit. Seller fills it in with your details and the sale price.

US exporter will need the title/bill of sale to register for export before the vehicle leaves the states. I just got the seller to leave it in the glovebox for them.

You will need insurance, my importer sorted the shipping insurance for the combined purchase and shipping price. Once it was unloaded from port, my regular car insurance took over - insured on the VIN.

You need to think about whether you want RO-RO or shared container. If you're not bringing anything in the car you can go for a Roll On Roll Off car transporter ship. Shared container you can load up the car with as much stuff as you need.

I used a Milton Keynes based importer, and they were ok at best. Slow at communication, quick to blame covid/brexit/logistics/dvsa and not particularly cheap.

Thanks for that - I'm arranging the inspection tomorrow. I will post back if it goes ahead.