British Expatriate Network

Sorry if this topic has been covered before, did a search and didnt find anything.

Ive just bought a brand new car, and now it looks like I might be going to the US in a couple of years. Ive got a 5 year loan on the car, so its likely I will still owe more than the car is worth.. Is it worth considering bringing it over? Anyone got any advice, or can point me to some websites?

Oh P.S the car is a 2002 VW Polo.

A lot can happen in 2 years.
And I think shipping it will cost more than it worth too
Ju
xo

On a similar note, I searched for stuff about driving licenses, and found a thread about how easy the test is, but I wondered if anyone could tell me if I can drive in the US on my UK license, and if so for how long?

Do I need an international license?

Cheers

Gary

You can definately use your UK license for a year when you get here. But then you definately should take your US driving test here and get the license.

You can then use it as your ID when people ask you for it too, and won't have to carry your passport around with you, should you want a beer for instance.

Nicky
xxx

The specific arrangements for getting a license are dependent on the State you will be living in. There will be a time limit for a new resident to get a license, whether moving from outside the country or another state. A month seems to be the most popular timeframe. Whatever your state recommends, I would highly recommend that you sort out a license ASAP, as it will undoubtably lead to lower insurance rates and also because you need a license (or state ID) for more than just driving. You can drive on your UK license when you first arrive.

You don't need an International driving permit, unless your state specifically demands this. An IDP is nothing more than a translation of your national license, so obviously redundant if you are coming from the UK. It has no legal standing wrt insurance etc.

I cannot re-iterate enough what a great source of info this site is and how helpful you guys are! THANK YOU.

That's funny you should mention about the beer, Nicky, I may be 28 but I look 18 and it can be a problem having boyish looks!
I also dislike carrying my passport around, I would rather have an oj and be done with it.

Do I get classed as a 'new' driver even though I have 10 years no claims? or are there specialist insureres for non US citizens who take these kinds of things into account?

Cheers

Gary

ps - It's a rare gorgeous day in the UK today, 29 degrees and sunny. Thunder tomorrow though, so a typical british summer really sad

Gary, I've heard of a bj and a hj, but you've got me puzzled with an oj ? lol lol

So you're another youngie are you, like Neil !!!

come on then, the "women" want to know more about you too.

You men on here are all sooooo shy. There's many of us ladies that are trailing spouses and need some livening up in the day.

I do work, but it's very quiet right now, so come on already.....

eek eek eek

Nicky
xxx

Seems I'm a little cheeky in a morning lately doesn't it. oooops, sorry !! razz

Not true. There is an international treaty that allows *visitors* to the US to drive for up to a year on their own national license, but this does not apply to people who *live* here. Even if you are on a non-immigrant visa, you are still considered a resident by the State DMV despite not being a permanent resident in the eyes of the INS. Anyone on an H or L visa needs to sort out a license ASAP.

I retract my line !!!!

We did did get by on our UK & Belgium Driving licenses for a whole year (scared-ie-cats on getting the US one done - didn't know it was easy). Unnecessary procrastination.

'Obviously', when we came over 4 yrs ago, we knew no-one and had no advice, so DON'T Listen to anything that I say, cos I'm usually wrong.

That's why I usually don't reply to 'important' threads, sorry !!

Nicky
xxxx

Well......

Nicky, I've come over all flustered, I don't know what to say! There, that's British for you.

I quite like the 'youngie' reference though, I'll cling to that.

Well, I see your interests are george, tom and brad, and I suppose I would describe myself as an amalgam of those three and my hobbies are sky-diving and working out.


......


Okay, I'll level with you, I'm 6ft, scrawny and married.

There 'ladies', another fantasy completely killed stone dead!

Give me your address
:eek:

DAMMMMIT !!!!!!

Hubby was nearly in trouble then for a few seconds !!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Nicky
xxx

Nicky
You damsel you eek

:lol:

Natalie, as I understand it, the costs of shipping and the paperwork for importing your car will be far more than the loss you'll take on your car + the cost of a new car over here. Cars really are much cheaper here.

Hope this helps

Various problems here.

First is the loan secured by the car (eg HP) if yes you will not be able to export it without paying off the loan.

Second, US specs are vastly different to UK/Europe. The US will not permit the entry until it is modified. Can be very expensive

Third, You may find great difficulty with insurance. UK are used to LHD vehicles and rate them accordingly higher. However the US are not familiar with RHD cars and will probably not quote at all.

Fourth, You will have problems getting spares for unique RHD parts.

Fifth, You will find the vehicle value here to be that of scrap.

Best option is to sell it in the UK - even if it is at a loss.