gabriellekn

We will be staying in Florida Jan-March, and would like to buy a small car to keep there, as we want to go back on holiday next year, and the children will also be able to use it when they go there. I am pretty sure that we can buy a car, but not at all sure about what we need to do to insure it, given that we dont have US residency, and we have UK licences?

scrubbedexpat099

US does not really do small cars, I take it you own a property in the US? Time to call some insurers.

MidAtlantic

You will need to call insurers licensed to do business in Florida. Make sure you are sitting down when you call!

I would seriously doubt if it is worthwhile owning your own car. After accounting for depreciation, registration, insurance and maintenance it would almost certainly be less expensive, and certainly a lot less hassle, to hire each time you come.

If you are not aware of it the Florida DMV site may be helpful: Car Registration Florida

sir_eccles

They do, just don't expect them to be any good.

Rete

Mini Cooper's aren't good cars?

Besides, the term small car might well mean something like my Elantra or a Volkswagen, not necessarily a midget's car.

robin1234

Hmm I've always owned small cars in America and all the ones I've owned have been pretty good. Toyota Yaris, for instance, we've had a couple of those over the last twelve years or so, cheap to run, reliable, good on long trips etc. Early on we had two Civics, a 1984 and a 1991. Brilliant cars. Yes, lots of Americans seem to prefer the larger vehicles, but that's their choice.

Cozzer

I would not bother, with all that hassle and expence its cheaper to rent or use ZipCar