Buying a car on arrival in the US
Sep 9th 2003, 4:06 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Buying a car on arrival in the US
Hi all!
I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
quickly get set up with a house and car.
I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
until I pass the US test.
Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
case of a misleading website response?
Thanks in advance,
Greg
I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
quickly get set up with a house and car.
I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
until I pass the US test.
Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
case of a misleading website response?
Thanks in advance,
Greg
Sep 9th 2003, 4:27 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
I think it's a misleading message. Probably the software engineer said,
"what do we do when there's no license" and someone said, "ooh, I think
that's illegal"
In my experience, companies don't like giving out estimated insurance
without the full facts.
Have you also looked into credit issues?
Andy.
--
I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
"Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all!
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
> Thanks in advance,
> Greg
"what do we do when there's no license" and someone said, "ooh, I think
that's illegal"
In my experience, companies don't like giving out estimated insurance
without the full facts.
Have you also looked into credit issues?
Andy.
--
I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
"Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all!
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
> Thanks in advance,
> Greg
Sep 9th 2003, 4:50 am
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 231
Hiring a car is different from owning one. I am pretty sure no American insurance company will give you insurance unless you have a U.S. drivers license.
If you can bring a copy of your driving record with you as many companies ask for it.
If you can bring a copy of your driving record with you as many companies ask for it.
Sep 9th 2003, 6:12 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
Progressive insurance insured me before i had a US licence but I was only a
named driver on my husbands policy rather than it being my own policy.
They were also a lot cheaper than others - it was still $600 for 6 months
though, although it is a new and powerful car so that probably pushes up the
price.
We tried calling Geico too - for my husband on his own it was about $300,
with me added on it was $1500 for 6 months!
Lindsey
"Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all!
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
> Thanks in advance,
> Greg
named driver on my husbands policy rather than it being my own policy.
They were also a lot cheaper than others - it was still $600 for 6 months
though, although it is a new and powerful car so that probably pushes up the
price.
We tried calling Geico too - for my husband on his own it was about $300,
with me added on it was $1500 for 6 months!
Lindsey
"Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all!
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
> Thanks in advance,
> Greg
Sep 9th 2003, 6:41 am
#5
former Rochesterian
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland / husband originally from England
Posts: 179
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
Originally posted by Greg
Hi all!
I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
quickly get set up with a house and car.
Hi all!
I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
quickly get set up with a house and car.
I lived there for most of my life so far (now live in Maryland) and I really liked it! The proximity to places like Toronto is cool too.
Sep 9th 2003, 7:00 am
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 231
It would defintley be easier to get put on someone elses policy before you have a U.S. license. Why not have your significant other get the policy and add you!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Sep 9th 2003, 12:30 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
in our experience you have to have a USA license, my husband is also
from the UK and holds a UK drivers liscence but in order to get car
insurance BEFORE getting a US. drivers license i had to add him as a
2nd driver to my own policy in my name (the US. wifey). as far as
BUYING a car in the US. yes a "valid" US. drivers license was needed
also.
hope that helped.
from the UK and holds a UK drivers liscence but in order to get car
insurance BEFORE getting a US. drivers license i had to add him as a
2nd driver to my own policy in my name (the US. wifey). as far as
BUYING a car in the US. yes a "valid" US. drivers license was needed
also.
hope that helped.
Sep 9th 2003, 3:15 pm
#8
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
I think it must vary by state. Here in Florida An Alien can get car insurance without a US licence no problem...Cost's though.. The Wife is an Insurance agent and does them regularly.. Don't need a licence to buy a car either...
Last edited by ray6; Sep 9th 2003 at 3:17 pm.
Sep 9th 2003, 8:52 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
Thanks for all the feedback!
Looks like I'll have to try and get insurance for my wife, and then
join it then. Only problem is that she doesn't even have a learner
licence yet, let a valid licence, but she was planning on learning to
drive when she goes on ahead of me to the States. I just hope I can
still get onto her insurance policy if its for a learner driver.
Also looks like I'll have to buy the first car in her name too, but
not exactly a big deal...
[email protected] (Greg) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> Hi all!
>
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
>
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
>
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Greg
Looks like I'll have to try and get insurance for my wife, and then
join it then. Only problem is that she doesn't even have a learner
licence yet, let a valid licence, but she was planning on learning to
drive when she goes on ahead of me to the States. I just hope I can
still get onto her insurance policy if its for a learner driver.
Also looks like I'll have to buy the first car in her name too, but
not exactly a big deal...
[email protected] (Greg) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> Hi all!
>
> I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> quickly get set up with a house and car.
>
> I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> until I pass the US test.
>
> Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> case of a misleading website response?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Greg
Sep 9th 2003, 8:57 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
> Have you also looked into credit issues?
I should be all right for paying for the car. When my house sells I'll
have enough equity to buy it outright. However I definitely want to
build up some credit history quick, because I'll be wanted to buy a
house in the states as soon as I get employed and settled...
> --
> I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
>
> "Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi all!
> >
> > I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> > spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> > quickly get set up with a house and car.
> >
> > I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> > cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> > completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> > State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> > US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> > until I pass the US test.
> >
> > Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> > the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> > thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> > case of a misleading website response?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Greg
I should be all right for paying for the car. When my house sells I'll
have enough equity to buy it outright. However I definitely want to
build up some credit history quick, because I'll be wanted to buy a
house in the states as soon as I get employed and settled...
> --
> I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
>
> "Greg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi all!
> >
> > I'm almost through the Visa process, coming the US from the UK on a
> > spouse visa. In January I'm hoping to move to Rochester NY, and
> > quickly get set up with a house and car.
> >
> > I've just attempted to get an idea of how much it how much it will
> > cost to get motor insurance through an online insurance website. On
> > completing the details I was told "We are unable to show you rates, by
> > State Law, as you do not have a US Licence". I am unlikely to have a
> > US license at that time! On arriving I will only have my UK licence
> > until I pass the US test.
> >
> > Am I likely to have a problem here? Although this warning was a bit on
> > the scary side, it occurs to me I've hired cars before in NY, and
> > thats on UK licence, and includes insurance, so its probably just a
> > case of a misleading website response?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Greg
Sep 9th 2003, 9:05 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
> Just a message to say I hope you like Rochester! I lived there for
> most of my life so far (now live in Maryland) and I really liked it! The
> proximity to places like Toronto is cool too.
Thanks! I've only been there once, but it was fun! Bit colder than I
would have liked, mind, but Faye and I have a lot of friends around
there. I'm also hoping that its so big that I might actually be able
find work there, despite been in the IT industry...
I lived there for> most of my life so far (now live in Maryland) and I really liked it! The
> proximity to places like Toronto is cool too.
Thanks! I've only been there once, but it was fun! Bit colder than I
would have liked, mind, but Faye and I have a lot of friends around
there. I'm also hoping that its so big that I might actually be able
find work there, despite been in the IT industry...
Sep 10th 2003, 3:46 am
#12
Rock Goddess
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 1,429
Why not try International Autosource? They allow you to buy a car before you leave England using your UK credit and then you just pick it up in the US. They also help you with getting insurance at a discounted rate and even help you get a Visa/Mastercard. I got their brochure in the mail this morning and their representative is calling me tonight to go through things with me. I'll let you know if they tell me anything interesting. I've heard good things about them and it's a hassle-free way of buying a car in a foreign country.
http://www.intlauto.com/
http://www.intlauto.com/
Sep 12th 2003, 4:04 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
Thanks for the link! I'm not sure it would help me buy a car, as I'm
looking for something 2nd hand, but it might be good for getting
insurance...
Rockgurl <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Why not try International Autosource? They allow you to buy a car before
> you leave England using your UK credit and then you just pick it up in
> the US. They also help you with getting insurance at a discounted rate
> and even help you get a Visa/Mastercard. I got their brochure in the
> mail this morning and their representative is calling me tonight to go
> through things with me. I'll let you know if they tell me anything
> interesting. I've heard good things about them and it's a hassle-free
> way of buying a car in a foreign country.
>
>
>
> http://www.intlauto.com/
looking for something 2nd hand, but it might be good for getting
insurance...
Rockgurl <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Why not try International Autosource? They allow you to buy a car before
> you leave England using your UK credit and then you just pick it up in
> the US. They also help you with getting insurance at a discounted rate
> and even help you get a Visa/Mastercard. I got their brochure in the
> mail this morning and their representative is calling me tonight to go
> through things with me. I'll let you know if they tell me anything
> interesting. I've heard good things about them and it's a hassle-free
> way of buying a car in a foreign country.
>
>
>
> http://www.intlauto.com/
Sep 12th 2003, 6:47 am
#14
former Rochesterian
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland / husband originally from England
Posts: 179
Re: Buying a car on arrival in the US
Thanks! I've only been there once, but it was fun! Bit colder than I
would have liked, mind, but Faye and I have a lot of friends around
there. I'm also hoping that its so big that I might actually be able
find work there, despite been in the IT industry...
would have liked, mind, but Faye and I have a lot of friends around
there. I'm also hoping that its so big that I might actually be able
find work there, despite been in the IT industry...
Sep 12th 2003, 6:58 am
#15
Very Happy Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 91
I got here on a K-1 in May and already bought a car, got 0% APR financing (good co-signer) and my insurance with Geico is $440 for 6 months on a brand new SUV, all of that only with a learner permit. So glad I left France.
