Originally Posted by e3geek

.... they insured me (and my trainee wife) .....

Originally Posted by Pulaski

Is it difficult to qualify as a wife? Is it an Australian wife license she's working towards, or a local one in Illinois?

Originally Posted by BibbyBear

Hi all,

It's been almost 12 months since I last visited here for help with my AOS paperwork (which went through fine) but now I'm looking for advice on car insurance.

After procrastinating for many months, I finally took my road test early in November 2013, and passed with flying colors..... that was good to know after holding my UK driving license for almost 26 years without incident. But now comes my problem.....

My husband recently spoke to his insurance broker to find out how much car insurance would be for me if he bought me my own car - he has never added me as a named driver on his policy because he was originally told that as long as he gives his permission, I could drive (not true apparently!)

Anyway, they have since updated his car insurance with me as a named driver and the best they can do is an increase for the remainder of the year (7 months) of $1111.00!!!!

This is because I am being classified as a young driver as I've only recently passed my test?!

I have provided them with the last proof of no claims discount which I received in the UK, but that just covers me for the four years prior to moving here in September 2012. Before that, I was a named driver on my ex's car insurance, so I am unable to prove my driving record before then.

I have given them a copy of my UK license which clearly shows I've held a license, without any endorsements, since February 1988 and I can also provide them with a police certificate from the UK to prove I have no prior criminal convictions, which would include DUIs, driving without insurance, dangerous driving etc., but none of this counts!

The broker said that it might help if I could provide 6 years worth of driving records, but otherwise, I'm just going to be insured as a youth driver.

I've been online and collected many different quotes using different variations (my husband as the insured with me as a named driver, vice versa and just me on my own) and all of the quotes are into the thousands!!

Does anybody know of any way around this? Any insurance companies which are able to work around the rigid parameters the systems have? Or any other useful advice at all?

I would be extremely grateful for any help at all but if none is available, then maybe this could be something that is mentioned to all other Brits who are thinking of / in the process of moving to the US - perhaps it's something they can try to resolve in the UK BEFORE getting over here.... making calls to UK insurance companies or the DVLA would be much easier whilst still in the UK.

Many thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by Bluegrass Lass

It's not just new immigrants that get shafted by insurance. Hubby and I moved to the UK in mid 2011, and returned back to the US at the end of 2011. Even though we had a car and had insurance in the UK, every insurance company we approached considered the 6mo we were gone to be a 'break in coverage' and we paid about 35% more than we were before moving to the UK.

We have now been in the UK for around 8months, and are returning back to the US in about 5weeks. We fully anticipate to be shafted this time as well.

Originally Posted by Danoz

Other posts have already said it, but try AIG inbound Program. $860 for 6 months for me and wife including cover against uninsured (un stacked). Not state minimums. We are in Florida, from what I have been able to tell, this is a pretty good price range after speaking to many others here that have been here years, they are still paying more than me.

Originally Posted by mylife98

Backing up what Danoz said: I've just taken automotive and other cover from AIG USA Inbound programme. $720/6mths on an $80k new car. Seems reasonable. All they wanted was my UK driving license and history. In fact, they don't even car if I ever get a US driving license - the policy is for a 'full valid license' so they don't care if that's a UK or US license.

There is a $400 one off joining fee, but I figured by the time I'd taken car, renters, umbrella and life insurance from them it was probably worth the $400. And that 400 is one off and covers me for however many years I use them.

Sorry, links help sometimes: http://assist.travelguardworldwide.c...861-254888.pdf

Originally Posted by Mr Weeze

Within 2 years you should be able to get competitive quotes though - this does vary state to state.

Originally Posted by mylife98

Backing up what Danoz said: I've just taken automotive and other cover from AIG USA Inbound programme. $720/6mths on an $80k new car. Seems reasonable. All they wanted was my UK driving license and history. In fact, they don't even car if I ever get a US driving license - the policy is for a 'full valid license' so they don't care if that's a UK or US license. ......

Originally Posted by Pulaski

The problem is that your UK licence ceases to be "valid" as little as ten days after you take up residence in whichever state you're immigrating to. Other states and different circumstances may give you up to 60 days. Unless you're a student, and therefore never technically "take up residence, I am not aware of any state that gives you more than 60 days. There is effective a grey area, where you haven't been able to get your licence within the prescribed period but are in process and have used your best endeavours to do so.

You might also want to check how much coverage, especially liability coverage you have, because state minimums can be scarily low and leave you exposed in the event you injure somebody.

Originally Posted by Smudger222

Mmmm.....having happily driven around Ohio on my visits for the last 8 months, State Farm suddenly sent us a letter this week stating they do not have a US or Canadian driving licence on file for me.

......errrr that would be because we told you I was visiting and using an English Licence......

Do you think this means I'm no longer insured?