Car Leasing
Sep 22nd 2013 | 2:36 pm
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Car Leasing
Ps, my insurance won't get the "good driver" discount and be cheaper u til I have had a us licence for 18 months....and that's taking into account t my uk history and reduces the time by half
Sep 23rd 2013 | 5:12 am
#17
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 60
From: Valencia, CA
Re: Car Leasing
We moved to California (SF Bay Area ) 2 weeks ago.
Re leasing, we have leased a vw Jetta SE from vw directly (their foreign professional programme). It's cost us $298 a month over 25 months for 15k miles a year including some damage waiver, so any dings etc upto $5000 are no longer our problem! We needed a SSN for this, but hubby came here 3 weeks before we moved so got one then.
Insurance cost us $170 a month for the Jetta with Geico. We pay $290 a month for the Jetta and a 2000 Mazda MPV. Expensive, but ok for an expa with no history.
Tried to book my written test today...earliest appointment is 14 oct for me and 31 oct for my husband....so not 10 days then! Still, at least we can say we tried and. Can't sit in the DMV for 4 hours...child 2 gets out of school at 12.30 and with the 101 traffic there is no way I can be there before 9!!
Re leasing, we have leased a vw Jetta SE from vw directly (their foreign professional programme). It's cost us $298 a month over 25 months for 15k miles a year including some damage waiver, so any dings etc upto $5000 are no longer our problem! We needed a SSN for this, but hubby came here 3 weeks before we moved so got one then.
Insurance cost us $170 a month for the Jetta with Geico. We pay $290 a month for the Jetta and a 2000 Mazda MPV. Expensive, but ok for an expa with no history.
Tried to book my written test today...earliest appointment is 14 oct for me and 31 oct for my husband....so not 10 days then! Still, at least we can say we tried and. Can't sit in the DMV for 4 hours...child 2 gets out of school at 12.30 and with the 101 traffic there is no way I can be there before 9!!
So, are you still driving your cars on your UK lisences even though your CA tests aren't booked in until October? Do you know roughly how long it took for your husbands SSN to come through? I will more than likely be going out on a pre-visit but not sure if I can apply for a SSN until I've officially moved out there.
Are there any other requirements that VW need you to meet to be able tot take advantage of there offers for expats?
Sep 23rd 2013 | 5:47 am
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Car Leasing
Ssn took 10 days I think. I'm going to try and go to a walk in appointment at the dmv, but can't wait too long cos I have no one to pick up my daughter from school. Have a print out of the appointment in my car to show I'm trying to take the test! vw ended copied of visa etc, plus references but all pretty standard
Sep 23rd 2013 | 5:57 am
#19
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 92,279
From: MA, USA
Re: Car Leasing
Insurance, be prepared for $1000 per six months, be happy if it's less.
It's all about level of cover though and you don't want state minimums, usually. There have been discussions, recently, about what kind of levels of cover you should be happy with.
It's all about level of cover though and you don't want state minimums, usually. There have been discussions, recently, about what kind of levels of cover you should be happy with.
Sep 25th 2013 | 12:09 pm
#20
Researching like mad
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 38
From: London to Bay Area
Re: Car Leasing
- Proof of Income/Employment.
- Proof of Residence.
- 5 References.
- Copy of Social Security Card.
- Copy of Visa.
- Copy of Passport.
5 references is a bit vague, I think it is a simpler requirement than it sounds - anyone had experience and know if this is just names or is letters of affidavit etc?
Btw, did my written test last week in Los Gatos, went at 7.45 without appt, out by 10.30, but was pretty exasperating. Booking a behind the wheel was hard with the automated call line and multiple 25 minute waits. Eventually on one call offered a call back, which happened after 35 mins. Next available appt was early November, 6 week wait, and just before provisional licence expires...
Sep 26th 2013 | 4:31 am
#21
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Re: Car Leasing
Sep 30th 2013 | 3:47 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 219
Re: Car Leasing
Well I passed the written! 3 weeks to practice til my behind the wheel!
Oct 1st 2013 | 8:54 am
#23
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Car Leasing
VW seem to want the following...
- Proof of Income/Employment.
- Proof of Residence.
- 5 References.
- Copy of Social Security Card.
- Copy of Visa.
- Copy of Passport.
5 references is a bit vague, I think it is a simpler requirement than it sounds - anyone had experience and know if this is just names or is letters of affidavit etc?
- Proof of Income/Employment.
- Proof of Residence.
- 5 References.
- Copy of Social Security Card.
- Copy of Visa.
- Copy of Passport.
5 references is a bit vague, I think it is a simpler requirement than it sounds - anyone had experience and know if this is just names or is letters of affidavit etc?
To whom it many concern,
My name is Mr <insert name>. I am <insert your name> direct line manager at <company name>, located at <address>.
I write regarding a personal reference for <insert your name and address>.
I have known <your name> in a work capacity for a period of <number of> years. Throughout this time, <your name> has shown himself to be trustworthy and of excellent moral character.
My cell number is <cell number> should you wish to speak to me in person concerning this reference.
[..]
Done.
