barryjc

Hi everyone,
This is my first 'post' on this website so please forgive me if this question has come up before, but does anyone know of a reasonably priced car insurance company that will cover me whilst I 'winter' the 3 months in my Ft Myers Florida condo using my full UK licence without having to obtain a US driving licence ?

Ray

Great joke ..keep them coming ...
the word reasonable does not exist in car insurance here if Fl
if fact its trying to find somebody who will cover you as an alien
unless you are going to re-register your car ever trip you will probably have to pay every 6 monhs anyway

sstart of with www.progressive.com then maybe Geico
you soon realize for 3 months its cheaper to rent a car

kwilson

@ Ray
Can you insure a car without a valid DL?

Ray

progressive used too ...but the wife has retired now .... she was an insurance agent and I no longer get to hear the latest

but I think you can no longer get a licence without a SSN

Steve_I

I think you're right about the SSN. I went to the DMV here in Charleston SC and was told I'd need to bring my SS card if I wanted to take the test.... not just proof of the number, but the actual card itself.

As for insurance, it is possible to get it on a British licence, but at a price! I went through a local broker (as recommended by the dealer I bought the car from) and got it from Omni Insurance Group (based in GA). Be prepared to have your wallet shredded though.... $1500 for six months on an almost new Nissan Altima Coupe.......

Jerseygirl

All states have different rules and regs. Just because you managed to get a license and insurance in SC doesn't necessarily mean the same will apply in Fla.

Steve_I

You're up late! I did realise that, and I don't actually have a license in SC yet. I got the insurance based on a UK license (they actually put it through the system and knew I had 3 points in the UK). The insurance company I quoted is based in Georgia, so I was just guessing they would cover nationwide. I'm more than happy to be proved wrong........

audio

I am looking into the same. I have found out so far:
You do not need a SSN, at least not for non residents.
I am not a US resident but my local office advise that I will be granted a FL license for the duration of my visa (6 months) for $54. No test required just 2 utility bills and my UK license.
Insurance quote so far, Ford Ranger $425 for 6 months. Yes it has not a billion dollar cover but it’s a start.
Suggestions of rental I have looked into, Alamo out of MCO, midsize SUV, 6 months without cdw $6528 ouch!

Good luck

Ray

You are still supposed to test ..but some offfices dont know that ..good luck
I have a friend in Charlotte who never takes a test ...wheresa around here and other places you do

audio

Where is around here? I want to avoid that office

barryjc

Thanks Audio for your imput, it would now seem that each local office in each US county has it's own rules and regs! I just hope the one I visit in Ft Myers is as 'understanding' as the one you went too !!

Jerseygirl

I'm a night owl...not a morning person. If I had my way the day would start no earlier than 10.30 am.

I mentioned each states' requirements are different for the OP...he would be best to look on the Florida DMV's website or contact them to find out exactly what their requirements are.