Glenn1954

Off to California soon for 6-12 months on a B1 visa. Can I purchase a car (to auction later) without a SSN? If so, what 'do' I need for documentation, and will I be able to get temporary insurance? Read the threads on insurance. I'm 51, full no claims, no accidents in last 9 years and no convictions in last 6. Car hire is going to cost me in the region of $1300 a month.

Thanks.

NC Penguin

B-1 is a business visitor's visa, right? That means you won't be a resident so this may impact on whether you can buy a car or not.

Have you looked online at any auto insurance providers websites? Their websites probably give the Terms and Conditions about whose eligible for coverage. A SSN may be required.




NC Penguin

Manc

A B-1 visa is only good for 6 months at a time.

how you gonna be there for 12 months?

AdobePinon

Buying a car is easy. It's the insurance that's going to kill you. From experience, I can tell you that you'll end up in some cluttered little upstairs down-the-alley back office, paying very big bucks to some insurance agent who looks like he just stepped out of a porn flick.

But it can be done.

Edit: Note that you'll probably be paying cash for the car. Don't count on a loan.

NC Penguin

Another thing, since your employer is the very reason you'll be in the US, aren't they paying for your transportation during your visit to the US? If this is true and they're balking at paying $1300 p/mth for car rental, shouldn't the employer be the one doing the research about the possibility of purchasing a car?





NC Penguin

Glenn1954

Extend for 6 months at the end of the first 6. Already talked it through at US embassy. I'm going out there to invest in business and then get an E2 visa.

Manc

I see we've met before.

Glenn1954

Here's the traumatic part. I 'am' the employer. We've got to move two businesses as well as home. Logistics nightmare!

Ray

Most E-2 visa holder use a VW for a few months to find and buy a business and then return to the UK for the interview...of which the wait is currently 16 weeks plus ... why will yours take so long ...

Glenn1954

Already did this in Florida last year, but the house sale fell through. We're off to buy beauty businesses. The good ones only stay on the market for around a month. We want to be there for the 'due diligence' process and learn as much as we can about the businesses, so we don't get ripped off. Three months won't be enough to look at the areas we have in mind, and understand the demographics.

When you say 'use' a VW, do you mean 'buy'? Is there a process?

Ray

VW ..i.e. Visa waiver... gives you 90 days ...Hopefully you have the B-2 already .. they are not keen on giving them out for this purpose ....

NC Penguin

Have you looked at British Expats's US Visas forums. Sounds like the forum to hone up on the visa you'll need and on that forum you'll probably read about people like yourself who wish to buy a business in the US.

Here's the link-
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=31




NC Penguin

Glenn1954

Don't you just feel a pratt when you assume one thing and it means something totally different? Yes, got the Visa for my family of 4, which includes boys aged 4 and 6. We were straight up front with time limits and durations, and were accepted on that basis. We'll make a point of educating the boys in maths and english whilst we're there.

Accomodation rental and car rental are our two biggest expenses, which is why I need to know if we can purchase a car, rather than rent.

Ray

Sorry cant help with Cali ... In Florida you could do it fairly easily ..you can even get a Driving licence on a visa waiver ... but unlikely in most other States...

Glenn1954

Thanks. I'm OK with the visa requirments. I'll take a look at the site for any other tips.