Help... Brits In The USA!

[Zabrober]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on a few situations...

I am young, 19 years old, and am planning to drive across america next year from March to July...

I am from the UK... This is is where the questions come!

We are looking to buy a car and then sell it when we are finished.

-What is the deal with insurance? and how do we obtain it?

-What is the best way to get hold of car?

-What other problems may we encounter in getting the car and driving it??


All help is much appreciated.

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

The plan you've outlined will not be a simple one to accomplish. Just to get you started, you should read through this discussion on car purchase and this one on insurance as they apply to foreign visitors. Those should give you some idea of what you are up against.

AZBuck

[Zabrober]

Thanks for that....
I read both threads.

I have an Uncle who is a US resident living in upstate New York. This was mentioned as a positive.

If he bought a car and registered it to his address could he then get insurance and put three named drivers on the insurance who are non US residents?

or can you think of other ways of getting a car considering we have relatives who are US residents?

Thanks

[Midwest Michael]

That is one way to go about the process, just know that if you get into a crash under his policy, its likely that his rates would also go up. You would also likely have big problems trying to sell the car at the end of your trip, unless he is actually there to sign over the paperwork.

You could also try to buy a car and insure it using his address as your own. You'll likely have to pay pretty high rates for insurance since you won't have a US driving record, but I think you should be able to make it work - if you have the time and the money.

[Zabrober]

ok thanks
I looked at the buyback company. Would they sell to non us residents who are young? We could use a US address if neccessary.

Also what are best insurance companies in the states and what would be the rough price to insure three youthful Brits for three months? And what would be the process to get insurance baring in mind we have links in the states.

Thanks for all the help so far

[Midwest Michael]

There are some buyback companies that will work with drivers 18+, but its going to be a company by company thing. If you go with the buy-back option, then the same company should be able to help you with insurance.

If you are buying a car on your own, then you will have to find an insurance agency. They will be able to help you go through all the options you will or will not have. Your price for insurance will depend on many factors (the state you are in, the amount of coverage and deductables, the particular company, etc), so its not possible to give you an accurate estimate, but a figure of $200 per month, with a 6 month minimum policy would be my rough guess of the ballpark you'd be looking at. Again, you should consult a professional insurance agency - like the one your uncle uses - for more reliable info.

[Zabrober]

I have just looked at this company

which is a buy back company. It says :

Required Documents
Proof of US residential address and a US drivers license.

Will a UK driving license and international driving permit do?

Also are there any other buyback companies in the states. If so could you recommend?

Thanks

[PNW Judy]

And I don't know if any of us can answer these kinds of details. I really think you'll need to call or email the company with those types of questions.

This post should also have some good information for you, including links to a couple of other buy-back programs.

[Midwest Michael]

Required Documents
Proof of US residential address and a US drivers license.

Will a UK driving license and international driving permit do?

Sorry, but if they say they need a US address and drivers license, then it seems pretty clear to me that a UK License will NOT work.

The link Judy provided has some more helpful information, but I really think you are at the point where you are trying to find out information that is more specific that you'll be able to get answers on an internet forum. You're going to have to start contacting these companies yourself to see if they have any options that will work for you.

[Zabrober]

ok
I understand what you're saying. I'm really keen to make this work...
Thank you so much for inititial pointers and guidance.

I will contact these companies and sort it out

Thank you