UK Resident buying a car - need some help (renting, car insurance)

[langs]

We are in process of buying a family vacation home to be used several times a year,and are thinking of buying a car instead of renting,in long run looks like will be cheaper

what need to know is what is involved if we find a car what do we have to do with regards to registering it,insuring as non resident,also heard mention of 'tags' not sure what this is,we in the uk pay road tax which is worked out on the type of car engine size etc and is paid annually

thanks in advance on any info provided

[cfIfan]

Well its pretty simple really. There is no problem in a Non US resident buyign a car. Instead of Road Tax we have here tags, where are basically the plates and the little sticker in the corner. The sticker is renewed each year at the end of the month of the registered owners birthday. This costs depending on size of vehicle upto $50 per year and is the equivilent to the Tax disc in the UK. No MOT's to worry about in Florida anyway. To be able to buy, register and insure a vehicle you will need a US drivers licence. On a tourist visa each time you are here you need to renew it and it is valid for the length of your visa, i.e 3 months. The reason you need this is primarily for the insurance. My father does this and his insurace is State farm, but you have to have a US license. To obtain consists of a written test (multiple choice and mainly common sense), and a practical. Dont worry, the rason most Floridians cant drive is because it doesnt take place on public roads but in a car park with an assault course. A perfoming monkey could pass it. And that is pretty much it.

If you have any questions feel free to ask

[MESETA]

It means that I could apply for a Fl drivers license just with my visitor visa? Any other documents required? Thanks in advance.

[cfIfan]

the only documentation you need is the actual visa document which is attached in your passport, (typically the green form filled out on the plane) and also your passport. You will be issued with a temporary drivers license valid for the duration of the visa, and you need to renew it each time you come to make sure you have insurance. Without the license your insurance is typically void regardless of whether you are up to date on your payments. The only time you will be issued a long term drivers license is if you have citizenship or a green card.

[Fnix]

Make sure to get a 7.2 litre diesel truck

[cfIfan]

lol, why on earth would they want a gas guzzler......lol ;-)

[rhyso]

Hi,I'll be doing the same thing in a few months,How long is the process of obtaining the drivers license and insurance?What would be a typical 90 day car insurance on a cheap, small, old, japanese car (toyota corolla etc.) for a 30 year old?

[annerk]

Insurance is rated on your US driving record and credit score. With a history of neither, expect to pay as much as $3000 a year.

[jhlcomp]

Your insurance rate will go down markedly once you establish credit here. It only took my friends 6 months.

[WestcoastBrit]

Back in 2002 my insurance jumped from $400 to $2500 (6 month policy Progressive) because my E2 visa and drivers license had expired. My E2 renewal took 5 months to process and couldn't get a license till I had my I-94. Like annerk said, you will have high premiums.