Importing a car and getting car insurance in the US

[Murph44 0]

Hi guys. New to the forum.

So I'm going to be heading to the States soon for a job on a TN for 1-2 years. I know I don't have to import my car as long as I'm only using it for one year. However, the state I'm moving to requires I get a DL and register it within 60 days. Plus since I will likely be there over a year I figured I would go ahead and import it the same day I apply for the TN at the POE.

My problem is with the compliance letter. My manufacturer (Kia) can't provide one stating that my car complies with the FMVSS. The letter states that it complies with the CMVSS no problem. I asked the rep what I should do and he said that most of the time this letter is good enough to get through. I just don't see how that's the case when the HS-7 form clearly states the letter must say the car meets all FMVSS. Has anyone encountered this dilemma, or know of any threads where this has been discussed? I don't want to get to the border and have them say I can't import my car.

Also - how easy is it to get car insurance in the States? I'm assuming I should do it soon after I move down there. What companies have made the process easy? I'm assuming they just want all your Canadian info and a promise to register the car in the state soon after insurance is issued, correct?

Any help would be great!

[ChristinaG 91]

I'm an insurance broker here in Canada, so while I can't speak to the specifics the State you're moving to uses.... best thing I can tell you is to call your current insurance company and request a Letter of Experience. Get one for each company you've been insured with for at least 5, if not 7 years back. This will show your US Insurance company your history of accidents/claims.

Also get your Driver's License History from your Ministry of Transportation. This will show how long you have been licensed and history of tickets, and if you had Driver's Ed at a licensed facility.

These are things we ask our clients for when they are coming from the US to Canada. Often times (not always) these reports will allow the new company to give you credit for your history so you're not treated like a brand new driver.

Best wishes!!

[ChristinaG 91]

Some tips when shopping around....

Make sure each company is quoting "apples to apples" (same limit of liability, same deductibles, same 'extras' & discounts)..... if your job has a union or employee association, check with them to see if they offer any group rates (generally always cheaper to get group rates than individual)

[Murph44 0]

Christina thank you so much for your help! Very much appreciated.

Does anyone happen to know about my compliance letter situation?

Thanks!

[ricnally 258]

Think I had the same sitch with my Honda a few years back and the letter they offered was A-OK. Also, Geico is good for insurance in the short-term (and, in general, all US auto-insurance is so cheap compared to Canada).

[Rob & Monika 87]

If your insurance company operates in both countries, you can just have it transferred to an agent in the state you will be residing, at least that is what we did with State Farm, no hassles.

[Murph44 0]

Rob - My company does not operate in both countries. Looks like I'll have to go to a broker down there.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Hopefully someone out there has had the same issues with the compliance letter and can chime in.

[honnybear 1]

Btw USAA insured my car no problem once I had a US DL.

I would double check the state requirement of 60 days by calling twice and speaking to two different agents at the local DMV office where you will be.

Many will tell you rules that do not apply for Canadians in the US as I found out. As long as I was a temporary resident and not permanent I did not have to transfer my car within 60 days like most from other countries as long as I kept my Cdn driver license.

[Katwol07 0]

Hi,

I moved to Canada from US in 2013 and now going back with PR. I did import 2 cars to Canada at that time. Now I am taking these cars back to US with me. What are the requirements for importing US cars back to the USA?

Please advice…

[2 canucks 12]

I'm an insurance broker here in Canada, so while I can't speak to the specifics the State you're moving to uses.... best thing I can tell you is to call your current insurance company and request a Letter of Experience. Get one for each company you've been insured with for at least 5, if not 7 years back. This will show your US Insurance company your history of accidents/claims.

Also get your Driver's License History from your Ministry of Transportation. This will show how long you have been licensed and history of tickets, and if you had Driver's Ed at a licensed facility.

These are things we ask our clients for when they are coming from the US to Canada. Often times (not always) these reports will allow the new company to give you credit for your history so you're not treated like a brand new driver.

Best wishes!!

ChristinaG, thank you so much! You just told me exactly where to get what I need for my dh!

I have found that Nationwide is NOT on our side (too high priced). Progressive was suggested but haven't yet gotten a quote from them. State Farm is supposed to be cheap and fairly interchangeable since they are on both sides of the border. All State has been very easy to work with getting things prepared in the States Although they are not interchangeable systems from Canada to the US, if you bring all the documentation that ChristinaG just mentioned, they are willing to make overrides so you get a better price because of your driving record. I was told to make sure that your Canadian insurance does not run out before you get down there or your price goes way up.

[NikLR 13,220]

We have All State and I find our person very easy to work with. My husband still will deal with only her even though her office is in another city an hour's drive away. They have our bike, vehicle, and now house insurance. I think we pay a bit more in premiums than some other people do, BUT we have pretty much everything on there and she gives us discounts where she can. Sometimes you pay more for great customer service and to us, it's worth it.