An international move can be a huge undertaking but is something that is becoming more and more common as the economy changes and companies begin outsourcing their work to other countries. One thing that many people will need to think about when making an international move is transportation. There are many obstacles to consider when deciding get your automobile from port to port.
Instructions
1. Decide whether it is worth the cost to ship your automobile to France. In many cases it can be cheaper to buy a car once you arrive in France than it is to ship it there. Also, European cars are much smaller and gas efficient than American cars and so may give you more value both on your wallet while being better for the environment.
2. Prepare your car to be in line with all of the local driving laws in France . For example, in Europe cars are required to have orange turn signals while in the United States they are red. Also keep in mind that in France they drive on the left side of the road rather than the right which will put your driver’s seat on the wrong side of the car. This is not illegal, but can make driving a little confusing while overseas.
3. Choose a shipping company and get a quote. There are numerous companies who offer port-to-port service from the United States to France. Most companies will either have a general quote on their website based off of size, weight, year, make/model, and value of the car. If they do not have them listed on the website they will usually have an online form to fill out or contact information to get a quote directly from the company. Make sure and have all of the information listed above before calling to get a quote.
4. Gather all the necessary documents so you can purchase marine insurance for your vehicle. You will need the original title, or at the least a certified copy of the title to prove that you own the vehicle. Once you have proof that you own the vehicle it’s time to buy marine insurance. Check with your car insurance provider to see if they offer marine insurance, if not you can usually buy additional insurance through the company that you have chosen to ship your car with.
5. Contact France's consulate. There are a host of other fees that can come with shipping your car. The consulate is your best source for information on these fees as well as any taxes or customs issues you may encounter. These costs can vary dependent on the price of the car, your employment status and your residency status.
