You’re finally making the leap. It’s a pretty big leap, too. You’re going across the pond from the United States to the United Kingdom. You feel like you’re about ready for the move. The bags are packed, you’ve got a great international moving company to haul your stuff, and you have all of your documents ready.
There’s just the small matter of your car.
You want to ship your vehicle, as well as yourself, to the United Kingdom. For that, you’re going to need to know how before you move on to the practical act of shipping. This article offers tips on how to ship a vehicle from the U.S. to the U.K.
Tip No. 1 – Find the Right International Shipping Company
You don’t want to go it alone when shipping a vehicle overseas. Things get complicated as you have to juggle logistical issues with all of your documentation. Add the stress of moving to that mix, and you have a recipe for disaster.
It’s better to go with an experienced company that can get your vehicle from A to B with as little fuss as possible. That means looking for an experienced international shipper, such as https://www.a1autotransport.com/. These companies specialise in helping you through the vehicle importing process. They can handle everything from selecting the right shipping method to ensuring you have the documents you need when your car reaches the U.K.
The question is, how do you find a reliable shipping company?
Follow these quick tips to ensure you do good research that narrows your search down to a few great selections:
- Always start by checking the company’s website. You’re looking for specific mentions and examples of their expertise with international shipping.
- If you feel confident in the website, start digging online. Look for reviews on social media, Google, and forums to learn what it’s like to work with the shipper.
- Always request multiple quotes. No matter how much you trust the company you have in mind, it’s always good to compare them to other options.
- Call the company to speak to an actual human being. Pay attention to how they speak to you. You’re looking for people who are eager to help and ready to hand out advice.
- Quiz the shipper about the different types of transport they offer, as well as their insurance.
Research is your best friend when finding an international shipping company. Vigilance steers you away from the chancers who may not offer the best possible service.
Tip 2 – Understand What You Need to Do When the Vehicle Arrives
The gov.uk website does a pretty good job of outlining what you’ll need to do before and after shipping your vehicle to the country. When your car lands on U.K. soil, you need to do the following:
- Inform His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that your vehicle arrived within 14 days of its arrival.
- Pay any duty and value-added tax that HMRC requests.
- As you’re shipping from the U.S., you’ll need approval for a vehicle that isn’t registered in the European Union (EU). Use one of the following forms to apply for this approval:
- Tax and register your vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. They’ll get you set up with a valid U.K. registration number.
- Get insurance from a third-party provider before you start driving. Your vehicle isn’t road-legal until you have insurance.
A good shipping company can walk you through these steps once your vehicle arrives in the U.K. Still, the duty to follow through is on you. Failure to comply means you won’t be able to legally drive your vehicle.
Tip 3 – Prepare Your Vehicle for International Shipping
You’ll complete the above steps once your vehicle arrives in the U.K. But it needs to get there first. Your auto shipping company plays a big role, of course. But there are several steps you can take to ensure the vehicle is ready for shipping internationally:
- Clean the vehicle inside and out, taking photos as you do. This cleaning process helps you identify any pre-existing scuffs or dings. Your photos may end up being valuable evidence if you have to make a claim against your shipping company for damage caused during shipping.
- Remove all of your personal belongings from the vehicle. Very few shippers offer insurance for the valuables you have stashed in your vehicle. They only insure the vehicle itself. Take any personal items with you to guard against damage and theft.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas in the car. Any more, and you add to its weight, which drives your costs up. Any less, and your shippers may not have enough gas in the tank to drive your vehicle.
- Get up to date on all of your maintenance, including checks for fluid leaks and battery charge. It’s also worth checking your tyre pressure. If your car isn’t roadworthy, you may have to pay extra to ship a damaged vehicle.
Tip 4 – Gather Your Documents in a Folder
You need a few vital documents to get through U.S. and U.K. customs:
- Vehicle registration
- The vehicle’s original title
- Photographic identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- A bill of sale or any other proof that you own the car
Losing any of those documents complicates the shipping process. Gather them all in a folder that you can bring with you whenever you drop off or pick up a vehicle.
Get Your Vehicle to the U.K. Safely
There are a few complications you may have to deal with when shipping a vehicle from the U.S. to the U.K. Beyond the hassle of finding the right carrier and dealing with customs, your vehicle must pass the U.K.’s eligibility checks. Some American vehicles won’t meet U.K. regulations, meaning that research into these checks is vital before you ship.
Assuming everything checks out with the vehicle itself, the tips in this article help with the process. Keep your important documents safe, know what the U.K. requires, and work with the right shipping company to ensure the vehicle arrives safe and sound.
