Car Buying Tips

Monday, January 31st, 2011

It’s a hot topic right now, the topic of buying a car in United States instead of Canada. Many Canadian’s in the market for a new car see the differences in MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) between a car in Canada and the same car in the United States. That difference in many cases makes the case of buying a car in the United States instead of Canada that much stronger and many are making the hop over the border or researching online to check things out.

Buying a car in United States isn’t as easy as it may seem. Many Canadian’s think all they have to do is buy the car, pay the duty and voila they are on their way to saving HUGE!

In addition to the paying of the duty there are a few other hurdles Canadian’s have to overcome when. Here is just a quick low down of what you need to consider if you are thinking about buying a new car:

1. Dealerships have a franchise agreement which prohibits them from selling cars to anyone outside of the country. I have heard stories of people actually finding dealerships who will break their franchise agreements, but it is a challenge.

2. The new car you buy is going to be cash because you won’t be able to qualify for US financing or leasing rates and any rebates are not applicable to you.

3. If you were contemplating on using your current car as a trade you might face a challenge again. The US market if “fat” with used cars and may not even want to consider your car in the deal.

4. If you live close to a border crossing then making the trek over a few times isn’t such a hardship for you, but, if you leave further away plan on making a few weekend trips and add that expense into the mix.

5. If you are thinking about buying a car in the United States instead of Canada know that there are equipment modifications you need to make to the vehicle you can check them out here Buying a car in United States instead of Canada [http://www.insurmycar.ca/buyingacarinunitedstatesinteadofcanada.html]

6. Check with Transport Canada and Canada Customs to make sure the car you are looking at Buying a car in United States instead of Canada [http://www.insurmycar.ca/buyingacarinunitedstatesinteadofcanada.html] is admissible into Canada and what other documentation you need.

7. If you are looking at buying a used car the hoops and jumps aren’t as great but check and make sure.

Buying a car in United States instead of Canada may seem better when comparing MSRPs between the United States and Canada but there is a lot more you need to consider. Make sure you do your research not only on the car but also what requirements you need to look at.

Car Insurance in the USA

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Q: I am visiting the USA for three months this summer and was wondering if I would need to purchase a policy for this brief time?

A: While it is unlikely you will be buying and registering a car for your brief visit if this is your plan you will need to purchase car insurance in the USA. If you are staying with friends or relatives it is unlikely you would have to purchase insurance for your visit, unless you wind up staying longer than your original plans called for.

If you are planning on renting a car we highly recommend you buy the optional car insurance coverage. Why get embroiled in an international lawsuit just to skip paying the relatively cheap rental car insurance.

Since we are not a lawyers, and don’t pretend to be, we recommend that you consult with an attorney before driving in the United States as licensing may also be an issue. If a lawyer is too costly you should call the Department of insurance for the state you will be visiting and just ask them.

Car insurance in the USA is a complicated issue as each state has their own specific requirements. We hope that we have at least put you on the right track.

One thing that we strongly recommend doing is shopping around for car insurance rates online. The Internet makes it extremely easy to compare quotes and to ultimately save money on your annual auto insurance premiums. Don’t make the mistake that many drivers are guilty of, which is simply jumping on the first quote they’re given.