Buying a car in Germany and driving back to the UK
Discussion
Hello,
So I am about to buy my first car in Germany this year. I have driven others cars for two years and now the time has finally come to get my own.
The car I will be getting will be either a BMW E46 316i Touring or 318d Touring depending which is at the best price.
My question relates to the procedure for getting export plates and motor tax, as far as I understand at the moment I must first buy export insurance here:
https://www.nondos.de/versicherung-kaufen.html?cfc...
Then once I purchase the car go the the equivalent of a DVLA present the insurance slip that I get from the above then they will both issue me with the export plates and allow me to pay one months motor tax. By the way where can I find these office?
Then I affix the plates to the car (which will have an in date TUV) then I can legally drive home.
Could someone who has already been through this process confirm whether this is correct or if I need to do something extra. On a side note I did contact the company above who sell the export insurance and they confirmed that the insurance will coven a 18 year old (me) provided I have a full drivers licence (which I do). Is there any other snags I could run into being the age I am?
So I am about to buy my first car in Germany this year. I have driven others cars for two years and now the time has finally come to get my own.
The car I will be getting will be either a BMW E46 316i Touring or 318d Touring depending which is at the best price.
My question relates to the procedure for getting export plates and motor tax, as far as I understand at the moment I must first buy export insurance here:
https://www.nondos.de/versicherung-kaufen.html?cfc...
Then once I purchase the car go the the equivalent of a DVLA present the insurance slip that I get from the above then they will both issue me with the export plates and allow me to pay one months motor tax. By the way where can I find these office?
Then I affix the plates to the car (which will have an in date TUV) then I can legally drive home.
Could someone who has already been through this process confirm whether this is correct or if I need to do something extra. On a side note I did contact the company above who sell the export insurance and they confirmed that the insurance will coven a 18 year old (me) provided I have a full drivers licence (which I do). Is there any other snags I could run into being the age I am?
you get that insurance paper (or maybe just a code number 'EVB nummer' - i'm not sure - it's just that number for 'regular' insurance, it should be updated to that system too)
then you find the local 'Strassenverkehrsamt' - best find it before and make an appointment
they do all the business, give you another slip, you then go to any number plate pressing shop, and pay them for two plates - there'll be a shop in the same building, or you may save a couple of quid by going a few hundred yards away - then go back with the plates, they stick on the stickers, you stick them on your car (you can drill through them with a self tapper or buy the clips)
what town are you going to?
then you find the local 'Strassenverkehrsamt' - best find it before and make an appointment
they do all the business, give you another slip, you then go to any number plate pressing shop, and pay them for two plates - there'll be a shop in the same building, or you may save a couple of quid by going a few hundred yards away - then go back with the plates, they stick on the stickers, you stick them on your car (you can drill through them with a self tapper or buy the clips)
what town are you going to?
you might have to pay by bank card only, and maybe need to give bank details (IBAN and BIC) but I'm not 100%
you also need
both parts of car paper work fahrzeugschein, teil I and teil II
if it's not been de-registered you need the old plates
HU (that's the TÜV, but TÜV is only one of the companies that do it)
passport
you also need
both parts of car paper work fahrzeugschein, teil I and teil II
if it's not been de-registered you need the old plates
HU (that's the TÜV, but TÜV is only one of the companies that do it)
passport
Edited by Hugo a Gogo on Tuesday 16th September 14:21
you can get them anywhere, but you need the car already, so the closest one to where you buy the car
most private punters will have de-reg'd, or will want to de-reg before handing over the papers - if they didn't they'd have to trust you to give them the de-reg slip
many dealers, even back-street ones, will arrange the whole thing for you and hand over the car with the export plates (if you pay them for them obv)
especially back street ones in fact, selling cars 'export only' is like a trade-sale with no comeback for them, lots of cars get shipped off to eastern europe
most private punters will have de-reg'd, or will want to de-reg before handing over the papers - if they didn't they'd have to trust you to give them the de-reg slip
many dealers, even back-street ones, will arrange the whole thing for you and hand over the car with the export plates (if you pay them for them obv)
especially back street ones in fact, selling cars 'export only' is like a trade-sale with no comeback for them, lots of cars get shipped off to eastern europe
AbsoluteZero said:
So once I sign the papers for the new car with who ever is selling it I take those papers along with the insurance ones to a Strassenverkehrsamt, and get them to stamp the plates and I go on my merry (hopefully) way.
Just agree with the seller to do the deal at the Strassenverkehrsamt.They will check the VIN and issue you with registration and export plates.
The seller gets his proof of de-registration.
AFAIK the export plates cost 200 euro and include 3rd party insurance.
http://www.strassenverkehrsamt.de/kfz-zulassung-zo...
Edited by Seek on Tuesday 16th September 21:35
you pay for insurance, which could be up to 200 i suppose, then you buy the plates which cost about 20-30€ admin fee to the strassenverkehrsamt, and the price of pressing the plates themselves from another place, which could be 15-20€
some people might offer you an all-in deal though
ADAC offer the insurance for 80€ for 15 days or 160€ for 30 days
some people might offer you an all-in deal though
ADAC offer the insurance for 80€ for 15 days or 160€ for 30 days
AbsoluteZero said:
So once I sign the papers for the new car with who ever is selling it I take those papers along with the insurance ones to a Strassenverkehrsamt, and get them to stamp the plates and I go on my merry (hopefully) way.
you don't use the old plates, you have to buy new ones (cos they are different format for these export ones)DON'T forget, the german export plates have a limited life stamped on the plates (I think it's only 10 days) with start and end dates showing!! This is to stop the misuse of the plates (they can only be used for transporting the vehicle across borders). The old plates (oval) were often misused for months....
Bought my car in Germany and returned to UK several years ago. I bought it from a dealer who had given the car a new TUV. We went to the loccal motor office with the cars paperwork, it was checked, registered as exported (corner cut off documents) all very painless. Then off to another department to get temporary number plates (valid for 14 or 21 days I can't remember), ADAC for temp insurance cover (including breakdown cover), and then off to go. Took several hours overall, mainly spent in the motor office, however it was straightforward. I had a german speaking friend to help me, and if you have this possiblity (unless of course you can speak German yourself) I would recommend it. The insurance cover from the dealer to the motor office was provided by the dealer.
I bought my motorhome from Germany last year and this is how I managed it:-
1. Spoke to the dealer. He arranged the export plates in advance, although I needed to provide him with a letter of consent (he worded it and I signed and scanned it back) and a colour photocopy of my passport. If you're buying privately, your seller may be amenable in this regard. I concur with the above comments that the registration offices can be incredibly busy and I also gather many aren't open at the weekend.
2. From my understanding, I could have export plates with a 2 or 4 week validity. I chose 2 weeks as I would be collecting and driving back to the UK in one weekend.
3. The export plates have full EU 3rd party insurance. I left it at that. This, clearly, covers UK use so I was covered once landed in the UK.
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
5. Once landed in the UK, you'll need an MOT (done on the VIN) to qualify for UK registration. I insured with Flux on the VIN for UK insurance, although their caveat was the vehicle shouldn't be driven until the UK registration is granted. You'll need proof of UK insurance to gain a V5.
6. You'll need to verify your purchase with HMRC within 2 weeks. Get a screen dump of the confirmation. I didn't get an email or any further verification, but DVLA need proof!
7. You'll need DVLA's 'Export Pack' to complete. Get two just in case you cock one up. Be patient with DVLA and reasonable. I had my application rejected twice on minor grounds, which DVLA's own instructions (depending on which booklet you read - and quote from in your application) contradict. Nevertheless, the entire process took less than 2 weeks.
1. Spoke to the dealer. He arranged the export plates in advance, although I needed to provide him with a letter of consent (he worded it and I signed and scanned it back) and a colour photocopy of my passport. If you're buying privately, your seller may be amenable in this regard. I concur with the above comments that the registration offices can be incredibly busy and I also gather many aren't open at the weekend.
2. From my understanding, I could have export plates with a 2 or 4 week validity. I chose 2 weeks as I would be collecting and driving back to the UK in one weekend.
3. The export plates have full EU 3rd party insurance. I left it at that. This, clearly, covers UK use so I was covered once landed in the UK.
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
5. Once landed in the UK, you'll need an MOT (done on the VIN) to qualify for UK registration. I insured with Flux on the VIN for UK insurance, although their caveat was the vehicle shouldn't be driven until the UK registration is granted. You'll need proof of UK insurance to gain a V5.
6. You'll need to verify your purchase with HMRC within 2 weeks. Get a screen dump of the confirmation. I didn't get an email or any further verification, but DVLA need proof!
7. You'll need DVLA's 'Export Pack' to complete. Get two just in case you cock one up. Be patient with DVLA and reasonable. I had my application rejected twice on minor grounds, which DVLA's own instructions (depending on which booklet you read - and quote from in your application) contradict. Nevertheless, the entire process took less than 2 weeks.
Edited by Simes110 on Wednesday 17th September 08:04
JMGS4 said:
DON'T forget, the german export plates have a limited life stamped on the plates (I think it's only 10 days) with start and end dates showing!! This is to stop the misuse of the plates (they can only be used for transporting the vehicle across borders). The old plates (oval) were often misused for months....
the date is for however long you bought insurance, usually either 15 or 30 daysSimes110 said:
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
if you're talking about 'Rotes Kennzeichen' they're really only for trade, and not really for exportSimes110 said:
I bought my motorhome from Germany last year and this is how I managed it:-
1. Spoke to the dealer. He arranged the export plates in advance, although I needed to provide him with a letter of consent (he worded it and I signed and scanned it back) and a colour photocopy of my passport. If you're buying privately, your seller may be amenable in this regard. I concur with the above comments that the registration offices can be incredibly busy and I also gather many aren't open at the weekend.
2. From my understanding, I could have export plates with a 2 or 4 week validity. I chose 2 weeks as I would be collecting and driving back to the UK in one weekend.
3. The export plates have full EU 3rd party insurance. I left it at that. This, clearly, covers UK use so I was covered once landed in the UK.
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
5. Once landed in the UK, you'll need an MOT (done on the VIN) to qualify for UK registration. I insured with Flux on the VIN for UK insurance, although their caveat was the vehicle shouldn't be driven until the UK registration is granted. You'll need proof of UK insurance to gain a V5.
6. You'll need to verify your purchase with HMRC within 2 weeks. Get a screen dump of the confirmation. I didn't get an email or any further verification, but DVLA need proof!
7. You'll need DVLA's 'Export Pack' to complete. Get two just in case you cock one up. Be patient with DVLA and reasonable. I had my application rejected twice on minor grounds, which DVLA's own instructions (depending on which booklet you read - and quote from in your application) contradict. Nevertheless, the entire process took less than 2 weeks.
I just registered my ex-German GT3 Club Sport and broadly concur with the above...1. Spoke to the dealer. He arranged the export plates in advance, although I needed to provide him with a letter of consent (he worded it and I signed and scanned it back) and a colour photocopy of my passport. If you're buying privately, your seller may be amenable in this regard. I concur with the above comments that the registration offices can be incredibly busy and I also gather many aren't open at the weekend.
2. From my understanding, I could have export plates with a 2 or 4 week validity. I chose 2 weeks as I would be collecting and driving back to the UK in one weekend.
3. The export plates have full EU 3rd party insurance. I left it at that. This, clearly, covers UK use so I was covered once landed in the UK.
4. Alternatively, I could have bought Transit plates. These differ as you don't need vehicle registration details beforehand and can source them, via courier, before your trip and simply attach them to your vehicle. They still cover full EU 3rd party insurance BUT, I gather, only have a 4 day validity. I'm told that certain EU countries don't like them being used other than in the country of issue, so you MIGHT get pulled over, but you'll still have full EU insurance. And they're significantly cheaper.
5. Once landed in the UK, you'll need an MOT (done on the VIN) to qualify for UK registration. I insured with Flux on the VIN for UK insurance, although their caveat was the vehicle shouldn't be driven until the UK registration is granted. You'll need proof of UK insurance to gain a V5.
6. You'll need to verify your purchase with HMRC within 2 weeks. Get a screen dump of the confirmation. I didn't get an email or any further verification, but DVLA need proof!
7. You'll need DVLA's 'Export Pack' to complete. Get two just in case you cock one up. Be patient with DVLA and reasonable. I had my application rejected twice on minor grounds, which DVLA's own instructions (depending on which booklet you read - and quote from in your application) contradict. Nevertheless, the entire process took less than 2 weeks.
Edited by Simes110 on Wednesday 17th September 08:04
1) The transit plates are a no-no with Le Frogs and the Belgians. Technically you will be in the right, but try explaining that to a Gendarme on a cold and damp night on the side of the E40. Not worthy for the sake of EUR50/60
2) You no longer need UK insurance to register a car in the UK.
3) HRMC will send you an email with a conformation that you have notified them about the import of your vehicle. Now the DVLA and HMRC IT Platforms are linked.
4) The most important bit - UK MOT is not enough to warrant registering your car. You will need to provide proof that your speedo reads in miles too, that your headlights have been adapted for UK's RHD traffic flow and that your fog light has been moved to the correct side of the vehicle if you only have one. An invoice from a garage would suffice.
5) When filling the DVLA import form - if in doubt, call them. I found the Welsh very helpful for a change. Took 4 days to get my car registered from sending them the paperwork to getting my V5C back. Of course they had spelled my middle name wrong, but I am prepared to overlook this.
6) If your car is going to be over 10 years old, then you will be OK, if newer however, make sure you ask the seller for a EUROPEAN CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY. It will save you having to ask BMW UK for one, which costs money and time. Without it, you will not be able to fill in the form and register the car.
Hope this helps,
Alex
Once again thanks for all the information.
Here's my plan:
Try to arrange with the dealer /person selling the car that he unregisters the car and ask if he could arrange the export plates and insurance.
Otherwise:
I will go with my friend to buy the car.
Go to the nearest registery in my friends car and get insurance and export plates arranged.
From what I can see the online insurance link I provided will not work for me because I will be arriving on a Friday morning and have to get everything done then.
Here's my plan:
Try to arrange with the dealer /person selling the car that he unregisters the car and ask if he could arrange the export plates and insurance.
Otherwise:
I will go with my friend to buy the car.
Go to the nearest registery in my friends car and get insurance and export plates arranged.
From what I can see the online insurance link I provided will not work for me because I will be arriving on a Friday morning and have to get everything done then.
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