[gmdbn]

Could someone clarify if a driving record is based on how long you have had your license for or actual driving in the US. Would it work in our favour to do another trip to get our driving license ie. have a so called driving record for the interim period before we relocate. Previously mentioned $10000 per year for insurance has got me thinking that another trip may be worth the effort.

[Superkruz]

gmdbn, on 23 January 2012 - 12:15 AM, said:

Could someone clarify if a driving record is based on how long you have had your license for or actual driving in the US.

I am wondering about this too. I assume it is based on how long you have your license as I cannot see how they would determine how much you actually drive. If my assumption is accurate I am going to get a license as soon as possible but not buy a car for a while, thus "building" a driving record even though I am not actually driving.

[gmdbn]

Superkruz, on 23 January 2012 - 04:14 AM, said:

I am wondering about this too. I assume it is based on how long you have your license as I cannot see how they would determine how much you actually drive. If my assumption is accurate I am going to get a license as soon as possible but not buy a car for a while, thus "building" a driving record even though I am not actually driving.

It's a bit like sharing a vehicle between husband and wife and both qualifying for reduced premiums later. Enjoy Boston, I believe it is an expensive city to live in (I spoke to a Bostonian on one of my connecting flights), airport has a very cool control tower if you are into engineering / architectural design. I had to get a connecting flight from there. Good luck with your relocation.

[Peter]

Not really getting what you want, but your record starts when you by a car, and if you have a licence even better.

As for the insurence, well when I came here 4 years ago I was paying $210.00 per month by AutoSafe, just for one car.

That did not change till I had a year behind me.

The problem is that here in the USA you have no record when you come here, or lets say they don't reconise any of you past driving or credit records.

So you will pay more for the first year.

Hope this is of some use.

[gmdbn]

Peter, on 23 January 2012 - 08:46 AM, said:

Not really getting what you want, but your record starts when you by a car, and if you have a licence even better.

As for the insurence, well when I came here 4 years ago I was paying $210.00 per month by AutoSafe, just for one car.

That did not change till I had a year behind me.

The problem is that here in the USA you have no record when you come here, or lets say they don't reconise any of you past driving or credit records.

So you will pay more for the first year.

Hope this is of some use.

Thanks, $210pm sounds a lot better than $833pm.

[Malamute]

gmdbn, on 23 January 2012 - 10:54 AM, said:

Thanks, $210pm sounds a lot better than $833pm.

I paid $1 191 for a 6 month premium (so just under $200 pm) for my first car insurance - through a major national insurance company - AND I was still on my UK driver's license when I got it, not yet USA license. That was 8 months after my initial landing on my GC, and 4 days after arriving in the USA 'for good'. A week or two later - I went for my local driver's license, and when I renewed my insurance, my premium went down significantly. I now pay under $100 pm.

So, although your insurance WILL be more expensive, (and that will vary depending on where you live, age, gender etc), no need to be hugely concerned - it does come down quickly after the initial period.

[Dolphie]

Ditto that. We paid just over $1000 for the first six months, then just under $1000 for the next six, now after almost 2 yrs we are down to around $400 or so for 6 months.
I think the $10000 might have because it was a motorcycle.

[gmdbn]

Dolphie, on 23 January 2012 - 01:07 PM, said:

Ditto that. We paid just over $1000 for the first six months, then just under $1000 for the next six, now after almost 2 yrs we are down to around $400 or so for 6 months.
I think the $10000 might have because it was a motorcycle.

Thanks to all.

[Superkruz]

Dolphie, on 23 January 2012 - 01:07 PM, said:

I think the $10000 might have because it was a motorcycle.

I've experienced Boer08's driving first hand when I visited him last year...... he's a great guy, but I would have charged him $10k per month if I was the insurer!!
Jokes aside, I think you have a point here that it might be because it was a motorcycle and also possibly his age. When he bought it he must have been 20-something, which might increase the premium. I know here in Australia under-25's pay almost double the premium of over-25's.

[Knersus]

We are paying our premiums monthly, not six monthly or yearly, and this way you can ask for a rate every month if you really want to. There is also several major companies that will be interested in your business once you are on someone else s insurance. There is no sense in not getting your license a.s.a.p. This will automatically get you in a lower bracket as a "resident". It also makes it a lot easier when you get stopped.

We are still getting discounts (after 6 years) every few months as we are building our history, and have 2 vehicles on insurance now for just over $60/month

It's not part of the question....but for others reading, don't waste time on an International license, they are worthless in the states, and will get you in trouble a lot quicker with a state trooper than having your valid south african license and green card/passport.

[Boer08]

Superkruz, on 23 January 2012 - 06:25 PM, said:

I've experienced Boer08's driving first hand when I visited him last year...... he's a great guy, but I would have charged him $10k per month if I was the insurer!!
Jokes aside, I think you have a point here that it might be because it was a motorcycle and also possibly his age. When he bought it he must have been 20-something, which might increase the premium. I know here in Australia under-25's pay almost double the premium of over-25's.

LOL, I don't drive that bad

Correct, they asked me $10000 a year for my GSXR1000 (Superbike) without a USA driving record, and I was 25 at the time.
I am now 31 with a 6 year clean driving record, and I pay $125 per month for my car and just over $300 a year for my motorcycle.

[Reichette]

We arrived in Texas in early December 2011 as fresh immigrants. Purchased a car in the first week. Got it insured with Geico for my wife and I (no household added) at $132 per month. We had to get our driver's licenses within 30 days though - which we promptly did. I also completed an online defensive driving course for about $20. It brought my insurance down with $15 per month to where it is now at $132. The insurer cautioned me not get any speeding tickets or other violations as that would certainly bump up my insurance significantly - so guess how diligently I set the speed control nowadays... I even stop dead at stop signs! (very unlike my SA driving style of the past..., I'm ashamed to say).

[Knersus]

Yes, setting the speed control is a necessary habit in the mid west....To be political incorrect again, in all the states and cities where crime are generally lower the troopers and police are generally much stricter in enforcing the laws....and they are much more respected for what they do, and treated as such.

[Superkruz]

Reichette, on 24 January 2012 - 08:41 PM, said:

Got it insured with Geico for my wife and I (no household added) at $132 per month.

$132 pm sound much more reasonable. I always thought that cost of living in the US was lower than in Australia but some things seem much more expensive, like insurance for example. I pay $50 pm insurance for my car at the moment.

[C185]

eSurance is a good place to have a look at. We currently pay $68 p/m.