Shipping a vehicle overseas comes with its unique challenges. For one thing, you can’t exactly drive it yourself from point A to point B, especially in the case of shipping from the US to the UK.
That, coupled with the customs regulations you have to prepare for, can make shipping a vehicle a very complicated endeavour. But in this article, we’ll try to shed some light on the subject, and by the end, you’ll see the process isn’t as complicated as it first appears.
How Much Does It Cost?
The first thing many car owners worry about shipping their vehicle is, of course, the price. At the end of the day, if the process is too expensive, then why not just buy a new vehicle once you arrive in the UK?
Well, shipping your vehicle from the USA to the UK is not as expensive as you’d think, and it especially doesn’t come close to the cost of a new one, which can range between £12,000 to £17,000 in the UK.
According to A1 Auto Transport, shipping a vehicle from the US to the UK can cost around $2,300 and $4,800, but the final price can vary.
The cost of shipping a vehicle isn’t exactly set in stone. Rather, it can be influenced by:
- When you are shipping the car
- The point of pick-up and drop off
- The means of transport (for instance, ship versus plane)
- Additional services you want to be included, etc.
What’s the Paperwork Like?
Since the car will be coming from the US, there are some documents you’ll need to have upon entering the UK:
- Bill of landing
- The car registration
- Insurance documents
- A copy of your passport
- Import document C104A
You will also need to cover the costs of duties and taxes, as it’s standard with any vehicle import to a foreign country. In some cases, you may be exempt from covering the VAT, such as if you’re moving to the UK permanently or the car is a UK vehicle you’ve previously exported.
What Services Do You Need?
Car shipping companies come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one ultimately comes down to what you need. For instance, you can have the option of an all-inclusive service where the car is picked up from your USA location and directly dropped off at your new home in the UK. Or, you may just want to cover the ship transport to cross the ocean, and the rest you can cover yourself.
It’s important to take into account:
- Your needs
- Your budget
- The time you have to ship the car
- The exact location
- And the shipping company’s reputation, and whether they can accommodate everything you need
Shipping a vehicle overseas with a professional company is one of the safest ways to ensure your car arrives in the UK!
