How to Transport a Car to France
It is a relatively easy task to hop on a plane and fly to France with your bags in tow, but transporting your vehicle overseas can be complicated and time-consuming unless you know what steps to take. In most cases, your vehicle will be shipped overseas on a secure ocean freighter. You will most likely need the expertise of a professional shipping company for loading and unloading your vehicle into the metal shipping container that will secure it during its journey to France.
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Instructions
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Transport fees vary depending on the car's size and weight. Gather all relevant information about your vehicle, including make and model, its value and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Have a copy of your car registration, insurance paperwork and title prepared as well. Search local business directory listings or perform an Internet search to find a shipping company that specializes in international automotive shipping. Call the company and request a quote and detailed information about shipping your car to France, or submit an online quote request. You may be asked to provide relevant information about your car's size and weight to receive an accurate quote.
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Leave only a quarter-tank of gas so you won't be charged for extra weight. Plan in advance for your vehicle's shipping, and keep in mind that vehicle shipping overseas routinely can take as long as four weeks. Some vehicle transport companies offer advanced services such as vehicle pickup and preparation, but other shipment companies require you to bring your car to port on the day of shipping. Leave the registration, insurance papers and one ignition key in the vehicle, and remove all of your personal possessions. Write your passport number on any vehicle identification paperwork that will be submitted to Customs. Make sure you get a receipt from the Customs officer before leaving the car, and verify where you will be picking up the car in France. Most transported vehicles are picked up at Le Havre, the largest port in Normandy, but your pickup can vary.
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France transport fees include customs duties and value-added tax or VAT. Contact the French Consulate to learn what other restrictions, requirements, fees and taxes you are responsible for once you pick up your car in France. French auto import taxes typically amount to about 10 percent of the car's value and can be due upon delivery. Apply for a French domestic license plate once your vehicle has passed through Customs. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration documents, Customs receipts and copies of your certificate of motor insurance and auto title. Once your car arrives in France, you have a maximum of four months to get the French domestic license plate.
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References
- Photo Credit France image by Phil_Good from Fotolia.com Luxury Car sportscar from my luxury car series image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com automobile image by Franco DI MEO from Fotolia.com france image by harmonie57 from Fotolia.com
