Just wondered if anyone had any advice/info or experience on getting car insurance when they first moved to the UK, whether as a returning citizen that has been living in another country or a new resident? Directline has just managed to confuse me majorly.

Also a question about Taxes. How do the Americans in this community go about filing their US taxes each year from the UK, is it really complicated, or easy once you know what you're doing?

Thanks in advance

In September, I am planning on visiting England again for the baptism of my second godchild. I am hoping to bring the rest of the family with me to introduce them to the country I've come to love so much. The problem is...well, my mother. My father, sister and I are all very much history buffs of one period or another, so finding things for us to do is a matter of prioritzing our various lists. Mom, on the other hand, is not at all interested in history. Her idea of a great vacation is lying by the pool in Mazatlan with a nice young Mexican man to bring her frosty drinks while she reads. She IS very interested in seeing her grand-godchildren though, so she is willing to come to England despite its shortage of sun and fit, handsome Mexicans with frosty drinks in hand.

( But here's where it gets complicated... )

Can anyone clarify something for us here...

We decided to go with Sixt for the car rental. Here is what we were quoted yesterday upon completion of the booking:

( Booking receipt )

Alright, I need some help...a cell phone from Times Square 8am in the morning to Guildford's Alamo rental didn't work to well (can't use the company phone, and by the time I get home...the shop's shut).

Here's the story, hubby, baby and I are going for a November visit to see the family. Hubby never had to hire a car in his life back home, so he has no idea what to ask regarding coverages, deposits, etc. For years I had been hiring cars in the US, but as we all know...it's a big insurance rip-off and I assume it's entirely different with liabilty, physical damage, etc.

Our credit card covers us for the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) which is equivalent to the DLW/TLW (Damage Loss Waiver/Theft Loss Waiver) as a primary coverage outside of the US. After making the reservation online, we were just confirming a few things like the security deposit (where online it's saying £550-£650 depending on the vehicle type).

When I spoke to the guy at Alamo, he was trying to tell me that they were going to take a £1000 deposit off our credit card. We don't even have a limit on the credit card that would cover that!

Two questions:

1. Am I missing something and is this a case of, the American is stupid let's take her for what she's got?

2. Does anyone know of a rather local (aside from Heathrow) car hire (local being, Epsom, Guildford, Leatherhead, Kingston on a stretch)?

Thanks!!!!

Hello, everyone. I know you're all still groggy and euphoric over the England football victory, but I kind of need your help if anyone can spare a minute of lucidity.

I'm an American who has been settled in the UK with my family for nearly a year (July 2005) on a settlement visa, and I drive a company car. I understand that I can drive for a year on my American license, but my I'm unsure about the nuances of that rule.

Here's what the government has to say:

As a Resident

Provided your full licence, issued by one of the 50 United States or its territories, remains valid, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you became resident. To ensure continuous driving entitlement a provisional GB licence must have been obtained and a driving test(s) passed before the 12 month period elapses. If you obtain a provisional licence during this period, you are not subject to provisional licence conditions e.g. displaying `L' plates or being supervised by a qualified driver or being precluded from motorways.

• Question 1: How does the DSA know when I became a resident?


• Question 2: I was in America in December 2005 and again in April 2006 for a brief trip (funeral)... did my year of driving on my US license START OVER when I re-entered the country or is July my legal cut-off date?

I am aware that there are thousands of Americans in the UK who never bothered to get their UK license at all (sometimes driving here for decades[?] on a US license), but I have to go by the book (since it's not my car and I need to drive quite often for work). Plus, I'm just not the kind of guy who likes talking to policemen at all, so I'm not taking any chances.

And yes, before anyone asks, I did fail the f*cking test again yesterday - another £50 down the sh*tter. I didn't go fast enough in a 60 mph zone, apparently (I failed before for not looking over my shoulder). I'm going to take the bast*rd thing again and again until I pass it, EDIT - I have another date in two weeks.

Help?

(x-posted)

Among proposals floating around the Tory (Conservative) party offices to lessen traffic congestion in the UK is a left on red idea, borrowed from right on red in the US.

While I like right-on-red and take advantage of it all the time, the city I live in and all those nearby are places where the car is king. As pedestrian volume is significantly higher in the UK will it lessen the gridlock or just mean more accidents?

Personally I think given the current state of the world they're going in the wrong direction wanting to make travel by car more popular, and should instead focus on the trains, buses and cycle routes.

Any thoughts?

Hey All!
I am randomly going to end up with a car for a day, so I was wondering if people could suggest good day/road trips from the liverpool/st.helens/manchester area?
Thanks!


x-posted

Apparently I got a speeding ticket while renting a car back in the UK. The rental car company sent me a notice; apparently they caught me on camera/video.

Anyone know what the procedure for this is? I had given the rental car company my Florida drivers license as ID. Will they be able to give me points?

Thanks!

Hello,

I know these types of questions drive you all nuts, but I am feeling stupid and hopeless with the maps of London I've been able to find.

Is Brockley (SE4) within the M25 highway loop around London? I'm trying to figure out if I can get a relatively cheap airport transfer, but cannot determine whether the B&B I am staying in is within that M25 loop.

Thank you!!

I am so lost it's nearly ridiculous. I'm studying in Canterbury right now and I can not for the life of me figure out the road signs. I know that if there's a pedestrian waiting by on of those blinking stree lights, the car is supposed to stop (right?), but what's the deal with the white cone-like things with the yellow stripe and the blue arrow? Is that an indication to stop? And why are the crossings barred off so that you enter the middle waiting on one side and have to go to the other side to cross the opposite street? Did that even make sense? Sorry, I'm just so lost and I really don't fancy getting run over, especially since I'm in a smaller town. It's almost harder to figure out what's going on in Canterbury than it was in London and I got so lost in London the taxi drivers had a difficult time getting me back on course. Anyway, thank you in advanced, and if anyone's going to Kent and wants to hang out, stop by S3 W1 in Rutherford. I live right above the bar.
-Mallory

EDIT- Sorry, I sounded like an idiot, I was in a hurry and talking to someone while typing, not a good combination. You've all answered my questions, though, and even some I hadn't thought to ask. Thank you :)

I have more questions for you all, this time on the subject of driving. In America we have to get a permit first, then our licence. Most states set the permit age at 16, other use 15. I think it's 16 for the licence in all states...but don't hold me to that. :-) What about driving in the UK? What age can you legally drive? Is there some sort of permit-type thing you must get first?

What about the legal smoking age, or rather, the legal age one must be to purchase fags? Any other drug laws? Is anything legal in the UK that is illegal in the US [which would be anything except alcohol and cigarettes]?

Ok....I know I had more questions...but I forgot them. :\ I will think of more later, I promise. :-)

Love, Laura