oakbri

Yes several interesting views with people seeming to be in 2 distinct camps. Firstly the "France is great and slag off anyone who dares to say different" and the "I hate France, can't wait to leave" Having just returned from a great weekend in the UK the problems here are even more prominent than usual, however I realise that I now view the UK through rose tinted spectacles and as much as I love to visit I don't know if I could settle again. The hardest part for me was as we left the UK, my 6 year old son being close to tears and saying he didn't want to come back to France. He had such a fun weekend. The company I work for has around 80% non French employees. Of the foreign employees only myself and a handful of others chose to settle here. The others commute over to begin their shift and commute straight back at the end. I must admit I feel jealous when they tell me stories of their basic family weekend, going to watch the football saturday, followed by a few pints down the local, then sunday morning shopping in the city centre and the cinema in the afternoon. All very basic things and all totally impossible for me. I actually dread sundays as there is nothing at all to do. This all leaves me in a difficult situation. I don't want to stay here but I don't think I could go back. I need somewhere that is as lively as the UK but without all its inherent problems. If anyone has found this place please share it !!!!!

[quote user="Ian"]Find I have to disagree regarding social life here in France.  While it is true that diddy French villages don't have much going on, that is equally true of diddy English/American villages.  Because France is the bigger country (than the UK) sometimes the distances between towns/cities can give the impression it is "socially quieter" .. but if you want nightlife move nearer a bigger conurbation.  If you move from Edinburgh/London/New York to a tiny hamlet in rural France expect to find it quiet ... but move to rural mid Wales, Shropshire, Orkneys, Iowa et al and you'll find the same There is plenty of social life in two cities I know well: Toulouse and Nice ... certainly more than enough to give Chelmsford, Guildford, St Albans, Wokingham a run for their money. And even at our country home (a teeny village in the Tarn) there is some social life ... my wife was out "with the girls" only last night! [/quote] Ian I am jealous. I have visited many areas in France and found the only places with any social life are the tourist areas, and it's the tourists out socialising. I have also then visited the same places out of season and found then as dead as everywhere else. I come from a small village in the UK and the social life happens 12 months a year as its not tourist dependant. I have many French friends and they, like the majority of their countrymen (and women), seem content to lock their shutters before 7pm and thats the last you see of them. It is quite a contrast to say Spain or Italy where at night everyone goes out for a walk and there is a general buzz in the air. I accept there may be places in France which have a buzzing social life and all the locals enjoy going out but I have yet to find it. Reading through other posts it seems I am not alone in my views and boredom seems to be a common factor in why so many people are moving out of France. I am planning to sell my current house next year and I am in the process of locating my ideal place to live which has mountains, sea, weather AND a social life, sadly if it proves too elusive I will be joining the exodus.

Francie I have never done it myself but I have good friends who do a bit of a sideline importing a couple per year. It seems to be financially beneficial as the used car prices in Germany are very good, probably even better than the UK. Not like the rediculous prices you see here in France. If I remember rightly my friend has to get an export permit and insurance. He is then issued with an export number plate, which has a red band down one side which contains a date, this date corresponds to the insurance expiry date. The car must be driven to its new home before that date. Once in France the procedure is similar to importing a car from the UK. As I say I have never done it myself, but I am pretty sure I am right in what I am saying.

Alit You don't have to give up. Your husband, as a UK citizen, has the right to live and work in France. You, as his wife, are entitled to apply for a Carte de Sejour, which gives you the right to live and work in France. I am not up to speed on all the current rules as we did ours in 2002, but from memory it was very simple. If you live near London the best thing might be to visit the French Embassy, they will give you all the information you require. Good luck

Scooby, Will and Cooperlola I am with you. France is not better than the UK, it has things going for it that the UK doesn't ( roads, healthcare etc etc), but the UK has things France doesn't, a social life for example, and supermarkets that are open when I want to go shopping. I am sure the pros and cons for each country are equally as long. I am in France permanently, not my choice my companies. But I have done my best to settle here, bought a house, learnt the language etc. etc. but I can't see myself here forever, I don't want my kids growing up thinking it's normal to close your shutters at 7pm and thats the end of the day.    

Alit If my memory serves me correctly the Schengen visa is an entry visa for the various states that signed up to the Schengen treaty, notibly Scandinavia, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Spain etc but NOT the UK or Ireland. Being married to a UK citizen does not give you right of entry to these countries. The marriage only gives you the right of abode in the UK, and then only after obtaining it through the correct channels. I know as my wife is from the former Soviet Union and we have been through all this many times. I am not sure if your mistake will affect your visa application, it doesn't sound like they reported it but you never know.  

[quote user="Juju"] Went to a dealler & they want €343 for a headlight for my bike (Dragstar) & €300 for one for the OH's Bandit.  This being approx x4 UK equivalent we were somewhat shocked!  Does anyone know of an online breakers? I'm still trying to get a straight answer for importing my US import from the UK too - the US/French embassy say I've to pay £1000 VAT! [/quote] Juju Don't be shocked. It's quite normal. I always buy my car and bike spares in the UK. A few years ago I needed an exhaust for the car I had at the time. I went to the main dealer and was quoted 400 euros. I then went to a motor factors and got a price for a pattern part, the price they gave - 400 euros ??? The guy in the shop didn't seem to understand that a pattern part is normally much cheaper than an original item. I think he just gave me the main dealer price. I ended up buying a pattern part in the UK for about 60 pounds, then, as it came in sections, managed to fit it in 2 large suitcases and flew back.

I just had coffee with a few French friends, one of whome is currently selling his car and I asked him what the rules were. Will is actually correct, the law does state the car must have a CT under 6 months old, provided by the seller. My friend explained the reason you often see "CT OK" on a car advert is that the law is very often simply ignored, (why am I not surprised?) Top marks Will !!!

[quote user="Nick Trollope"] [quote user="ESB"]Sorry if I got it wrong guys- live and learn![/quote] Here's a thing, you are all wrong; There is no requirement for a CT (of any age) on a vehicle when it is sold. However, the new owner cannot register the vehicle unless the CT is less than 6 months old. If it is impossible to get a CT, the new owner can still register the vehicle with failed process verbal. ie. it is perfectly legal to sell a car with or without a CT.   [/quote] Nick is quite correct. As the seller you are not obliged to get a CT. The buyer can only get a Carte Gris with a CT issued 6 months or less before. That is why you very often see the words " CT OK" on an advertisement for a car, this shows the CT is under 6 months and the buyer can get a CG without having to go through a CT.

Many thanks Cooperlola I will try to get an email off to him this week, with a comrehensive description of my situation and will report back. I will also try to find a contact at the Association of British Insurers and ask them, seeing as it was their remark that started this food fight.

[quote user="Quillan"] Geesus I give up. One final thing, where was it in the UK you will be driving this car just so I never visit the area. [/quote] Don't worry Quillan I doubt very much we come from the same area !!!

[quote user="Quillan"] NOBODY has said it's illegal to insure in the UK a UK car. What was said is if you don't tell the insurance company you are not resident in the UK, which is normally for them a minimum of 9 months (read the stuff on the websites I gave early on) then you have obtained the insurance by making a false statement which then invalidates the insurance. To drive a car without valid insurance in the UK is illegal. Do you understand the legal difference? I believe AXA is represented in the UK but again they can only issue policies under UK law because that's where the car is registered and kept. I fear you know exactly what the answer is and as Ernie said it does not fit your need and you are just going round and round and round. I don't want others who read this thread who are in the same situation to think they can just get insurance in the UK and all will be fine because it's not and it's wrong (unless they find an insurance company that will specifically issue a policy to a non resident) and I wouldn't like them to find, after an accident, that they don't have valid insurance. I to am getting bored now with this...... Yawn   [/quote] Actually Quillan it has been stated in many posts on many threads that it is illegal to insure a UK car in the UK as a non resident. I even read a post saying it was illegal for French residents to drive a non French registered car????  I only wanted to make a point that there is a difference between illegal and difficult. It is NOT illegal to insure a UK car in the UK, as long, as I have said before, it is a policy for non residents. I too am totally bored of this topic now. I promise not to make anymore posts. Or maybe just one more !!!!!!!!!!

[quote user="ErnieY"] [quote user="oakbri"]As I quite clearly said, " I have a second home in the UK, I WANT a car there"[/quote]Which can quite easily be taken to mean "I have a car there and I WANT to keep having a car there." Apologies for any misunderstanding then and amen to your last line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   [/quote] No probs Ernie Wasn't offended I just wanted to clear it up, it was my fault for not being clear in my original post.

[quote user="oakbri"] I have read this thread from the start twice and I am now more confused and my brain hurts. Everyone keeps saying you must be a UK resident to have UK insurance on a UK car and French insurance for your French car at your French holiday home. That much is clear. What about those of us who are not UK residents. I have a French registered car all legal and spend 95% of my time here. I also have a second home in the UK. I want a car there. Surely it's not illegal to have a UK registered car, all taxed tested and insured in the UK ???? I know European law is quite backward at the best of times but there must be a legal way to have a locally registered car at any home you may own, wherever it may be??? SD whats the answer? [/quote] Ernie I have had to quote myself as things keep being assumed. I don't have anything to hide from my insurance as I don't have a car in the UK anymore. As I quite clearly said, " I have a second home in the UK, I WANT a car there" The point of my post was to point out people kept saying it was illegal to be insured in the UK on a UK car, which I believe is untrue as I have not seen anything to say it's illegal. High street insurers are not interested as they want to sell you an off the shelf package. I think specialist companies will do it if you can find one interested. The main point is it's not illegal, just difficult. I don't mind difficult, if I wanted everything easy I wouldn't live in France !!!!

Quillan I will try to look into it. I don't have time today. I receive an angry look from the other half each time I stop decorating and sit down to post a reply. I will try to find a French company that is allowed to do businees in the UK, as mentioned buy the Insurance spokesman, if they exist. Might save us all a packet. I believe you can insure a UK car in the UK as a non resident. Difficult to find - definitely, expensive - absolutely, illegal - not at all.

[quote user="Bob T"][quote user="oakbri"]  the UK is one of the few countries who drive on the "correct" side of the road. [/quote] Really? The rest of the northern hemisphere must all be wrong then. [/quote] Bob It was tongue in cheek, hence the speech marks.

Thanks Cat I never looked that far down the web page, they were just one of the first to come up when I did a Google search. They do however insure expats, ie NON UK residents. As I see it insurance comapnies can insure for whatever they want as long as the underwriter agrees to cover it. The high street companies will probablyall say no as they don't want the hassle of building individual policies, they just want standard cover which is good for 99.9% of the population and relieve you of your cash as quickly as possible. I would think Mr Beckham and others like him would use Specialist firms. The point is that they CAN. I guess the reason many companies shy away is due to the fact the UK is one of the few countries who drive on the "correct" side of the road. And are worried you will arrive in the UK and pull straight out onto the wrong side etc etc.

Lockton insurance, www.lockton.com do an expatriate car insurance for Uk residents based permanently overseas who take their cars with them. I haven't contacted them to ask if they would insure a car in the UK for non residents but they are the kind of company that would specialise in that kind of thing.

[quote user="ErnieY"][quote user="oakbri"] I had read on this post that you CANNOT insure a car in the UK inless you are a UK resident - clearly wrong as there are thousands of NON UK residents from all over the world with secondary homes in the UK with fully legal cars there.[/quote]And your evidence of this is...........? Just because they do doesn't make it right. [quote user="oakbri"] I have just found an article in an Enlish language newspaper here in France and it talks about this exact subject and says " Spokesman for the Association of British Insurers stated that no insurance firm is obliged to give any individual cover, including someone living abroad. There was also no EU directive to even use a British Insurance firm. The only requirement is that you use an insurer who has official authorisation to do business in the UK." I wish I saw this article yesterday.[/quote] All perfectly true but can you quote me one company outside of  UK who are authorised to and do business there. I'm sure we'd all be interested and they'd pick up a mass of new clients. PS: If a newspaper with a name beginning with "C" then their information is not universally correct [;-)] [quote user="oakbri"]So that seems to clear it up. It is comforting for the many others who, like me have a secondary home in the UK, to know we can legally insure a second car there. It is even better to know we could, if they are authorised, use our current French insurers, as most companies do multi policy discounts.[/quote] Does it ? Have you specifically spoken to your insurance company ? [/quote] Ernie I remember seeing a photo of David Beckham driving one of his cars near his Hertfordshire home recently. I think it was when he came to see his sick father. We all know Becks went to live in Spain a few years ago and now lives in LA. I wonder if he knows he is driving uninsured? I wonder if his insurance comapny knows he has left the UK. If not they are the only people who don't. Or just maybe you can get insurance as a non resident ??????????????

[quote user="Will"] I am sure I saw somewhere about an EU directive, judgement or agreement that said, if I remember right, that vehicles have to be registered and insured in the country where they are normally kept. Obviously, as with all EU matters, some countries may follow them more closely than others. [/quote] Hi Will, I am only requoting what the spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said. I am sure he is well informed, wouldn't be much of a spokesman if he wasn't

Ernie There are many people who spend time in the UK for work and pleasure who are not resident. Do you believe not one of the greedy insurance comapnies would operate a policy for them?? I guarantee they would never miss an oportunity like that. Many of these people have highly paid high ranking jobs, do you actually think they drive around illegally??? And yes insurance companies do have multi policy discounts. I insured my bike with a company and when I switched my car, then my home insurance to them I received a discount on each.

It does look logical to me too! However I have read several times people making the statement that you CANNOT insure a UK car if you are a NON UK resident. Utter rubbish. I think the reason people keep asking the same question is because people missread the original post, or misunderstand it and post incorrect information. It's quite simple. If you are a French resident, then here in France you need a French registered car with a CT and insurance. If you have a holiday home in the UK then over there you need a UK registered car, with MOT, tax disc and insurance which is for non-residents. I don't see where the confusion comes from !!!! Otherwise you would always be illegal in the UK, as you could not insure a UK registered car, and taking a French car there permanently is just as illegal as having a UK plated car here. Which is obviously rediculous.

  Ernie I never said I wasn't a French resident. I spend most of my time here, own a home here, pay tax here, possess a Carte D Sejour etc. etc. I am most definitely a French resident. I wish people would read posts and stop making assumptions. I had read on this post that you CANNOT insure a car in the UK inless you are a UK resident - clearly wrong as there are thousands of NON UK residents from all over the world with secondary homes in the UK with fully legal cars there. I have just found an article in an Enlish language newspaper here in France and it talks about this exact subject and says " Spokesman for the Association of British Insurers stated that no insurance firm is obliged to give any individual cover, including someone living abroad. There was also no EU directive to even use a British Insurance firm. The only requirement is that you use an insurer who has official authorisation to do business in the UK." I wish I saw this article yesterday. So that seems to clear it up. It is comforting for the many others who, like me have a secondary home in the UK, to know we can legally insure a second car there. It is even better to know we could, if they are authorised, use our current French insurers, as most companies do multi policy discounts.

Thanks Cooperlola Thats what I thought. A UK car that lives permanently at you UK house is OK as long as your insurer knows you are a non UK resident. I got confused because I kept reading you can't insure a UK car if you are a non resident. There are thousands of non UK residents with places in the UK with cars registered, taxed and insured there, they can't all be breaking the law. It seemed to be getting over complicated.  

I have read this thread from the start twice and I am now more confused and my brain hurts. Everyone keeps saying you must be a UK resident to have UK insurance on a UK car and French insurance for your French car at your French holiday home. That much is clear. What about those of us who are not UK residents. I have a French registered car all legal and spend 95% of my time here. I also have a second home in the UK. I want a car there. Surely it's not illegal to have a UK registered car, all taxed tested and insured in the UK ???? I know European law is quite backward at the best of times but there must be a legal way to have a locally registered car at any home you may own, wherever it may be??? SD whats the answer?