Buying a bike in America
 

Hi

This is a little convuluted. I'm Canadian, my boyfriend is American and my friend who wants to buy the bike is Norwegian. The bike in question is in America and needs to get to Norway. We have transport--we're sailors.

Here's the question. The bike is used. I suggest Jason (the american) 'purchase' the bike for Ole (the Norwegian.) Jason can then insure and plate it for the ride from its purchase point to Florida where the ship will be. He then 'sells' it to Ole and loads it on the transport for the sea crossing. Ole knows what to do when it gewts to Norway.

Here's the question:

Jason has a US address he can use (his parents)Can he purchase and insure in the states based on that info or does his canadian driver's license present a problem?

As a Canadian can I purchase and insure a bike in the states long enough to ride it to Florida? Do I use Kingsway --my regular insurance company or do I need to find an american insurance company?

Is there an easier way to get this bike to Florida from it's purchase point, other than shipping on a truck? I'd really rather ride it so I can see if there's anything wrong with it before it gets on the boat.

All help appreciated
cheers
Kit

I am not sure I can answer all the technical questions, but most U.S. insurance companies will follow the person, rather than the vehicle, for a period of usually 30 days. I have been assured that for cars, my insurance company will cover any cars I purchased for 30 days, and then will have to be called in after that to be transferred to me. I would call the company to be sure. Buying a bike in the U.S. should not be a big deal, regardless of your residence. If you are buying used, you have a short while of gray area as far as registration is concerned. As long as your insurance is covering the legal limits (such as the 30 days, if your particular company will do so), then riding the bike to Florida and shipping it out within that time frame will keep you legal in the U.S. I would contact the department of motor vehicles in the particular state your friend is purchasing said bike to make sure. Like I said, if the insurance covers you and keeps you legal, do the transaction at that state's DMV branch, and you shouldn't have much trouble. You could register the bike at the seller's address. The seller would bear no legal resonsibility, and would not be able to pull anything funny on you, simply for using his address.

Not to confuse you, but now that I re-read your question, your boyfriend, who is American, should have no problem registering the bike at his parent's address in Florida. Just check with the insurance company to make sure the policy follow's the person.