Suggestions on insuring European model (320i Touring)

[bobsor]

I'm looking for hints from anyone who has been able to insure a 320i Touring through a conventional insurance company. The car is US titled, but was registered and insured previously as a 325i. I tried Hagerty and they say they don't consider '80s BMWs to be collectibles. I tried my daily driver's insurance company (21st Century); their on-line tool rejects the car as having an invalid VIN, and the agent said a European model would need underwriter's approval after receipt of EPA, Custom's and DOT documents that I don't have. I suspect that the previous owner decided to circumvent the issue by calling the car a 325i since that was a legal US model in '88, but I'm hoping for a hint from someone who's gone through the process legally.

thanks,
Bob

[roguetoaster]

You should be able to insure your grey market car through USAA, Progressive, and State Farm. Esurance, Geico and Allstate all said they wouldn't be able to insure any of my grey market cars. Be aware, actual underwriters vary state to state, so Maryland may not be the same as Oregon. You will also have to call to get a quote from insurers as none of their online systems will be able to accept the VIN.

If you really need the import documents you ought to be able to request copies from US Customs, by explaining your situation. They might make you come present your title in person. Be aware, if the car was imported illegally you will now have alerted the government to your possession of such and they would be well within their rights to seize the car. The forms you would need are CBP 7501, CBP 3641, FMVSS HS-7, and EPA 3520. You may be able to procure copies of those from the original importer too.

Best of luck.

[bobsor]

You should be able to insure your grey market car through USAA, Progressive, and State Farm. Esurance, Geico and Allstate all said they wouldn't be able to insure any of my grey market cars. Be aware, actual underwriters vary state to state, so Maryland may not be the same as Oregon. You will also have to call to get a quote from insurers as none of their online systems will be able to accept the VIN.

If you really need the import documents you ought to be able to request copies from US Customs, by explaining your situation. They might make you come present your title in person. Be aware, if the car was imported illegally you will now have alerted the government to your possession of such and they would be well within their rights to seize the car. The forms you would need are CBP 7501, CBP 3641, FMVSS HS-7, and EPA 3520. You may be able to procure copies of those from the original importer too.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!!

[roguetoaster]

Absolutely, if you need any more assistance just PM me.

[bobsor]

I'm looking for hints from anyone who has been able to insure a 320i Touring through a conventional insurance company. The car is US titled, but was registered and insured previously as a 325i. I tried Hagerty and they say they don't consider '80s BMWs to be collectibles. I tried my daily driver's insurance company (21st Century); their on-line tool rejects the car as having an invalid VIN, and the agent said a European model would need underwriter's approval after receipt of EPA, Custom's and DOT documents that I don't have. I suspect that the previous owner decided to circumvent the issue by calling the car a 325i since that was a legal US model in '88, but I'm hoping for a hint from someone who's gone through the process legally.

thanks,
Bob

The story with Hagerty didn't end after they rejected my application on the grounds that a '80s BMW doesn't meet Hagerty's criteria as a collectible. My son, who is the actual owner of the car but was using my insurance as in general it's less expensive due to his age, decided to try and insure the car with Hagerty on his own. And to my surprise, they quickly accepted his application. So perhaps the individual at Hagerty who processes the application can make a yes/no decision and if you're rejected once, just try again and hope for a different representative. But it is clear that I was lied to. At any rate, the story ended well.

[Eric]

I bought a u.s. Spec mini clubman in Germany a few years back and shipped it to the states when our tour was done. A few months back I plugged the vin into google and surprisingly I found a bunch of info on me importing it! Had the company, the dock, the boat it was on, etc. a little investigating might help you turn up the document the insurance company wants.


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[rpiereck]

Try American Collectors Insurance: http://www.americancollectors.com/

[mr2peak]

Hagerty has changed their stance of E30's. The cars are older now, and they are actively trying to get people to insure their imported Tourings through them. Give it another look.

[bmw325_num99]

I insure my '89 320i Touring through my local State Farm branch. After some additional questions and paperwork, it was insured with no issues. They asked for and got pictues of each side of the car, the engine, interior and VIN. I filled out the Antique Plates disclaimer form as well since I will use these special plates on the car. They asked what I wanted to value it at so we now have an agreed value.

[AndrewBird]

I have my grey market E34 touring insured through Progressive. I need to get a stated value policy for it though. They wouldn't give me NEAR what it's worth if anything were to happen to it.