26/09/2019
Moving to France and wondering how to get your beloved car or motorcycle across the Channel? Look no further than Anglo French. With over three decades of experience in vehicle transportation, we understand the intricacies of getting your wheels from the UK to your new French abode. Whether you're dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux or navigating the charming streets of Lyon, we're here to make your car relocation as seamless as possible. Our commitment extends beyond mere transportation; we treat your vehicle with the same care and respect we would our own. From the moment we collect your car in the UK to its safe arrival in France, our dedicated removals team ensures every step of the journey is handled with the utmost professionalism. We're well-versed in handling all types of vehicles, including cherished classic cars and high-performance sports cars, and are fully insured for your complete peace of mind.
The Anglo French Advantage: Why Choose Us?
As a family-run business with 30 years of experience, Anglo French offers a personal touch combined with professional expertise. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable and cost-effective service, always prioritising your needs. Our knowledgeable and approachable team is dedicated to ensuring your vehicle arrives in the best possible condition, making your move to France stress-free.
What Makes Our Service Stand Out?
- 30 Years of Expertise: We have a proven track record of safely transporting thousands of vehicles across France.
- Comprehensive Care: We handle your vehicle as if it were our own, from collection to delivery.
- Specialised Handling: Experienced with classic and sports cars, ensuring delicate vehicles are treated with extra care.
- Fully Insured: For your complete peace of mind, we are fully insured.
- Hassle-Free Process: We aim to remove the complexities of international vehicle transport.
Preparing Your Vehicle for the Journey
To ensure a smooth transportation process and to safeguard your vehicle, we recommend a few key preparation steps:
1. Document the Condition: Take Photographs
Before your vehicle is loaded, we strongly advise you to take clear photographs of its current condition. This serves multiple purposes: it allows you to meticulously document any existing marks or wear, aids in post-transport checks, and provides crucial evidence should any unforeseen damage occur. A well-documented record is invaluable for ensuring accountability and clarity.
2. A Clean Start: Wash Your Vehicle
It might seem counterintuitive to wash a car before a long journey, but it’s a vital step. A clean vehicle allows for a more accurate assessment of its condition prior to transport. More importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of minor damage, such as scratches, caused by grit and dirt trapped on the vehicle’s surface during transit. A clean car is a protected car.
3. Roadworthiness: MOTs & Servicing
We recommend ensuring your vehicle is in perfect roadworthy condition before it is transported. Even if you don’t plan to drive it immediately upon arrival in France, having your car serviced and ensuring it passes its MOT (or equivalent checks) guarantees compliance with any potential immediate driving needs and demonstrates proactive maintenance. This ensures your vehicle is ready for its new life on French roads.
Important Information for Importing Your Car to France
Navigating the regulations for bringing your vehicle into France is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
Vehicle Registration in France
If you plan to reside in France for more than six months, registering your vehicle with The Préfecture is mandatory. It's advisable to identify the location of your nearest Préfecture well in advance to allow ample time for the registration process. Failure to register can lead to penalties.
Customs and Duty-Free Status
Generally, car shipping to France is duty-free under specific conditions: * VAT Paid: Value Added Tax (VAT) must have been paid in the UK. * Vehicle Age: The vehicle must be at least 6 months old. * Mileage: The vehicle must have completed at least 6,000 kilometres. If your car is newer than 6 months, you may be liable to pay French VAT unless you can provide proof that VAT has already been accounted for in the UK. For vehicles older than 4 years, an MOT test is required to ensure compliance with French roadworthiness standards before shipping.
Vehicle Securement During Transit
Once your vehicle is loaded onto our transporter, it is meticulously and securely strapped down. This process is designed to prevent any movement or damage during the journey across the Channel. We take immense pride in our meticulous approach to securing vehicles, ensuring they reach their destination in the same condition they left.
Comprehensive Removal Services
While car transport is a core service, Anglo French offers a complete suite of removals solutions to facilitate your move to France. This includes: * Full Removals: Managing the entire process of moving your household contents. * Part Removals: Ideal for smaller moves, transporting a selection of your belongings. * Furniture Delivery to France: Specifically for transporting furniture items. * Packing Services: Professional packing to protect your possessions. * Storage Services: Secure storage solutions available in Kent & North Devon. We also assist with moves to and from Switzerland, showcasing our broad European removals expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anglo French transport my car to France?
Yes, absolutely! Anglo French specialises in transporting cars and motorcycles from the UK to virtually anywhere in France. We have over 30 years of experience ensuring safe and secure vehicle relocation.
How do I import a car to France?
To import a car to France, you generally need to ensure VAT has been paid in the UK, the vehicle is at least 6 months old and has travelled at least 6,000km. You will also need to register the vehicle with The Préfecture if you are staying longer than six months. Anglo French can assist with the transport aspect of this process.
What preparation is needed for my car before shipping?
We recommend taking photographs of your car's condition, washing it to prevent scratches, and ensuring it is roadworthy with up-to-date servicing and MOT (if applicable).
Is car shipping to France duty-free?
Car shipping to France is typically duty-free if the vehicle is at least 6 months old, has covered at least 6,000km, and VAT has been paid in the UK. Specific regulations may apply, so it's always best to confirm with us.
Get Your Free Removal Quote
Ready to plan your vehicle’s journey to France? Contact Anglo French today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take the stress out of your car transport, allowing you to focus on settling into your new French life. We’re here to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Keywords: Car transport France, UK to France car shipping, vehicle relocation France, motorcycle transport France, Anglo French removals, shipping car to France, import car France, French car registration, MOT France.
If you want to read more articles similar to Anglo French Car Transport to France, you can visit the Automotive category.