I've Got Those DMV Blues!

[ColoRockiesFan]

Just want to give an attagirl for my local DMV. Virginia DMV's generally have a bad rep as to their efficiency and loooong wait lines. That said, when I registered my Snoozy using only the paperwork that Alan Smoak provided, I was in and out the door in less than 30 minutes with title and plates in hand.

As a former public servant (and now in the private sector) I can say that if you treat people with respect (and maintain a sense of humor re the bureaucracy) then you will most likely be treated similarly.

[Bruce H]

When I was in law enforcement the rule was: if the vehicle is legally licensed in its home state then it is legal to operate in all states. I believe there may be a federal law that prohibits states from discriminating against vehicles from other states in regard to vehicle licenses.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Not true everywhere. I won't make assumptions for the rest of N.A. but in British Columbia the tow vehicle insurance does not cover the trailer.

I was of course talking about the U.S.
I'm not sure what the rules are in foreign countries.
We have some states which don't even title or register trailers under certain sizes. Freedom isn't as dangerous as some folks seem to think.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by floyd

I was of course talking about the U.S.

Of course

[Jared J]

Originally Posted by floyd

Of course, since trailers require no insurance except that provided by the tow vehicle, the insurance issue is moot.
.

I think a few places require it, and even if thy don't, I HIGHLY recommend asking your insurance company. For example, if I hit somebody with my car trailer, their damage would be covered under my pickup insurance, my trailer and its contents are NOT covered.

I have a separate $20k policy on the trailer for that reason, costs another $25/yr or so. I will be doing a stated or appraised value policy for the scamp for the same reason.

[Jared J]

Originally Posted by Bruce H

When I was in law enforcement the rule was: if the vehicle is legally licensed in its home state then it is legal to operate in all states. I believe there may be a federal law that prohibits states from discriminating against vehicles from other states in regard to vehicle licenses.

Nope, at least not for some things. Window tint is a problem, along with lift laws, I know. Most states grant it out of generosity, but aren't required to by any laws. As a North Dakota resident in Colorado, I was pulled over several times for a lifted vehicle. It fell in their standards, though (4",IIRC).

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Jared J

I think a few places require it, and even if thy don't, I HIGHLY recommend asking your insurance company. For example, if I hit somebody with my car trailer, their damage would be covered under my pickup insurance, my trailer and its contents are NOT covered.

This is true with all liability coverage I've ever had- whatever (including towing) the owner is doing with the covered vehicle that leads to damages to someone else's person/property is covered.

I'm surprised to hear that the same doesn't hold true in Canada!

Francesca

[Bob Miller]

Most vehicle ins policies that also cover the trailer only cover for liability, not for collision. As there are soooo many variables, each individual should check their own policies to determine coverage limits. That could mean in a single vehicle accident (you) that there is no damage coverage for the trailer. I have Allstate and always take out an additional policy for collision.

Although I have never heard of the MA situation, "Reciproicity" (sp?) may only cover permanent tags in some states.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Jared J

I think a few places require it, and even if thy don't, I HIGHLY recommend asking your insurance company. For example, if I hit somebody with my car trailer, their damage would be covered under my pickup insurance, my trailer and its contents are NOT covered.

I have a separate $20k policy on the trailer for that reason, costs another $25/yr or so. I will be doing a stated or appraised value policy for the scamp for the same reason.

Comp and collision could hardly be mandatory anywhere, unless you have a lein,then it would be only a condition of the loan.
We carry a separate policy on our trailer as well. Although we can't find a stated value policy, we do have a symbol which is high enough to sustain an argument should a loss occur.
At any rate, liability is attached to the TV policy when towing.
I know of no place in the U.S. which requires a separate policy and certainly no place which could interfer with a legal policy issued in my home state.
As for foriegn travel...Is there an American here who is aware of any special requirement when traveling in Canada?

[Bob Miller]

I have travelled in Canada a lot and I always find the following to be "special" requirements when entering:

1. Bring lots of money
and
2. Leave your handguns at home..... (Yea)

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by floyd

Is there an American here who is aware of any special requirement when traveling in Canada?

By International Agreement, I'm not allowed in Canada.

Francesca

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

This is true with all liability coverage I've ever had- whatever (including towing) the owner is doing with the covered vehicle that leads to damages to someone else's person/property is covered.

I'm surprised to hear that the same doesn't hold true in Canada!

Francesca

I don't think anybody specified liability coverage. It was stated that the tow vehicle insurance coverage also covered the trailer. Not everywhere.

It costs me $23 for my licence tag, and I have Basic Coverage $24 ( required ) and $2,000,000 Third Party Liability $18 ( required ). In addition, I pay $207 for deluxe Full Replacement ( $250 deductible ). It also covers personal property etc.

Whether your trailer is covered by the tow vehicle policy in the U.S., or in Canada, is between you and your insurance company.

I carry $3 million uninsured motorist policy as well, just in case I get hit by somebody without or with inadequate insurance.

baglo

[Brian M. in NY]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

By International Agreement, I'm not allowed in Canada.

Francesca

What did you do, or is it classified?

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Brian M. in NY

What did you do, or is it classified?

My Groundbreaking Study of Canadian Dangerousness got back to the Ministry of Makeniceness, who immediately ordered Troops to the border between Hadlock and Canada....sole responsibility being to prevent any northward movements on my part.

I'd like to state that I'm getting tired of feeding him and wish he'd go home.

Francesca