What is the cost of transporting a car from the UK to France?
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Moving to a new country is a monumental, life-changing decision, requiring careful planning and a lot of forethought. As those who have done it before can attest, you'll need to think about getting a new job, adjusting to a new location and meeting new people, and that's saying little about planning the actual trip itself.
In a situation like this, it is essential to keep your independence, and having a vehicle can be an indispensable way to do this. Whether or not to take a car along for the ride is a common question that British ex-pats ask when planning a move to France. However, when it comes to exploring your new surroundings, shopping, finding work and so on, you do not want to be too reliant on public transport (though countries like France certainly aren't lacking in this department). There is also the issue of transporting your belongings from the UK to France. Though it will be best to have the bulk of it done by a professional remover, having a vehicle will undoubtedly be helpful.
But what about transporting a car from the UK to France? For those in the southeast of England, getting into France is a short distance in terms of driving but can be lengthy from anywhere further afield, and once you've crossed the Channel, it can prove even more challenging - meaning your best option may be to leave it to the experts.
Let's look at what you need to know about moving a car from the UK to France and how much you should expect to spend. AnyVan is an expert in all removal services to France from the UK.
Moving a car from the UK to France
If you plan to drive your car in France long term, you must register it. You will also need to apply for a ‘Carte Grise’ (Certificat d’Immatriculation’). Once you arrive, you will have one month to obtain this, though this will increase to four if your vehicle requires a single approval inspection.
To apply for your Carte Grise, you will need specific documentation:
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Vehicle registration document
- Import tax certificate (if registered in the UK)
- Proof of ownership
- Contrôle Technique certificate if your vehicle is over four years old - however, it's not required for trailers or motorcycles. If the car is over four years old at the time of registration, and its current MOT is less than six months old, you will not need to produce a Contrôle Technique certificate to import your vehicle.
- Certificate of Conformity
Before your move, research French road standards and book any necessary work to get your car up to scratch. You should specify that you are moving abroad when speaking with your mechanic, and there may well be firms in your area with experience working with ex-pats.
Another point to consider will be learning to drive on the other side of the road once you arrive at your new home. It can be better to adjust to this with a UK car, as European vehicles will also have gears, switches and other apparatus opposite to what you are used to. However, you may consider making a complete transition further down the line.
Another point to consider is VAT. If the car is less than six months old or has travelled less than 600 km, you will need to pay VAT once you arrive in France. However, this should be fine if you have already paid VAT in the UK.
If the car is registered in the UK, you must also contact the DVLA and inform them that you are permanently exporting the vehicle, which will require an export slip from the V5C registration document.
Transporting a vehicle to France
If you choose to transport your car to France, you will have a few options. For example, if you want to avoid driving it yourself, you could arrange a service to pick the car up from your home or a dealership and transport it to your new address.
This option will undoubtedly be easier for you. However, if there is poor access to your new address, you may need to meet the delivery driver and collect the car from a more convenient location. Remember - these services can take up to a week.
Another consideration is how you handle handing over your car to a delivery provider. You can either be there in person or provide them access to the vehicle by leaving keys in a secure place - or handing them over ahead of the move. You could have a friend or family member deliver the keys if necessary.
Of course, driving to France should be smooth if you are okay with the trip - the process is straightforward, with the option of travelling on a ferry or via the Eurotunnel. However, adjusting to France's road laws can be confusing, proving particularly dangerous if you move far inland; remember, France is a big country.
How much does it cost to move a car to France from the UK?
The exact cost of transporting your vehicle will depend on several factors. Your transport provider will want to know the following:
- Where will they pick your vehicle up from
- Where in France your vehicle will need to be transported to
- The make of the vehicle
- The age of the vehicle
- The value of the vehicle
Depending on these factors, you should expect the service cost to start at around £500 - £750 + VAT. You should be able to collect quotes fairly quickly by providing the information above, but be sure to start looking for a provider well in advance.
Remember that your chosen provider should also be able to offer insurance coverage for your vehicle as standard. The coverage should more than cover the cost of the vehicle itself, and you will want to make sure that you get proof of this in writing.
Your chosen removal provider can also offer vehicle transportation. While this may sound convenient, it will still be worth comparing separate providers, their costs and their customer reviews. If your remover cannot provide this service, they should be able to recommend at least a business that can help you.
If you prefer to drive the car, you must travel by ferry or via the Eurotunnel. The former can cost as low as around £70, depending on the size of your vehicle, whilst a one-way trip via the Eurotunnel can cost between £46 to £85. Be mindful that if you're travelling through Dover, you may encounter delays - and require detailed documentation - before crossing.
Why not book with AnyVan?
"Quick, efficient, no-fuss service who were polite and courteous throughout with no faff, and a bargain too."
Colleen, Trustpilot
If the thought of moving your car from one country to another is concerning you, then get in contact. Let our team of professional removers take care of your pride and joy. Of course, we can also help and advise you on removing all your other belongings.