Can I Import a European ATV to the US?

Many ATV enthusiasts look to other countries in an attempt to get either superior or more affordable vehicles. One place that American off-roaders often look to when trying to find a new ATV is Europe.

However, many of them are deterred by having to get it shipped back to the States.

Getting an ATV across the Atlantic is not overly complicated, but there are some pitfalls that you need to be aware of along the way. So, it's crucial that you spend time researching the paperwork you'll need to import and that you choose a trusted company for the task.

Continue reading for an in-depth view into shipping from Europe to the US, specifically focusing on the costs, common mistakes to avoid, and ensuring safe vehicle delivery.

Why Import an ATV?

Importing an ATV can be a challenging task. You need to know how to navigate different customs procedures, find a reputable company, and wait for it to arrive. This begs the question, why bother importing at all?

One of the primary reasons for importing from Europe is selling ATVs in the US. If you run a dealership, having a greater variety of products on offer can be a point of difference between you and your competitors.

As a result, sellers may look at different countries and continents to find other ATVs currently widely available from US manufacturers.

European countries also boast several top-class manufacturers, with companies like Polaris and Adrenalin ATV creating high-quality off-road quad bikes. Since these manufacturers are based in Europe, if you want one in the US, importing may be the easiest or cheapest way to obtain one.

How to Import?

Importing a European ATV is a challenging task. However, if you follow these tips and tricks, you can ensure safe delivery of the all-terrain vehicle and save time, hassle, and possibly even some money.

Gather the necessary documents

The first thing you need to do before shipping to the US is to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork and documents for moving. You'll likely need insurance documents, ownership proof, customsforms, and images of the vehicle's condition before delivery.

Depending on where in the US you are traveling to, you'll need to determine whether you'll be legally allowed to drive it when you arrive. If your ATV is road-legal, you'll need licenses or permits to operate it on the roads, and if the vehicle is not road-legal, further services will be required.

Choose a reputable Moving Firm

Choosing a reputable company is necessary when hauling expensive goods like a vehicle. A reputable company will handle your hard work, saving you time and stress.

On top of this, a good company will offer comprehensive insurance and have extensive experience transporting vehicles safely and timely. Choosing a specialized service is also a good idea, as this ensures you are moving your car in safe hands.

Collect your new Vehicle

After gathering the necessary paperwork for your shipping and hiring a reputable company, you only have to wait for the vehicle to arrive at its destination. Depending on your chosen delivery method, you may need to collect the car at a port or warehouse nearby, or it may be delivered directly to your store or home.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Importing

Moving an ATV, much like sending anything else, is not risk-free. While you can never guarantee safe and timely delivery, you can avoid common pitfalls if you plan accordingly.

Damages During Transit

Damages during transit can occur. Injuries can happen due to rough seas, workers mishandling the vehicle, or improper preparation. If you have hired a company to deliver it, damages will be

Overpaying for Delivery

Overpaying for shipping is another common issue that customers face, especially when moving specialized equipment like an ATV. Overpaying can happen for several reasons, including:

• Moving company acting in bad faith
• Delivery during peak season
• Incorrect insurance policy
• Changing gas prices
• Not having the necessary documents for customs

Delays

Delays are often unavoidable in delivering goods due to several challenges facing the global industry. Port congestion, supply chain issues, or industry labor shortages can cause delays.

You can mitigate the risk of delays by choosing a reputable company and hauling during off-peak times when short-staffed ports will be better equipped to handle incoming shipments.

Wrong Insurance Policy

Over-insuring or underinsuring your vehicle is a bad idea. Overinsuring the car means you are paying too much on your premiums, which will drive up the cost of the service. Underinsuring is not advised if substantial damages occur during transit; you may not get enough from the payout to cover the repairs.

Consult with your insurance company and company beforehand to get the details on the insurance you need to pay to cover.

Costs Involved in Delivery

There are no set prices for moving from Europe to the US. This is due to several reasons, like the differences in weight between ATVs, the stark contrast in distances depending on where it is shipped to, and the insurance needed to cover the vehicle's value during transit.

While most ATVs are about the same size, the weight can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the vehicle. ATVs that are larger in size and weight will typically cost a few hundred dollars more to ship than more compact models. On top of this, the mode of hauling will have a significant impact on the cost. Choosing to send by boat will cost substantially less than deciding to transport it by air.

If you are shipping from Europe to New York, it will be cheaper than if you are sending it to Los Angeles. This is due to the vast differences in the distance between the two journeys. Generally, the shorter it has to travel, the less it will cost you.

Also, the cost of an insurance policy will depend on the vehicle's value, affecting the cost. So, if you are shipping an ATV valued at $15,000, you can expect to pay significantly more than insuring an ATV that costs $2,000.

While there are a lot of variables in determining how much delivery from Europe to the US will cost, generally, prices will start at just over $1,500 and go up to $5,000 or more depending on factors like method, cargo size, etc.

Specialized Moving Services

When importing from Europe to the US, you can significantly reduce the stress by contacting a professional company for help. A1-AT offers specialized services operated by an experienced team that can ensure a smooth, efficient, and safe trip across the Atlantic for your vehicle.

Specialized moving is crucial for your peace of mind, as with a tailored service, you know that the vehicle is handled by people with the knowledge and experience required for the job.

A1-AT also carries an excellent insurance policy. Once we take the vehicle off your hands, we will cover any costs associated with any damages during transit.

Trust the experts when shipping your ATV and get a free quote on your next order.