- AAFES
- AFN
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- Buying a Car
- DeCA
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- Higher Education
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- Radio & TV in Germany
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- Time/Mileage
- TRICARE
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US ARMY GARRISONS
BUYING A CAR
Military personnel stationed in Europe have an opportunity to buy a new car at a substantial price advantage. No local taxes are due when you are located outside of the United States, and, if you are eligible, the military will ship it back to the states without charge.
In order to take advantage of this enviable program you must be US Military, a DOD Civilian ID Card holder or a member of a US diplomatic mission stationed outside the USA at the time you place your order.
There are a number of dealers over here that do business with the military, and they are located conveniently for many. Many of the dealers sell exclusively to the military. There are also many car dealerships on the economy that offer new US specifications cars as well as cars with Euopean specifications. Used cars, both with European and US specifications are also available through local dealerships.
Volvo Cars Military Sales is one of the manufacturers that offer a host of enviable savings and benefits for people staying overseas. You can go directly to your nearest sales agent, or you can visit Volvo on line at their website, www.volvocars.com/militarysales.
Other manufacturers that offer an extremely convenient purchase, supported by professional agents are Jaguar and Land Rover. You will find their outlets close to most US military bases in Europe; it is worthwhile checking out their factory direct prices and tailor made offers for US military personnel.
Auto Exchange exclusively represents some of the best selling automobiles presently being sold in the stateside market. It currently represents Honda, Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Polaris ATVs and Victory Motorcycles, offering tax-free vehicles with US specifications.
Exchange New Car Sales (ENCS) ) is the only on-base, factory-authorized distributor set up to sell American made vehicles to military personnel stationed outside the continental United States. Usually located at the PX/BX, it handles Ford and Chrysler poducts, plus Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles.
BMW Military Sales Program is set up in many military communities to offer not only BMWs but also Minis with US specifications. They also have a website with inventory available directly from BMW.
Cars International of Stuttgart offers a full line of Porsches.
The Saab Diplomatic and Military Delivery Program Program has several dealerships in and around US military communities.
These dealers do everything they can to make sure your purchase is hassle-free. You can expect help in the registration, financing and insurance. Without the dealer's help you would have to arrange for proof of insurance and proof of ownership and handle the registration yourself.
There are a wide variety of financing options. Some dealers have their own factory direct financing programs. There are also the banks and credit unions of the military banking system , and you might want to finance the car through your hometown bank. Depending on the price, loan terms can range from 24 to 72 months. The best interest rates are offered when a 20 percent down payment is made. Dealers can give you good advice on this.
And they can help with the insurance. All persons registering a car with the U.S. Forces must have a policy recognized by the host country authorities. For example, German law requires minimum coverage of 2,500,000/7,500,000 Euro for personal injury; 500,000 Euro for property damage; and 100,000 Euro for damages other than personal injury or property.
You prove that you are insured through the presentation of an Insurance Confirmation Card (ICC). This document will differ depending on the country in which you locate. Only insurance companies that can provide proof of insurance documents required by the national authorities can sell the insurance that enables the registration of a car by the military in Europe.
Companies providing such service include Geico, which you can reach toll free in Germany at 0800-100-8687. From other European countries call 0049-631-3109583.
The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) provides competitively priced auto, property and life insurance, as well as banking, investment and financial planning services. You can call them from land lines in Europe at 00-800-824-09250, or visit their website at www.usaa.com.
There is a great variation in the premiums paid for insurance. Beginning drivers pay more than experienced drivers; those driving big, powerful cars pay more than those with more modest vehicles; those living in urban areas pay more than those in rural areas, and those who have been found liable in accidents pay more than those who haven't.
There is no requirement for a driver to have any but third party liability insurance, but others kinds are available and sometimes advisable. There is full comprehensive, covering all damages or injuries done to your own car, another car or a person or object. There is also partial coverage for fire, theft and other sorts of damage (from break-ins, shattered glass, animals, etc.), and coverages for the death or disability of a passenger. Such policies often have deductibles, meaning you must swallow the cost up to a certain upper limit. These make the insurance less costly.
Many of the dealers (but not the on-base Exchange New Car Service) take trade ins and handle used cars. These can be a good value if you shop carefully. The dealers normally offer some sort of limited guarantee. Some banks, and even some dealers, may finance used cars, but this is not as easy as with new cars. Factors such as mileage, age and value are involved.
All of the dealers mentioned offer cars with US specifications. And these are very important if you intend to ship your car back to the states. Many American states have tough laws. The primary concern is low emissions but there may well also be different standards for bumpers, windshields and even headlights.
