How to Import Damaged Cars
You can save money by importing damaged cars to fix and then resell. You can also use the cars for parts. You can import damaged cars in much the same way as you can newer cards. There is a list of eligible cars for importation that you can check, and make sure you purchase the cars from an importer that is registered.
- Navigate to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for a list of cars that are eligible for importation. They update this site once per year. Some cars are not eligible to drive in the United States once imported. It is important to make sure you can legally drive the car once you import and repair it.
- Make sure the importer you purchase the car from is registered. You can find a list if importers that are registered on the NHTSA website. If the importer deals with damaged cars, it will tell you on this website. These types of importers will have all the correct paperwork that is needed for their country, arrange for shipment, pay the import duties, as well as take care of the assessment of the vehicle once it is brought into the United States.
- Make sure you repair the car so that you can drive it in the United States once you receive it. Some conversions may need to be taken, such as for the speedometer, before you can legally drive it in the United States. The importer you purchased the car from may make these changes for you before you receive the car. If not, you will have to do this yourself.