**Registration/street legal questions**

[Robes Bloyer]

I searched a bit but didn't come across anything to address my question(s).

So for example, I build an RCR car, are there differences in registering a "kit" or "built car" over any other major car manufacturers for street use? I assume the car has a serial number, year etc. How is the value determined for registration/tax purposes, do they go by price paid for the rolling chasis? (obviously, you could buy the kit in it's cheapest form then buy the extra's afterward to keep this price down?). Does the DMV call this a "new car"? Any problems in this area to be aware of?

How about insurance. Can you get a collector car insurance on something like this, a kit car?

Thanks for any input, see you in Reno....

 

[Chris Kouba]

The registration stuff all varies by state. Might get complicated but nothing insurmountable.

I did find a company who insures during the build process (which was more difficult than you may imagine). American National Property and Casualty has a program called CHROME and it provides coverage to declared values and seemed to cover the bases.

Worst case is look in phone books or on the net and make a bunch of calls. I wanted to be sure I was covered hauling it across the country and building it in my garage. Things are fine so far but no claims.

Best of luck!

 

[Brian]

Maybe we should have a forum section that deals with registration issues by state or other entity that registers and inspects our cars. As members go through the process, they could summarize their experiences to make things a bit easier on those that follow.

By the way, my build is insured as excess personal property, until it gets registered and "becomes" a motor vehicle, it's treated no different that a piano. Subsequent to that, there are several insurers that will treat the car as as a collector vehicle and work with declared values that you negotiate.

Brian

 

[Ron Earp]

Brian I've thought about that too. It wouldn't have many threads, but it would be useful.

Any of the cars you see on this forum are going to be registered as "self built" or "kit cars" - all of them. This is because the companies that produce these cars, SPF, RCR, CAV, ERA, etc. and so on are not car manufactuers as far as the US goverment goes. They supply a chassis only, no matter if it is in bits or painted to the nines, that you (or your installer) will add an engine and driveline to. The end result is a car that you must sheppard through your state's kit car/self built registration process.

Each state is about as different as it can be in relation to other states. And, insurace is a similar sort of thing. But, rest assured you'll be able to get insurance for it as many of us have done that over the years. You'll be able to get standard car insurance, or something like Hagarty if you like (Hagarty are prevented from operating in NC so I can't use them).

Ron

 

[Richard Timte]

Over on FFCOBRA.COM they have a section FAQ write-up about registration. It has some helpful info. Registering A Cobra Replica, FFR FAQ

 

[Neal]

Here you go...

Montana MVD Registration for Custom Built, Kit Cars, & More - DMV.ORG