[Russ]

The process is a little bit of a mystery.. I picked up 550xi on 9/2/11.. the Welt asked me to show my passport and driver's license. The dealer in the states asked me for my USA insurance before I left, but this was to understand that I already had cars insured.

You should have active insurance on your car once it lands on the docks in the USA. Your BMW maritime insurance ends after it disembarks off the ship.. but this was never really explained by anyone to me in specific terms.

I bought USA insurance for the car after I returned and before my dealer contacted the BMW Performance Center to arrange for pickup. I started it on 9/27. The dealer cannot acquire your license and registration until they have your USA insurance information. I expect to get the car on or about 11/1/11.

BMW pays insurance in Europe for 14 days.. actually they take the insurance out for about 26 days.. but they use the remaining days to cover themselves during land transport to Bremerhaven.

The BMW ED says you can buy additional insurance, but you need to coordinate that with BMW NA in NJ before you leave.. actually about 30 days before the pick-up. I ran into a problem even though my dealer ED purchase order clearly says a pickup (9/2) and drop off date (9/16).. that's 15 days. The people in NJ ignored my request and unilaterally informed me my insurance was only 14 days. I needed 15 days and was willing to purchase it.

Interestingly BMW NJ "emailed Germany" and they said it was ok for an additional day. I got to the Welt and they informed me I only had 14 days... I pushed back and the Welt caved and gave me 15 days. Hmmm.

I guess the word to the wise is to get confirmation before you leave.. in writing.

If you incur damage while in Europe EH Harms and/or TT Transit will fill-out a form for you to give BMW USA claims on your return.

Don't leave your extra keys or any paperwork in the car.. if it's stolen the insurance is voided if you cannot produce the two sets of keys.