GFinOZ

Hi. I spoke to my Super provider today and they said that, as an Australian citizen, I can keep my Oz super account when I return to UK and I have two options (once I reach retirement age). Take a lump sum or convert to their pension account which would pay a monthly amount. HOWEVER, they would only pay into an Oz bank account. Also, interesting post saying that life insurance should be cancelled! I hadn't thought of that so thanks for the tip.

Hi Tavigal. We are going through the same dilemma at present as we are planning to take two vehicles back to the UK. However, I am beginning to have second thoughts the more I find out!! I found that the shipping time given by general shipping companies is 6-8 weeks for 'sole use' containers, ie one car in a 20' container, or 9-11 weeks for 'groupage', ie your car goes with other peoples stuff, but is cheaper. In either case you should add a week for customs clearance. Insurance before registration: I have been talking to a specialist company in the UK who will handle: collection from shipping company warehouse, modifications to comply (eg speedo), IVA and/or MoT test, registration and delivery to my new address. They have confirmed that their motor traders insurance covers the car(s) all the way to my new address. Relatively expensive but a lot easier to let them handle all the details. They have said to allow 6 weeks between collection and delivery. Also, if you haven't already checked you might find it cheaper to sell here and buy an equivalent car there. In my case the new car, Honda CRV, (just over the minimum 6 months to avoid import duty) is break-even and the 1970 Beetle convertible HAS to go!! Another thing - you will find it difficult to get insurance! Imported vehicle / recently returned ex-pat / no claims bonus not transferable = triple whammy. However you can find specialist insurance brokers, some of whom WILL arrange for NCB to be transferred. Good luck!!