Madison Friends of International Students

CAR

Operating an automobile in America is expensive, and parking can be a real problem (see PARKING). We recommend that you live here a while before you decide whether a car is a necessity or a nuisance.

The Wisconsin Safety Responsibility Law applies to all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, mopeds, and motorcycles. Although Wisconsin Statutes do not require liability insurance, you must be financially responsible for any damage or injuries you cause while driving. Therefore it is strongly recommended that you have liability insurance for your motor vehicle.

Other types of car insurance protect you against damage to your car, fire, and theft. Before you buy any insurance, consult more than one insurance agency, and compare costs and coverage. Rates will vary according to the degree of risk that is applied to you. Read the insurance policy carefully, and ask the insurance agent any questions you may have about the wording. Insurance agencies are listed in the Yellow Pages, "Insurance."

Organizations such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) offer many services for motorists, including car insurance and a towing service that you can call if you have car trouble. You must pay an annual fee. Call 251-0333 or 836-6555 for more information. (http://www.aaawisconsin.com/)

You can buy a used car from reputable dealers who guarantee the car, or from individuals advertising in the classified section of the newspaper or on bulletin boards. See Yellow pages, "Automobile Dealers - Used Cars." Bargaining is an acceptable procedure in buying a car.
Be cautious! Used cars sometimes have unseen mechanical defects which will be expensive to repair and which the seller may not tell you about. Pay a garage mechanic to examine the car before you buy.

To buy a new car, see Yellow Pages, "Automobiles ? new." Shop around. Take time to go to more than one dealer, and find out what models and prices are available. The price that you end up paying for a new car is usually substantially below the "list price." If you have to borrow money to pay for the car, compare the interest rates offered by the dealer and a bank or credit unions.

When you buy a new or used automobile, you will receive the "title" to the car at the time of purchase. Take the title to the Department of Transportation to pay sales tax, buy your license plates, and obtain your Certificate of Registration. If you buy a used car, you cannot use the license plates of the former owner; you will have to buy your own license plates. However, when you sell or discard a car, you can transfer license plates from that vehicle to a new one.
Department of Transportation: 4802 Sheboygan Ave, 266-1466.

Wisconsin Safety Belt Law: You and any passengers in your car must use seat belts and shoulder restraints when you drive. Children up to age 4 must be restrained in an approved child safety restraint system (car seat). Children up to age 8 may be restrained either in a car seat or in the safety restraint systems provided in the vehicle. Car seats for children can be rented from Dean Clinic (252-8181), 9 months to 4 years or 60 pounds.

For more information please go to: http://www.communitycar.com/