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In this chapter we describe in detail how you get a Cayman Islands driving licence; how you can import your car or buy a car here in Cayman; we explain how to register and licence the vehicle so that it can legally be driven on the road and where you can get it insured. We also give details of alternative transporation (buses, scooters and bicycles).
AN OVERVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION IN CAYMAN
The usual mode of transport in Cayman is definitely by car though more and more people are buying scooters or managing quite well using our privately run public bus service. Where you live on the Island will often dictate what form of transport will work best for you (see Public Transport section later in this chapter for more information on this). A bicycle is an option, but motorists often do not give cyclists the respect they deserve, and there is often very little road shoulder, let alone designated bike paths. Lights and a reflective vest are essential if cycling at night.
This section provides detailed information on the legal criteria for driving in Cayman; how to get a driving licence; exactly how to import a car to Grand Cayman, what the Cayman Customs laws are, how to clear your car through Customs and what the costs are; how to buy a new or used car in Cayman; Cayman car dealers, what they specialise in, and useful contact details; details on how to license your vehicle to make it legally roadworthy; we finish with alternative transportation - scooters, bicycles and public transportation.
RULES OF THE ROAD
> In Cayman, people drive on the left-hand side of the road.
> Roundabouts seem to be particularly confusing. Always drive around them in a clockwise direction and give way to traffic approaching from the right. Once on a roundabout, do not stop to admit cars entering the roundabout from the left.
> Turning left on a red light after a full stop is allowed.
> We have a few 4-way stops. These work on the basis that whoever gets to the 4-way stop first, proceeds first.
In Cayman there are drivers from all corners of the world where traffic laws can be quite different. For this reason, drivers should be alert and watch for what they may consider to be unusual driving. Please exercise care.
ROUNDABOUTS
If you are not familiar with roundabouts then read on, as roundabouts are a frequent occurrence in Cayman and have proven to be a great way to control traffic flow.
Every time you approach or enter a roundabout you must give it your full attention. Be aware of the traffic around you and don't just rely on your mirrors.
When turning left this should be obvious. When going straight across or turning right, you should indicate right as you approach the roundabout and then as you approach your exit indicate left.
Don't just use your mirrors. Watch the traffic around you to see its positioning and direction, as blind-spots can make it difficult to see other cars in your mirror.
If you are on a multi-lane roundabout don't change lanes and don't overtake on either side.
Watch out for cars in the right-hand lane. If they are to your right and slightly ahead and they want to turn left, they have the right of way.
Assume drivers around you are not familiar with roundabouts and, if in doubt, give them lots of space, or even go around the roundabout again to avoid a confrontation!
Keep in the left-hand lane if taking the first or second exit. Keep in the right-hand lane if taking a subsequent exit, and maintain your position in the centre lane until the exit prior to the one you will be taking. When moving from the centre lane to the outer lane prior to exiting, look over your left shoulder to ensure someone is not overtaking you on the outside.
USING THE CENTRE LANE
The centre lane is available on some stretches of road to assist drivers navigating across traffic. It should never be used for overtaking.
Children & car seats
The Cayman Islands laws on children travelling in cars is being drafted now and requires that all children sit in the back seat and use the correct child restraint until they are either 53 inches (135 cm) in height or twelve years of age (whichever they reach first). After this they may sit in either the front or back seat and must use an adult seat belt. There are very few exceptions. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 14 years are restrained correctly in accordance with the law.
Children under three years of age MUST use the rear seat and be seated in a car seat designed for their age and height. It is illegal to carry a child in a rear-facing child seat in the front, which is protected by an active frontal airbag. In a licensed taxi or licensed hire car, if a child restraint is not available then the child may travel unrestrained in the rear. This is the only exception for children under three, and has been introduced for practical rather than safety reasons. You should always consider ways to ensure that a child seat is available.
DRIVING LICENCES
If you have a full domestic driving licence from a country within the Geneva Convention Road Traffic Agreement, you can obtain a full Cayman licence. This basically means people from: all the major European countries; most major English speaking countries (including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa); and the following Caribbean countries - Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago are entitled to obtain a Cayman driving licence without having to take any further tests. If in doubt call the Licensing Department on (345) 945 8344 or visit www.geocities.com/bkkriders/law/unc/.
You are currently allowed to drive on your international driving licence for the first three months of moving here and then you must apply for a Cayman licence.
We strongly advise you to obtain a Cayman driving licence as soon as possible. If you wait for over three months you may have to take a Cayman driving test rather than just converting your existing licence.
If you do not have a valid domestic licence from a Geneva Convention country, then you will have to take both a written test and a road test to obtain a Cayman driver's licence before being able to drive in Cayman.
> Have an from a Geneva contracting state. You will be able to drive in the Cayman Islands for only three months before having to obtain a Cayman licence. NB. You cannot convert an International license to a Caymanian license. You must convert your domestic license (if it is from a Geneva contracting state).
> Have a from a Geneva contracting state. You must obtain a Cayman licence within three months of arriving in Cayman. You will not have to take a Cayman driving test. As soon as you get your work permit though you must convert your license or you will not be covered under your insurance.
> Have a
> You are allowed to drive in Cayman using an International driver's licence which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You will not have to obtain a Visitors' Permit.
> If you have a domestic driver's licence from abroad you must obtain a Visitors' Permit (CI$6), which is valid for the duration of your stay, or a maximum of six months, or you will be deemed to be driving illegally. These can be obtained from a car rental agency, but only if you rent a vehicle from them. If you are going to use a privately owned vehicle you must obtain the visitor's permit from the DVL office.
> Every time you re-enter Cayman, you have to obtain a new Visitors' Permit - even if the date of the old permit is still valid!
> If you obtain a Cayman Work Permit, or take up Cayman residency, you can no longer use a Visitors' Permit. You must get a full Cayman licence.
Cayman driving licences can be obtained for three or five years and cost CI$60 or CI$100. However, if there is a declared disability that affects your driving, then a driving licence may be issued for one year only.
It should also be noted, if you lend your car to a visitor, even if they are on the Island for only a few days, then they will have to get a Visitor's Permit, otherwise your insurance will be invalid.
Having said all of this, you need to be very clear what licence your insurance company requires for your insurance to be valid as some insurers will ask for a full Cayman licence before covering you. Most policies have very strict age limitations, so we recommend, as soon as you can, go to one of the three licensing offices with your foreign licence, passport, CI or US dollars or CI or US cheque book (they take the photos), and they will issue you with your brand new Cayman licence if you satisfy the requirements.
> 461 Walkers Road, George Town
(above Wendy's)
Tel: (345) 945 8344
This office and the Elgin Avenue office will be relocating to 990 Crewe Road in early 2010.
(Next to First Baptist Church and near Grand Harbour)
> 33 Elgin Ave., George Town
(next to the Police Station in George Town)
Tel: (345) 945 8355
> 9 Rev. Blackman Road, West Bay
(Across from the West Bay Police Station)
Tel: (345) 949 7231
For those who don't have a full licence, the path is slow and tedious. First, you have to apply at any of the DVDL offices for an appointment for a written test of driving knowledge. The written test, which can normally be taken within two weeks of making the appointment, costs CI$25. You must take your passport on all visits to the test centre. Study the local rules by reading 'Drive Safely in Cayman' (available from local booksellers for CI$15). This book describes the Traffic Law, but is written in everyday language.
Having passed the written test, you can then obtain a provisional licence for CI$50. This allows you to drive whilst accompanied by another driver who has held a full Cayman licence for at least one year. Check that the car insurance policy covers such a situation.
Be warned, if (for example), after a simple fender bender it transpires that the driver was not insured for third-party risks, the driver will be fined up to CI$1,000 and lose his/her provisional licence for a year. Likewise, the registered owner of the vehicle will also be fined a similar amount and also lose his/her driving licence for a year.
After a period of tuition, the practical road test can be taken for a fee of CI$50. You can book an appointment for the practical road test after passing the written test. The road test cannot be taken earlier than six weeks after passing the written test. After successfully passing the test, a full, unrestricted licence can be obtained.
For new arrivals on the Island, if you feel at all apprehensive about driving on the left hand side of the road or negotiating roundabouts, you may find it useful to spend an hour or two with a local driving instructor.
Cayman Islands Driving School publishes 'Drive Safely in Cayman', the recognised road code book for the Cayman Islands. (Tel: (345) 949 9070. Email: gwalker@candw.ky)
Note that there is no difference for a driving licence for automatic or standard shift (manual) cars. You can take your test in either type of car and then drive whatever you like.
LICENSING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle will need to be inspected and licensed every year by the Dept. of Vehicle Licensing. Avoid doing this on rainy days or at the beginning and end of the month as they get very busy.
The law does not require you to have a Cayman licence to register a car in your name but if you are registering it in the name of a company, you must have a Trade & Business licence and a letter of good standing from the Registrar of Companies, located in the Citrus Grove Building, Goring Ave.
The minimum cost for one year's inspection and licensing is CI$185 ($160 registration, $25 inspection). However, scooters, trucks, taxis and Hummers have different prices for both inspection and licensing. Vehicle inspections are only offered at the Elgin Avenue (George Town) and West Bay locations, though as mentioned earlier a new location is opening in Red Bay. You can also have your vehicle inspected at either Andy's Auto, Advance Automotive, Arch Automotive, Automotive Art, Car City, EuroCar, GT Automotive, Prestige Motors, Superior Auto, Tony's Toys or Vampt Motors. They will issue you with an inspection coupon which you then take to the Vehicles and Licensing Department when you go to renew the registration of your vehicle.
Vehicles can be inspected for any period up to 36 months and licensed for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. For 36 months, the vehicle must be brand new and not previously licensed in any country. Vehicles licensed for 24 months must not be older than three years from the date of manufacture. Please note that if your vehicle is new to the Island you will also have to purchase licence plates at CI$50 per set.
The Department of Vehicle Licensing now has the facilities to accept both credit and debit card transactions.
RENTAL CARS
Cayman has many of the top car rental companies, as well as a few very good local ones. Rates are higher in winter (from mid-December) but lower in the summer (from mid-April). A mid-size car costs from about US$55 to US$60 per day in winter to US$35 in summer. Jeeps cost from US$60 to US$65 in high season and US$40 to US$45 in the low season. Insurance is additional. Most rental car companies give resident rates so be sure to ask. To rent a car, drivers must have a credit card, be over the age of 21 years and have a Cayman driving licence, an International driving licence or be issued (at the time of rental) with a Visitor's Permit (CI$6). Rental car agencies are not allowed by the Traffic Law to charge more than CI$6 for the Visitor's Permit.
Andy's Rent a Car Ltd.
Seven Mile Beach and at the Airport
Tel: (345) 949 8111
Avis Cico Rent a Car
At the Airport, Tel: (345) 949 2468
Budget Rent a Car
At the Airport, Tel: (345) 949 5605
Budget offers daily, weekly and discounted monthly rates. They also offer pre-owned sales.
Coconut Car Rentals
At the Airport, Tel: (345) 949 7703
They offer special long term rentals.
www.coconutcarrentals.com
Economy Car Rental
At the Airport, Tel: (345) 949 9550
LEASING A VEHICLE
For residents intending to live and work on Island for anywhere from one to four years leasing may be a better option. Some banks do not give credit within your first year on Cayman and this can pose a problem when wanting to purchase a car with credit. There are now leasing companies that can help. If you are thinking of taking this route we highly recommend you bring a letter from your insurer saying you have been claim free for five years or more (you can save up to 60% on your car insurance) and the leasing companies listed also usually require your most recent credit report or bank reference, a letter of employment (saying how long your contract is for and your monthly salary) and to see your driving licence and passport. Both companies also offer in-house financing.
Cayman Automotive Leasing
Tel: (345) 749 0900
Email: john.felder@caymanautomotive.com
Down payments range from CI$1,800-$2,000, and monthly payments average CI$389-$680 depending on the model of vehicle. Lease terms are offered for two or three years and all vehicles come with a warranty. Breaking the lease before the expiration date does not incur a penalty, but you will lose your deposit. New residents can apply for a leased vehicle before their arrival. They must fill in the lease application form which can be found on Cayman Automotive's website and then fax or email it back to the office along with the documents listed above. Once approved, your vehicle will be at the airport waiting for your arrival. In-house financing is also now available.
Tel: (345) 949 2700
Email: caymanleasing@candw.ky
Cayman Leasing has two divisions: its leasing division for brand new cars and its in-house financing for pre-owned cars. All leased cars are brand new, bought from local dealers and are leased for a period of 2-3 years. The cost includes maintenance, licensing and insurance. A small percentage of the value of the car is required as a deposit and then monthly payments vary according to the cost of the vehicle. For example, monthly leasing rates on a brand new CI$30k car would be approximately CI$1,100, all in, and at the end of 3 years you have the option to turn in the car or buy the car at current market value. For in-house financing of second hand vehicles, you can choose your own vehicle from on-island (which cannot be more than 4 years old) and then financing can be arranged within a day or two. A down payment of 25% is required and the balance will be financed over 3-4 years. The monthly payment for a vehicle valued at $15,000 would be about $480, and the client would own the vehicle at the end of the term. In either of the above cases, you can drive away in the vehicle of your choice within a day or two!
IMPORTING A CAR
If you would like to import your own car into the Cayman Islands a brief summary of the process is as follows: You will need to get the car to the Port of Miami or Tampa, clear US Customs and book the car on the next ship sailing to Cayman. Once the car has landed in Cayman you take all your paperwork to Customs and then to the Port Authority, paying duty (27.5%-40% depending on the value of your car), a one time fee of CI$250 for future car disposal and a few other charges related to shipping. You can then clear your car. You can also get a customs broker to help you with the process, as it can be fairly complicated and time consuming.
If you are looking to import your car from home, you should consider the following: A light coloured car will feel cooler and the air conditioning will be more effective than a dark car in the heat of the Cayman sun. You will also be able to sell a light coloured car more easily at a later date. Good air conditioning in a car is pretty crucial. Finally, if your car has a manual gear box it may not be so easy to resell at a later date. Almost everyone in Cayman (and the US) learns to drive on automatic cars.
Shipment of Vehicles
US Customs Law states: Title of Vehicle for used cars must be stamped by US Customs for a 72 hour clearing period (excluding day of delivery/shipping and weekends) prior to the shipping date. (Deliver on a Monday to the Port of Miami for shipment on Friday). NO personal effects may be placed inside the vehicle.
We highly recommend you use a broker to assist you when shipping a car from Miami to Cayman. They will help you gather together documents such as the car title, letter of intent, power of attorney and bill of lading - all documents you will need before the car can be shipped.
All vehicles must be delivered to the Port (or consolidator's bonded warehouse) before US Customs clearance. Which port you take your car to will depend on the shipping company you choose to ship with. There are two shipping companies which ship to Grand Cayman:
Seaboard Marine
8001 NW 79 Avenue, Miami, FL 33166
Tel: (305) 863 4741 or (345) 949 4977
Email: info@seaboardcayman.com
www.seaboardcayman.com
Thompson Line
c/o Hyde Shipping
10025 NW 116 Way, Suite #2
Medley, Fl 33178
Tel: (305) 805 6620 or (345) 949 8044
Clearing the Vehicle Through US Customs
It is the owner's responsibility to clear the motor vehicle through US Customs or to appoint a customs broker to do so. The following customs brokers, based in Miami, can help you ship cars to Cayman:
Best Way Island Export
10943 NW 122nd St, Medley FL 33178
Tel: (305) 393 2127 or (305) 884 8600
Email: bestwayislandexport@miraclebrokers.com
Deluxe Freight Inc
11013 NW 30 St, Suite 100, Doral, FL 33172
Phone: (305) 513-0156 Fax: (305) 513 0157
Email: argo@deluxefreight.com
Xpress Freight Services Inc
6306 Nth West 99 Ave, Miami, FL 33178
Tel: (305) 591 0033 Fax: (305) 591 0037
Email: richard@xpressfreight.us
These companies can also assist you with the transfer of a vehicle from the dealership to the port and help with cargo insurance. They will then send all the paperwork associated with the transaction via courier so that you can take collection of them in Cayman.
One recent change in exportation of vehicles is that the "Export Power of Attorney" now needs to be notarised by a US Notary. Some dealerships require that the buyer is present in the US for this to be done. Others will accept the notarised documents from a US Notary.
Clearing Your Car Through Cayman Customs
Once your car has landed at the port in Cayman the shipping company will notify you. At this stage if you have used a customs broker out of the US they will liaise with their contact here in Cayman and the following steps will be taken care of. However, if you are doing it yourself the next steps are as follows:
> Collect paperwork from the shipping company and pay shippers.
> Go to Customs, pay the duty for your vehicle and pay the environmental fee (CI$250 or $1,000).
> Go to the Port Authority and pay port charges of about CI$50 depending on the weight of your vehicle.
> Obtain car insurance. You will need a cover note demonstrating insurance on the vehicle before going to licensing.
> Pick up your vehicle.
> Go to the Vehicle Licensing Department to license your vehicle for one year (CI$160*), have it inspected (CI$25*) and purchase Cayman Islands licence plates (CI$50). *Note the cost depends on the type of vehicle being licensed.
COSTS OF IMPORTING A CAR
Duty
As a way of raising revenue, because we don’t have direct taxes, the Cayman Islands Government charges import duty on all vehicles being imported into the Islands. The percentage charged depends on the value of the car and is worked out using the Kelly Blue Book. See www.kbb.com
The import duty is calculated on what is known as CIF. This is the Cost of the car plus the Insurance premium for its journey by ship plus the sea Freight charges.
Environmental Disposal Fee
An environmental fee of CI$250 is added to cover the cost of disposing of the vehicle in years to come if the vehicle is valued over CI$12,000. If the vehicle is valued under CI$12,000 the environment fee is CI$1,000.
Licensing & Inspection
As mentioned previously, Government vehicle inspection and licensing for the road costs CI$235. It is CI$160 per year for annual registration (CI$105 for 6 months), CI$25 for inspection and a one time CI$50 for CI licence plates.
Shipping Costs
The average cost for shipping a mid-sized vehicle (approx 500 cubic ft or less) with either Seaboard Marine or Thompson Line is US$1400 (without insurance).
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
If you decide to import a car into Cayman rather than buying one locally you should be aware that warranties do not extend to the Cayman Islands. You can now purchase a mechanical breakdown insurance contract for a new or used vehicle in Cayman. The terms are usually for up to four years and differ depending on age, mileage and category of vehicle. The warranty is transferable to a new owner if you sell the car. Currently Cayman Automotive (Tel: (345) 749 0900) offers this service.
BUYING A NEW CAR
There are no size restrictions on cars in Cayman (except Hummers which cannot be wider than 6.7ft), unlike some other Caribbean islands, and almost every make is available to purchase. However, some manufacturers, Citroen for example, have an almost non-existent support service. Peugeot and Saab are in the same category.
There are dealers who sell new cars at fairly competitive prices. For example a new Hyundai Elantra would cost you CI$21,350, a Toyota Yaris CI$17,400, a Renault Megane CI$22,000, a Volkswagen Jetta CI$22,750 and a Honda Fit CI$19,900. For SUVs a 2010 Hyundai Tucson costs CI$22,000, Honda CRV CI$27,500 and a Volvo XC90 CI$55,000. Make sure to ask if the cost of the vehicle also includes inspection, licensing, at least one year of maintenance and a warranty.
Many who arrive on the Island like the idea of driving around in an open top Jeep. They soon find out that the rainy season from May to December can make these vehicles wet and smelly and driving to work in a car that never seems to dry out soon loses its appeal.
If you would like to buy a convertible, a few of the rental agencies, such as Avis Cico (Tel: (345) 949 2468), sell their three year old used American models every year and you can usually pick up a great deal.
New Car Dealers
The following makes of car are sold by the authorised dealers listed below. Please note that the majority of these dealerships do not carry a large inventory of parts.
Advance Automotive - Tel: (345) 945 9191
Arch Automotive - Tel: (345) 949 8221
Email: archauto@candw.ky
Auto Alternative - Tel: (345) 945 8377
AutoHaus - Tel: (345) 949 5760
Email: autohaus@candw.ky
Car City - Tel: (345) 949 0440
Email: carcitysales@hotmail.com
Cayman Economy Cars/Vampt Motors
Tel: (345) 949 2245
Eurocar (Cayman) Ltd. - Tel: (345) 945 3876
G.T. Automotive - Tel: (345) 945 3415
Email: gtauto@candw.ky
Platinum Motors/Automotive Art no longer sells Nissan. We are not sure if anyone on the Island is currently selling Nissan cars but we will update this when we have more info for you (February 2010).
Prestige Motors - Tel: (345) 949 7550
Tony's Toys - Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: tonystoys@candw.ky
BUYING A USED CAR
Over the past few years a large number of second-hand vehicles have been imported into Cayman and this has brought the cost of buying a used car down considerably. The cost of a reliable used car starts at about CI$5,000.
There are several reputable second-hand car dealers on the Island who sell Japanese and American cars. They usually guarantee the car for a period of three months, sell parts for their cars and service them. It is often recommended to buy through a dealer rather than someone found in a newspaper, the reason simply being that there is little difference in the price and the car dealer has to maintain a good reputation (the Island is very small and people talk if they are not happy), so you will often find a good choice and a reliable car.
Used Car Dealers
We have quite a few used car dealers and many new car dealers also sell used cars. The following is a list of car dealers along with the types of used cars they sell.
Car City Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 0440
Email: carcitysales@hotmail.com
(Occasionally they sell used Jeep, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi models)
Cayman Automotive Leasing
Tel: (345) 749 0900
(New and used cars bought in the US)
Cico Avis Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 2468
Email: avisgcm@candw.ky
(second-hand ex-rental cars)
Motor World
Tel: (345) 949 6010
Email: motorwld@candw.ky
www.motorworld.ky
(used European and Japanese cars)
Sony's Auto
Tel: (345) 916 7669
www.sonysauto.com
(used Japanese cars)
Tony's Toys
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: tony@tonystoys.net
www.tonystoys.net
(new and used Japanese cars)
Vampt Motors/Cayman Economy Cars
Tel: (345) 949 2245
Email: vampt@candw.ky
(Occasionally they sell used Toyota and Ford models)
CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
The following are reliable car shops and dealerships (listed with the brands they carry) that will service any make and model of vehicle.
Automotive Art
(Full Service Centre)
480 Shedden Road, Tel: (345) 949 7102
Auto Alternative
(Suzuki)
273 Dorcy Drive, Tel: (345) 945 8377
Car City
(Honday, Mitsubishi, Diahatsu, Jeep and Dodge)
Airport Road, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 5525
G.T. Automotive
(BMW, MINI, Land Rover and KIA Motors)
Godfrey Nixon Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3415
Email: gtauto@candw.ky
Motor World
(European and Japanese cars)
Eastern Avenue and Godfrey Nixon Way
Tel: (345) 949 6010
Prestige
(Hyundai)
Eastern Avenue, Tel: (345) 949 7550
Tony's Toys
91 Sherwood Dr. (Off Seymour Dr.)
Industrial Park, Tel: (345) 946 4676
Vampt Motors
(Ford, Toyota, Lexus and Jaguar)
Walkers Road, Tel: (345) 949 2245
When importing or buying a car in Cayman you might want to consider the effects of the local environment like increased sun, salt air and the local road conditions on your car.
In general our roads are quite similar to North American and European roads, but we do have rougher conditions in certain areas and pot holes can appear overnight. What causes the most wear on your engine, suspension, brakes and tyres is the Island-wide, city-like driving, where stopping and starting happens constantly. For this reason regularly checking your tyre pressure (around 32-36psi) and having the car regularly serviced is a good idea.
Cayman Islands Government regulations state that your tyres must be in good condition when they are checked at your annual car inspection. They also stipulate that you cannot alternate brands of tyres as this could cause your car to drive erratically even at our generally low Island speeds.
Probably the worst thing that your car will face is the silent unseen rust maker – salty air! We have lots of it and if you plan on living on or near the water your car will rust faster than you can imagine. If you are bringing a car to the Island whether new or second hand we highly recommend you get the under carriage coated with a rustproofing agent. On the Island it costs between CI$200-$350 and one coating properly maintained will indefinitely protect your car. There are a few local service centres that can apply it here. Also make sure that when you wash your car you spray the wheel rims.
The last thing that can slowly damage your car is the relentless sun! Cars fade fast in the Cayman sun but you can help prevent this by regularly washing your car and waxing it at least once every 6 months. A simple sunshade for your windscreen will keep your car interior cooler and protect the dashboard from cracking. You may also want to invest in window tint: 35% is the legal limit here and an average installation should cost around CI$100.
Finally, a guideline on car maintenance and costs is as follows:
> Every three months or 3,000 miles/5,000km have your car's oil and filter changed (CI$40).
> Every six months or 6,000 miles/10,000km a more thorough service is recommended. This should cover almost all points on the car as well as change your air and oil filters and top up of all of your car's vital fluids (CI$150).
> Finally, every 12 months or 12,000 miles or 20,000km a thorough checkup which should include changing your air, oil and fuel filters, spark plugs, wiper blades and complete checks across your entire vehicle is recommended. This full service should cost you around CI$300.
These routine services should keep your vehicle in like new condition and help avoid costly repairs due to neglect.
CAR CLEANING
People in Cayman are fairly car conscious and like to keep their cars clean. Cayman only has one drive-in car wash (The Auto Spa on Godfrey Nixon Way off the Butterfield roundabout) but it is fully automated and there are a team of people to wipe down the outside and vacuum inside so the whole process takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively there are local guys who will come around to your home or office and wash your car. The average cost for a clean and vacuum is CI$25 for a sedan and CI$35 for an SUV.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Car Insurance
You will not be able to complete the transfer of a car from another owner, be it private or a dealership, until you have car insurance. The average cost of third-party cover for a mid-sized CI$6,000 car is likely to be between CI$400 and CI$600 per year. Comprehensive insurance on a nearly-new but second-hand CI$16,000 car would be in the region of CI$800 per year (with a no claims discount factored in), and insurance on a new CI$32,000 BMW would cost over CI$3,600 per year (without a no claims discount).
Note that while third-party insurance is available, third-party fire and theft is not available here - years ago, too many cars mysteriously caught fire in the remote parts of the Island and a stolen car has to be taken off the Island for it to be permanently missing, otherwise it's just lost or mislaid! It is a good idea to ask if the policy covers hurricane or flood damage (acts of God) as you pay for exactly what you get. Also check your policy, as many will automatically only cover drivers aged 23 to 70 who have had a licence for 12 months. Insurance rates for teenagers who have recently passed their driving test are extremely high. However, local insurance companies are considering reducing the fee if the vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracking device.
If you are caught driving without insurance (even inadvertently) the police take it very seriously indeed and you will be subject to a hefty fine and the loss of your licence for 12 months. If you are the owner of a vehicle and lend it to someone who is uninsured then you also, as the owner of the vehicle, will be fined and lose your licence for 12 months. Just check your car insurance paperwork which you should keep in your car at all times.
If you bring a letter from your existing insurance company stating that you have had no claims in the last year or more you may be eligible for a discount. Check that your car insurance covers you for flood damage. Also be aware that banks insist on comprehensive policies covering cars they are financing and insurance companies will not sell comprehensive insurance on vehicles over five years old! Insurance rates and cover provided vary considerably so shop around. Don't expect to put a young person on a policy, either as the principal driver or as an additional driver, if the car is a high performance vehicle.
The following insurance companies offer auto insurance:
AON Cayman National Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Buckingham Square, 720 West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 949 0111 Fax: (345) 949 8163
British Caymanian Insurance
Britcay House, 236 Eastern Avenue
Tel: (345) 949 8699 Fax: (345) 949 8411
Cayman Insurance Centre
Cayman Business Park, Thomas Russell Way
Tel: (345) 949 4657 Fax: (345) 949 8137
Email: info@cic.com.ky
Tel: (345) 949 0579 Fax: (345) 949 0624
Email: service@bogleins.com
Fidelity Insurance (Cayman) Ltd.
Cayman Financial Centre
Dr. Roy's Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7221 Fax: (345) 949 6747
Email: insurance@fidelitycayman.com
First Financial Insurance Brokers
28 Pasadora Place, Smith Rd.
Tel: (345) 946 2273 Fax: (345) 946 7322
Email: quikcare@candw.ky
The Insurance Company of the West Indies (Cayman) Ltd.
The Smith Road Centre, 150 Smith Road
Tel: (345) 949 6970 Fax: (345) 949 6929
Email: icwi@candw.ky
Island Insurance Brokers
106 Alissta Towers, North Sound Rd.
Tel: (345) 949 0883 Fax: (345) 949 0884
Email: info@iib.com.ky
Motor & General Insurance
320 Shedden Road
Tel: (345) 949 6299 Fax: (345) 949 6219
Email: mgi@candw.ky
Sagicor General Insurance
Harbour Place, 103 South Church St.
Tel: (345) 949 7028 Fax: (345) 949 7457
Email: askus@sagicor.ky
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORATION
Scooters & Motorcycles
Everyone riding on a motorcycle or scooter is required to wear a helmet. The following companies sell motorscooters and/or motorbikes:
Auto Alternative
273 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 945 8377
Email: info@vespacayman.com
They sell Italian scooters Vespa, Piaggio and Gilera, starting at CI$2,300, they also sell Suzuki motorcycles and have an in-house service department. New scooters come with a one year unlimited mileage warranty. Financing is offered on all scooters and bikes
Center Lane Motors
Seymour Road (Dump Road), Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 924 8585 / (345) 929 7172
Email: info@centerlanemotors.com
They sell Zongshen motor scooters and motorcycles. Sizes: 125cc-200cc scooters, On/off road trails, cruisers between CI$1,450 and CI$2,650. They also sell kid sized dirt bikes, ATVs and a wide selection of accessories. They have an in-house service department.
Motorcycle Licences
There are two groups of motorcycle licences in Cayman: Group 1 (up to 125cc); Group 1A (over 125cc). You must be over 19 years of age to drive a motorbike with an engine over 125 cc.
If you already have a full bike licence from a Geneva contracting state (see beginning of chapter) then you can obtain a Full Group 1 Cayman bike licence, without taking a test, from the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing (DVDL) for a CI$50 fee. If your bike licence from abroad explicitly states that you are entitled to ride a bike over 125cc, then you can obtain a Full Cayman Group 1A licence.
If you have a Group 2, 3 or 4 Cayman driver's licence then you can easily obtain a Provisional Group 1 bike licence without having to take a written (theory) test. Having obtained it, you should book a practical road test. With a Provisional Group 1 licence, you are only allowed to carry a passenger who is the holder of a Full Group 1 licence. The reality is that many day-tourists ride "two-up" with a Group 5 licence and don't display an "L" plate (the Group 5 is based on the visitor's driver's licence). However, we advise you to obtain the Full Group 1 bike licence.
If you don't have a qualifying licence then you need to take a written road test (to obtain a Provisional Group 1 licence) and after passing the practical road test you will be able to obtain a Full Group 1 licence. Once you have had a Full Group 1 licence for two years you qualify for a Group 1A licence which enables you to ride unlimited displacement motorbikes.
BICYCLES
Some people do cycle to work, but there are very few designated cycle lanes and the road surface on the sides of the roads often suffers from flood damage. Also, some drivers do not give cyclists the respect they deserve. Ask any cyclist what it is like to cycle around Cayman and they will say "Not fun!". Uncle Bill's and Kirk Home Centre sell a good selection of bikes and bicycle equipment. You may also want to think about registering your bicycle's serial number with the Police Department. In addition to recording your serial number they will also place a marking on the bicycle that is only visible under a UV light. Doing so will aid in finding your bicycle in the event it is stolen.
Kirk Home Centre
Eastern Avenue, Tel: (345) 949 2521
Uncle Bill's Home Improvement Centre
343 Eastern Avenue, Tel: (345) 949 7601
Bicycle Repair
Sheldon
Tel: (345) 525 2020 or (345) 938 2020
Email: sheldonbikes@weststartv.com
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We have a reasonably good public bus system. All the buses are individually owned and have to follow very strict rules. There are seven bus routes, and the buses each have a distinctive coloured circle on the front and rear with a route number in the middle. All routes run to and from the Bus Depot in central George Town. There is a Public Transport Inspector on duty from 6am until 8pm at the Bus Depot to supervise all bus operations. There are a few designated bus stops on the Island, but you can also hail or wave a bus down from the side of the road. Most buses carry between 14 and 25 passengers so if it is full it won't stop. If you hear a bus beeping as you walk along, it is the driver checking to see if you need to be picked up. We have been reliably informed by new residents that depending on where you choose to live on the Island, you can depend on the bus system to get you to and from work. The best routes for the buses are between George Town and either West Bay, Bodden Town, North Side or East End. No buses run along South Church Street or South Sound Road (the coast road south of George Town) and if you live on the periphery of George Town you may end up having to walk.
DRINKING & DRIVING
The drinking and driving rules in Cayman are strict and strongly enforced. If you are caught driving any vehicle over the legal limit (100mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood) you will have to go to court and lose your licence for a period of at least one year. It is also highly frowned upon. We recommend that you use taxis or arrange for a designated driver if you are going to be drinking.
Wrong Side of the Law
In Cayman even a minor road traffic accident and/or speeding ticket can result in a charge and a summons to appear in court. What may be a minor indiscretion in your home country could have serious implications under Cayman law. The most common traffic offences residents may encounter are drunk driving, speeding and careless/dangerous driving.
It is advisable to request a lawyer, if arrested, and to volunteer only your name and address initially and not admit liability. Even a minor shunt into the rear of another car can result in a resident acquiring a careless driving conviction, a souvenir, in the form of a criminal record, which will travel with them long after leaving this jurisdiction. It is often overlooked what the consequences a conviction/criminal record can make with regards to a person's future employment, immigration status and/or ability to obtain visas to travel to some other countries. If a bump occurs while reversing in a shopping mall or a supermarket car park, we recommend you take a photograph of the damage immediately with your mobile phone so that the other party cannot claim that dents you did not cause are also your fault.
With regards to drugs, the possession and/or consumption of so called "soft drugs" can and do result in extremely tough penalties, including custodial sentences, being imposed by the courts. Marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy are illegal and the law is strictly upheld. If you do get into trouble then Stenning & Associates is one law firm that will give you a free consultation.
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