Visiting the US from Australia - Car insurance/rego etc

Hi Guys,

Have been directed to this site by a user on an Australian mopar forum site moparmarket.com . I am told that this is a very helpful site, so hopefully you can help me with a few queries. Although the topic of this thread is not realy on Mopars, I will open saying that I am really a huge fan of the cars, and own 2 Chrysler Valiants myself :)

Anyway. I am planning a trip to the US at the start of 07. I plan on arriving in Califnornia, purchasing a cheapish car (probably from a dealer) and driving accross country. Main reasons for purchasing a car/rather than hiring are that I am 20, and to hire a car i believe i need to be 25? Also, I really want the freedom to travel where I want, and cover the amount of miles i wish without worrying about car rental restrictions etc etc. Also, the fact that cars are a lot cheaper than here in Australia makes it affordable.

I will be travelling with a friend who is 22. Now, I am wondering if anyone has known of anyone who has travelled through America under similar circumstances. The major issues I am facing is that of firstly, getting a car with registration and also purchasing an insurance policy on the car during my stay.

I have looked into travel insurance, but it does not cover a car purchased overseas for personal use. I have also contacted a few insurance companies and insurance brokers around Califnornia but have stumbled accross the problem that as I will be a tourist, I will have a static residential address.

Hopefully I can find some way around this. I am sure there is a solution. It is just really difficult to gather information over the internet! :sad1:

I would appreciate any information you guys can help me out with.

Regards,
Rick