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Last updated: 9th Jan 2012
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 transportation (buses, scooters and bicycles).
The most common mode of transport in Cayman is definitely by car, though more and more people are using scooters, riding bikes or managing quite well using the bus service. According to government records there are 49,208 cars registered on Cayman roads, and 1,788 scooters which is a 20% increase in the last year. Where you live on the Island can dictate what form of transport will work best for you, since the bus service is not offered everywhere (see the Public Transport section later in this chapter for more information on this). Riding a bicycle may be an option, but many motorists don’t give cyclists the respect they deserve and many roads don’t offer much of a shoulder to ride on. Lights and extreme caution are essential if cycling at night. Please note that some people ride their bikes on the right hand side of the road (the wrong way) believing that they will be more visible to oncoming traffic. However, this is illegal and a huge liability for the cyclist and any motorist exiting a car park and turning left.
This section provides detailed information on the legal criteria for driving in Cayman; how to license your vehicle to make it legally roadworthy, how to get a driving licence, how to import or export a vehicle, how to clear your car through Customs including the duty costs, how to buy a new or used car in Cayman, a list of Cayman car dealers and what they specialise in, recent developments regarding the use of hybrid and electric cars in Cayman, alternative transportation possibilities and more.
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 a roundabout 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 four-way stops. These work on the basis of whoever gets to the four-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.
- The rules are really very simple: Always travel around a roundabout in a clockwise direction. Never turn right onto a roundabout or you will turn into the oncoming, one way traffic!
- All traffic approaching a roundabout must yield to the traffic that is already in it. Be sure to slow or come to a complete stop as you approach the roundabout because all vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way.
- Use your indicators when approaching or exiting a roundabout. When turning left this should be obvious. When going straight across or turning right, you should indicate as you approach the roundabout and then as you approach your exit indicate left.
- Observe the movement of other cars. Don’t just use your mirrors. Watch the traffic around you for positioning and be aware of blind-spots.
- Keep in formation. If you are on a multi-lane roundabout don’t change lanes and don’t overtake on either side.
- Cars in the right-hand lane have right of way. 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.
- Be courteous to other drivers. Assume drivers around you are not familiar with roundabouts and give them lots of space. Remember that you can always go around the roundabout again to avoid a confrontation!
- When using multi-lane roundabouts. 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. See diagram on this page.
Using The Centre Turning Lane
The turning lane in the centre of some roads is designed to help drivers turn right across traffic. The lane should never be used for overtaking. See diagram on this page.
School Buses & School Zones
Under the traffic law, when a school bus has its lights flashing and has slowed down or has stopped to allow children to get on or off, drivers are NOT permitted to pass the bus. This applies to vehicles approaching the bus from the front as well as those at the rear.
In addition, you should pay attention to the 15mph speed limits which have been set in dedicated school zones to ensure the safety of youngsters. At certain times of the day, warning lights flash outside the schools, indicating to drivers that they need to reduce their speed to 15 mph or less in the designated school zone.
Children & Car Seats
Cayman Islands law (Traffic Law 2003 (revision) section 62 and 63) states that any child travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt. They are not restricted to sitting in the back of the vehicle until the age of 12 like many other countries. For what it is worth however, we have listed below the law as it relates to the US, UK and most other developed countries for those that would like to properly protect their children while riding in a vehicle: all children who are under 53 inches (135cm) or 12 years of age should sit in the back seat and use the correct child restraint. After this they may sit in either the front or back seat and must use an adult seat belt. Children under the age of three MUST use the rear seat and be seated in a car seat designed for their age and height. It is illegal to place a child in a child seat in the front of a vehicle which is equipped with an active frontal airbag, as the child can be easily killed if the airbag is activated.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
You are allowed to drive on your domestic driving licence for the first three months of moving here (if you do not have a work permit) and then you must apply for a Cayman licence. If you have an international driving licence, you can legally drive on it for one year. However, you cannot convert an international driving licence to a Cayman licence; you can only convert your domestic licence to a Cayman licence. The best advice is 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 convert your existing licence.
If you do not have a valid domestic licence from a Geneva contracting state, 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.
If you are a legal resident or have a valid work permit then your licence is valid if you:
- Have an international driver’s licence from a Geneva contracting state. You will be able to drive in the Cayman Islands for one year before having to obtain a Cayman licence.
- Have a full Cayman driving licence. It is very important to be aware that the minute you are legally considered a resident of the Cayman Islands (i.e. you have a valid work permit), then your domestic driving licence (from a Geneva contracting state) is no longer valid for you to drive in the Cayman Islands and your car insurance will not be valid. You must immediately convert your licence to a Cayman licence or you will not be driving legally. Cayman driving licences are only valid for 3 to 5 years and are set to expire on your birthday. You will need to get your licence renewed promptly or you are effectively driving without a licence and therefore driving illegally.
If you are a visitor (i.e. not a resident and you don’t have a work permit) then:
- 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 Visitor’s 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 DVDL office. Take your passport along with you to obtain this.
- 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 Visitor’s Permit. You must get a full Cayman licence.
Brand new Cayman driving licences can be obtained for three or five years and cost CI$85 or CI$125 for those that already have a driving license from a country within the Geneva Convention Road Traffic Agreement and just need it converted. For those needing their existing Cayman licence renewed the cost is $60 for three years or CI$100 for five years. 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 that if you lend your car or truck 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. Please note that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to drive a pick-up truck in the Cayman Islands.
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 that as soon as you can, go to one of the licensing offices with your foreign licence, passport, CI or US dollars or CI or US cheque book and they will issue you with your brand new Cayman licence (they take the photos) if you satisfy the requirements. Additionally, most insurance companies will not insure brand new drivers to drive an SUV until they have had a licence for one year.
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) has two locations in Grand Cayman:
- 990 Crewe Road, Red Bay (next to First Baptist Church and near Grand Harbour)
Tel: (345) 945 8344
www.dvdl.gov.ky
Open: Monday-Saturday 8.30am-4pm
- 9 Rev. Blackman Road, West Bay (Across from the West Bay Police Station)
Tel: (345) 949 7231
Open: Tuesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) in Cayman Brac:
- District Administration Building, Dennis Road
Tel: (345) 948 2222
Open Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm
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. You can study the local rules of the road 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. There is also now an official Road Code of the Cayman Islands pamphlet which is available at the Department of Transportation Licencing office for CI$5.
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 your car insurance policy covers such a situation. 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 unofficial but a very much respected road code book for the Cayman Islands. (Tel: (345) 949 9070 or 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. You can have your car inspected and its registration renewed up to thirty days before the expiry date.
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 certificate of good standing from the Registrar of Companies, located in the Citrus Grove Building on Goring Avenue. The minimum cost for one year’s inspection and licensing is CI$185 ($160 registration, $25 inspection). Scooters, trucks, taxis and Hummers have different prices for both inspection and licensing. Vehicle inspections are offered at both the 990 Crewe Road location (near the roundabout at Grand Harbour) and at the West Bay location. You can also have your vehicle inspected at Andy’s Auto, Advance Automotive, Arch Automotive, Automotive Art, Car City, C&S Tyres, EuroCar, GT Automotive, Prestige Motors, Superior Auto, Tony’s Toys or Vampt Motors. They will issue you with a certificate of road worthiness which you then take to the Vehicle 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. If your vehicle is new to the Island you will also have to purchase licence plates at CI$50 per set.
Note: The Department of Vehicle & Driver’s Licensing will accept both credit and debit card transactions.
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 motorcycle with an engine over 125cc.
If you already have a full bike licence from a Geneva Convention Road Traffic Agreement state (see beginning of chapter), then for a CI$50 fee you can obtain a Full Group 1 Cayman motorcycle licence from the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) without taking a test. 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.
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$5,000 car is likely to be between CI$450 and CI$750 per year. Comprehensive insurance on a nearly-new but second-hand CI$16,000 car would be in the region of CI$850 per year (with a no claims discount factored in), and insurance on a new CI$32,000 BMW would cost over CI$3,000 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 considered 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 25 to 65 who have had a licence for 12 months. Insurance rates for teenagers who have recently passed their driving test are extremely high. You may find it easier for someone under the age of 23 to find car insurance on a four-door second hand car than a high-end sports car.
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. Also, be aware that banks insist on comprehensive policies covering cars they are financing and some insurance companies will not sell comprehensive insurance on vehicles over five years old! Insurance rates and cover provided vary considerably so shop around. For car insurance providers see the Insurance Chapter.
RENTAL CARS
Cayman has many of the top-name 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 as low as US$37 in summer. Jeeps cost from US$85 to US$95 in high season and US$75 to US$80 in 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 valid Cayman or international driving licence, or be issued a Visitor’s Permit at the time of the rental (CI$6 or US$7.50).
Andy’s Rent a Car Ltd.
At the Airport and Seven Mile Beach.
Tel: (345) 949 8111
Offers discounts for residents, repeat customers and government employees.
Avis Cico Rent a Car
At the Airport, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Marriott and Westin Hotels
Tel: (345) 949 2468/9
Avis offers special discounted monthly rates (for 28 consecutive days) and sells their old rental cars.
Budget Rent a Car
At the Airport, Tel: (345) 949 5605
Offers daily, weekly and monthly rates and give residents a 15% discount. They also sell their old rental cars.
Coconut Car Rentals
Tel: (345) 949 7703
They have 3 locations: two in East End and one at the Airport. They offer special long term rental rates. Residents get a 20% discount.
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 leasing companies that can help and one company that runs a “Buy Back” programme. If you are thinking of leasing, we recommend you bring a letter from your insurer saying you have been claim free for five years or more so you can save up to 60% on your car insurance. The leasing companies listed below will usually require your most recent credit report or a bank reference, a letter of employment saying how long your contract is for and your monthly salary, your driving licence and your passport. The following are some companies that offer leasing:
Cayman Automotive Leasing
Tel: (345) 749 0900
Email: john.felder@caymanautomotive.com
Down payments range from CI$1,800-CI$2,000, and monthly payments average CI$389-CI$680, depending on the model of vehicle. Lease terms are offered for two or three years and all vehicles come with a warranty for the term of the lease. The warranty includes all car repairs but not maintenance or replacement of parts subject to wear (for example wiper blades). 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 the Cayman Automotive 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 available.
Cayman Leasing
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 used cars.
Sony’s Auto
Tel: (345) 916 7669
Email: sonysauto@hotmail.com
Sony’s Auto has a slightly different programme to traditional leasing which they call “Buy Back”. With this innovative programme they will buy back your vehicle after one or two years at a pre-determined depreciated price. For example if you buy a CI$5,000 car from them and use it for 12 months, they will factor in a 4% depreciation cost per month (CI$200 per month) and then they will buy it back from you for CI$2,600. The depreciation for 18 months is 3%-3.5% and for 24 months is 2.5%-3%. During the term of the agreement Sony’s Auto will pay for the labour cost of any mechanical problem the vehicle may have and the customer will only pay for the parts. The customer is responsible for having a basic oil change done every 3-6 months depending on usage, and this usually costs CI$40.
Tony’s Toys
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: tony@tonystoys.net
Tony’s Toys offers open-ended leasing (not lease to own) from one month to an indefinite period of time. Leases are on second hand cars and the rate starts from CI$575 per month with no money down. This includes car insurance (there is a deductible if there is an accident) and all servicing and maintenance.
IMPORTING A CAR
If you would like to import a car to 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 to pay duty (29.5%–42% depending on the value of your car), plus a one-time fee for future car disposal. The fee is CI$250 if the car is valued over CI$12,000, or CI$1,000 if it is valued under CI$12,000. You can then clear your car. You can hire a customs broker to help you with this process if desired, as it can be fairly complicated and time consuming.
Keep in mind that 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. Having your air conditioning in good working order in your car is crucial in Cayman and its worth noting that if your car has a manual gear box it may not be easy to resell at a later date since almost everyone in Cayman learns to drive on automatic cars.
Shipment Of Vehicles
US Customs Law states that the Title of Vehicle for used cars must be stamped by S Customs for a 72 hour clearing period (excluding the day of delivery, shipping and weekends) prior to the shipping date. No personal effects may be placed inside the vehicle when shipping.
We highly recommend you use a broker to assist you when shipping a car 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 three shipping companies that ship to Grand Cayman:
Hydes Shipping
10025 NW 116 Way, Suite 2, Medley, FL 33178
Miami Tel: (305) 913 4933
Cayman Tel: (345) 947 4933
Seaboard Marine
8001 NW 79 Ave. Miami, FL 33166
Miami Tel: (305) 863 4741
Micro Commerce Centre, Grand Cayman
Cayman Tel: (345) 949 4977
Thompson Line
9505 NW 108th Ave, Medley, FL 33178
Miami Tel: (305) 805 6620
Cayman Tel: (345) 949 8044
Clearing Your Car Through US Customs
It is the owner’s responsibility to clear their car through US Customs, or to appoint a customs broker to do so. The following customs brokers, based in Miami, can help:
Barrett Trade Services, LLC
8381 N.W. 68th St. Miami, FL 33166
Tel: (305) 477 1512
Email: abarrett@barretttradeservices.com
Deluxe Freight Inc.
11013 NW 30 St. Suite 100, Doral, FL 33172
Tel: (305) 513 0156 or (345) 949 2350
Email: cargo@deluxefreight.com
Xpress Freight Services Inc
6306 NW 99th 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, so be sure to ask.
Clearing Your Car Through Cayman Customs
Once your car has landed at the port in Cayman, the shipping company will notify you. If you have used a customs broker, they will liaise with their contact in Cayman and the following steps will be taken care of. If you are doing it yourself however, 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 proof of insurance on the vehicle before going to Licensing.
- Go to the Vehicle Licensing Department (DVDL) to license your vehicle for one year (CI$160*), have it inspected (CI$25*) and purchase Cayman Islands licence plates (CI$50). They will also need to see the vehicle’s certificate of title.
*Note: the cost depends on the type of vehicle being licensed. Also note that as per the Cayman Island’s Traffic Law, it is an offence to keep a vehicle in the Cayman Islands without it being registered with the DVDL.
Duty Costs Of Importing A Car
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.
All pick-up trucks are rated at 29.5%
CIF up to CI$20,000 = 29.5%
CIF up to CI$25,000 = 32%
CIF up to CI$30,000 = 37%
CIF from CI$30,000 and upwards = 42%
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 in this chapter, Government vehicle inspection and licensing for the road costs CI$235. It is CI$160 per year for annual registration. You can also register a vehicle for just three months (CI$40) or six months (CI$80). The annual inspection for most cars will cost CI$25 and a there is a one-time CI$50 fee 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). They do recommend you then add insurance.
Exporting A Car From Cayman
If you want to ship a car off the Island, the process is as follows: go the the DVDL and terminate registration of the vehicle, surrender the log book, coupon and licence plates and then fill out a vehicle export form. Have the DVDL duly sign and stamp it. Take this form over to Customs and they will then do their document processing. You can then arrange the shipping of the vehicle with a freight forwarder or one of the shipping companies.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
If you import a car into Cayman you should be aware that warranties do not extend to the Cayman Islands. You can however, purchase mechanical breakdown insurance 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. One company that offers this insurance is Cayman Automotive
(Tel: (345) 749 0900).
BUYING A NEW CAR
Unlike some other Caribbean islands, there are no size restrictions on cars in Cayman (except Hummers which cannot be wider than 6.7ft) and almost every make of car is available to purchase.
There are dealers who sell new cars at competitive prices. For example a new Hyundai Elantra will cost you CI$24,000, a Volvo C30 CI$34,950 and a Genesis Coupe CI$34,000. For SUVs, a 2012 Hyundai Tucson costs CI$24,000, a Subaru Forester CI$27,950 and a Volkswagen Tiguan CI$32,000. Make sure to ask if the cost of the vehicle also includes inspection, licensing, at least one year of maintenance and a warranty.
A few of the rental agencies such as Avis Cico (Tel: (345) 949 2468), will sell their three year old 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 most dealerships do not carry a large inventory of parts but they can order them:
BMW, Mini, Land Rover and KIA Motors
G.T. Automotive
52 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3415
Chevrolet
Advance Automotive
113 Owen Roberts Drive
Tel: (345) 945 9191
Ford, Toyota, Lexus and Jaguar
Vampt Motors
Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2245
Honda, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Jeep, Dodge, Suzuki and Fiat
Car City Ltd. ,151 Industrial Way, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 0440
Hyundai
Prestige Motors
121 Owen Roberts Drive
Tel: (345) 949 7550
Mazda
Tony’s Toys
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Mercedes and Porsche
AutoHaus Cayman Ltd.
181 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 5760
Renault, Subaru and Volvo
Eurocar (Cayman) Ltd.
494 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3876
Volkswagen and Audi
Arch Automotive
15 Portland Road and Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 8221
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 many reputable used car dealers on the Island that will usually guarantee the car for a period of three months, as well as sell parts for their cars and service them. It is often recommended to buy from a dealer rather than someone found in a newspaper. The reason being that there is usually very little difference in the price and the dealer has to maintain a good reputation.
Used Car Dealers
There are quite a few used car dealers and many new car dealers that also sell used cars. The following is a list of some of the most well known dealers:
Avis Cico Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 2468
Email: aviscm@candw.ky
www.aviscayman.com
They sell used rental cars.
Car City Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 0440
Email: carcitysales@hotmail.com
www.carcity.ky
They sell a variety of used cars.
Cayman Automotive
Tel: (345) 749 0900
They sell new and used cars from the US.
Sony’s Auto
Tel: (345) 916 7669
www.sonysauto.com
They primarily sell Japanese cars.
Tony’s Toys
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: tony@tonystoys.net
www.tonystoys.net
They sell new and used Japanese cars.
Vampt Motors/Cayman Economy Cars
Tel: (345) 949 2245
Email: vampt@candw.ky
They sell new and used cars.
HYBRID & ELECTRIC CARS
While at the time of this printing legislation to cover 100% electric vehicles has not been approved, it is widely believed they will be legal on Cayman roads in 2012. After years of lobbying the Cayman Islands Government (spearheaded by John Felder of Cayman Automotive), approval to license and register hybrid cars (which use a combination of gas and electric) has finally been achieved. Plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt are covered because they have a gasoline engine that drives the generator. The vehicle is quite unique as it will travel up to 40 miles on just the electric motor and when the gasoline engine is turned on it can go even further while charging the batteries as you drive. The combined EPA is nearly 100 miles per gallon on the dual system.
In anticipation of 100% electric cars becoming legal, Cayman Automotive (Tel: (345) 749 0900) has become the exclusive dealer of Wheego electric vehicles.
It has also been confirmed that the Cayman Islands will become the first Caribbean nation to offer a network of free solar-powered charging stations for hybrid and electric cars to plug into, with a total of 12 being planned for the Island.
CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
The combination of sunshine and salty air can be hard on your car, but fortunately road conditions in Cayman are much better than virtually every other Island in the Caribbean. Driving in Cayman however, is similar to city driving where you are stopping and starting constantly and that causes the most wear on your engine, suspension, brakes and tyres. We recommend checking your tyre pressure and fluid levels regularly, since the humidity here will cause a loss of fluids.
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, the 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. Getting your car under carriage coated with a rustproofing agent is a very good idea. It costs between CI$200-$350 and one coating properly maintained will indefinitely protect your car. Washing your car on a regular basis will also extend the life of your car and make sure you always spray the under carriage and the wheel rims.
The sun can also damage your car. You can help prevent damage by waxing it at least once every six months. A simple sunshade for your windshield will also keep your car interior cooler and protect the dashboard from cracking. You may want to invest in window tinting: 35% is the legal limit in Cayman, with an average installation costing around CI$100.
The following is a guideline on car maintenance and average cost:
- Every three months or 3,000 miles/5,000km have your car’s oil and filter changed (CI$45).
- 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$80).
- Every 12 months or 12,000 miles or 20,000km a checkup is recommended that includes changing your air, oil and fuel filters, wiper blades more (CI$140).
- Finally, a full service for your vehicle is recommended every three years, that replaces all the above plus spark plugs and provides a complete check of your car. This service should cost about CI$500.
These routine services should keep your vehicle in good condition and help avoid costly repairs due to neglect.
As a separate side note, remember that in a hot climate like Cayman’s, your car interior will heat up during the day and your dashboard will release benzene, which is a known carcinogen into the interior of the car. Remember to open the windows and allow your air conditioning to run for a moment before you close up the car and start driving.
The following are reliable car maintenance shops and dealerships (listed with the brands they carry), though most will service any make and model of vehicle.
Automotive Art
480 Shedden Road
Tel: (345) 949 7102
They offer repair service and parts for most models. They also service and sell marine supplies.
Car City
Industrial Way, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 0440
(Honda, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Jeep, Dodge, Suzuki and Fiat)
G.T. Automotive
Godfrey Nixon Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3415
(BMW, Mini, Land Rover and KIA)
Prestige
Eastern Avenue
Tel: (345) 949 7550
(Hyundai)
Superior Auto
Seymour Drive, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 9570
They service all makes and models and they also repair boats.
Tony’s Toys
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 946 4676
(any make or model)
Vampt Motors
Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2245
(Ford, Toyota, Lexus and Jaguar)
Roadside Assistance
Cayman now has a roadside assistance service similar to the AA in the UK and AAA in the US. Cayman Auto Club (Tel: (345) 623 4808 or www.autoclub.ky) offers its members 24 hour roadside assistance particularly for flat tires, dead batteries, being locked out of your vehicle, needing fuel to be delivered, towed, or an emergency start. They offer three membership levels costing between CI$89-$139 per year. 24 hour roadside assistance is also available through ICWI Insurance (Tel: (345) 949 6970).
Car Cleaning
Cayman has two drive-in car wash facilities (The Auto Spa), on Godfrey Nixon Way in George Town and on Shamrock Road near the Red Bay roundabout. They are fully automated with a team of people to wipe down the outside and vacuum inside so that the whole process only 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.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Scooters & Motorcycles
As stated at the beginning of this chapter, the number of scooters and motorcycles registered for Cayman roads has increased by 20% in the past year. If the price of petrol continues to rise, we may see even more scooters on the roads in the future. Everyone riding on a motorcycle or scooter is required to wear a helmet. The following is one reputable company that sells motor scooters and/or motorbikes.
Car City
151 Industrial Way, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 949 0440
www.carcity.ky
They sell Vespa and Piaggio scooters and Suzuki motorcycles. They have an in-house service department, and financing is offered on all scooters and bikes.
Bicycles
Some people do ride bicycles to work, but unfortunately there are very few designated cycle lanes and the side of the road sometimes 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 “be careful!” 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 with the police department. In addition to recording your bicycle’s serial number, they will 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
Eastern Avenue, Tel: (345) 949 7601
Public Transportation
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, where there is a Public Transport Inspector on duty from 6am until 8pm to supervise all bus operations. There are a few designated bus stops on the Island, but the best way to catch a bus is to simply wave one down from the side of the road. Most buses carry between 14 and 25 passengers, so if it is full it won’t stop. The usual fare is CI$2 per journey or CI$3 if you take a long trip like George Town to East End or North Side. If you hear a bus beeping as you walk along the road, it is the driver checking to see if you need to be picked up. Depending on buses for your main source of transportation will depend on where you live. The best routes for 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). If you live on the periphery of George Town, you may have to find an alternative source of transportation.
DRINKING & DRIVING
The drinking and driving rules in Cayman are strict and strongly enforced. The legal blood-alcohol limit for the Cayman Islands is 0.100 %(100mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood). If you are caught driving any vehicle over the legal limit 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 a designated driver if you are going to be drinking.
CELL PHONES, TEXTING & DRIVING
While there is not currently a law prohibiting talking, texting, or emailing on a cell phone while driving, it’s been proven to be very dangerous and has become a hot topic for lawmakers who are considering new laws and restrictions banning their use in cars.
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