Registering a car and obtaining insurance as a tourist.

Wb104811 · 2024-07-25T16:09:18+02:00

Discover how to register a car and obtain insurance in Brazil as a tourist. Get insights on DETRAN requirements and insurance options for expats.

Wb104811 Member

Member since 25 July 2024

Wb104811Member25 July 2024 14:09:18

Hello expats,

I’ve seen posts here about people being able to purchase a car, register with DETRAN, insure the car before becoming a resident.

Here’s my problem. I’m in the middle of purchasing a car. The money has already been transferred. The dealership tried to transfer ownership to me but DETRAN wanted a CRNM which I don’t have. Luckily my girlfriend is Brazilian and I can register the car in her name. So if the car is in her name should the insurance also be in her name? Or can I have the insurance in my name? I don’t have a Brazilian drivers license so will I be able to drive it if it’s insured in her name?

roddiesho Serial expat

Member since 10 November 2022

roddieshoSerial expat25 July 2024 16:55:39

997

@Wb104811 OK, so when I got here about a year and a half ago I gave my Brazilian Wife $20k to buy a late model Chevrolet Sedan (she didn't use it all on the car. ) She put it in my name using my Passport. The insurance is on the car vs. anyone's name. In terms of maintenance, we have a Man Friday that maintains the car and drives us around to the grocery store etc. This means that if there are any mishaps on the road, he takes care of it, as well as keeping it in great condition.

Roddie in Retirement

GuestPoster376 Guest

GuestPoster376Guest25 July 2024 19:22:04

You can have two names on the insurance, and you should, but, the license thing may trip you. up there too.

FWIW......

The DL from your origin country is valid to drive for only 60 days from the date of the last entry in your PP. If you DO NOT get the Brasilian one in that time period, the degree of doing so is 3X the pain, and, you need the CRNM to do it anyways.

An international DL issued by your origin country is good for 12 months only.

Not moralizing here bro, but I'd NEVER give any Brasilian GF a vehicle. Just sayin'........my Brasilian wife of 23 years, that's another story. Boa sorte !!