Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xmas10]

Just wanted to know if there were any good used car websites for used cars in South Korea. Also how much is car insurance? I am looking at small vans.
Thanks

[bassexpander]

Here's the deal....

If you are planning to stay in Korea for just a short time (1 or 2 years), then get AIG insurance. You can find them at:

2nd Fl., Daejin Bldg. #36-39 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-862 Korea, by Yongsan Gate #52. Call 822-794-7414, 822-793-6903 (Office), 8211-9873-7415 (Mobile) or e-mail: [email protected]

BUT ...

If you're living in Korea for a longer term, then I suggest you get your insurance from Lotte Direct. I believe this site will get you there: http://www.3655.co.kr/

Here are the important differences to consider... if you are just in Korea for a year or two, and plan to go home, AIG is considered "foreigner insurance." This is especially important for Americans because (in theory) you can use this to continue a policy in the USA when you go back. AIG is an American company, and that MIGHT be a useful thing so you don't get nailed with no proof of insurance once you move back to the USA one day (causing your rates to go up).

If you're in Korea for a longer time, then I suggest Lotte Direct. If you buy direct over the phone, you save A LOT. Just on my tiny Matiz, coverage was over 150,000 won less with Lotte Direct for pretty similar coverage. This was possible me because I had once had insurance with a previous Korean company, and I was therefor listed in the Korean computers as having an insurance record. AIG's coverage WAS NOT listed in the Korean record, because it was considered foreign insurance. You start getting much larger discounts with Lotte Direct compared to AIG, becuase Lotte puts you in the Korean database and credits you for a good record. Jina at AIG did not put us in that database because it was considered foreign insurance. That was my experience. I had AIG for two years, going on three, and they only reduced my fee a small amount. The Korean insurance with Lotte chopped off a whole lot more.

As always, ask the agents directly for 100 percent accurate answers. Your situation may differ with your particular agent.

BTW, Lotte Direct used to be Daehan Insurance. Lotte bought them out a year or two ago.