Test Drive Insurance
Test Drive
Good morning! Today, while I was getting coffee, I saw the coolest car and wondered what the most interesting car you have ever driven is. If you are planning your next test drive, here’s why getting test drive insurance is important.
We all know how important it is to try before you buy, and nowhere is this more important than with a new car. Test drive insurance allows you to take a test drive before you buy, without the risk or worrying about insurance.
If you are looking for a new car, a test drive is an important step in the car-buying process. The test drive is the first and sometimes the only opportunity to see if there are any problems with the vehicle.
One of the many benefits of having temporary car insurance while you test drive is the amount of coverage that comes as standard. With comprehensive protection during your test drive, you can have complete peace of mind without affecting your current insurance company or the car dealer.
With test drive insurance, you can focus on what matters most, finding out if this car is right for you.
A comprehensive test drive consists of many elements. Learn more about the process of a test drive in our test drive guide.
Do You Need Insurance To Test Drive A Car?
You need insurance to test drive a car because you cannot legally drive on the road without a valid policy.
Attempting to drive a car without insurance can result in a £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence, and could even lead to a driving ban or an unlimited fine if the case goes to court. Even if you already have insurance on your own car, you will need to take out additional insurance while test driving another vehicle.
If you test drive a car at a dealership, check to see if they offer insurance that will cover you during the test drive.
If you purchase the vehicle privately, you will need to take out your own insurance before you can start driving the vehicle.
How Does Test Drive Insurance Work?
Test drive insurance gives you the opportunity to test drive the car before you buy it and also drive it home if you decide to buy it outright. It is a type of temporary car insurance, so you can choose from a period of insurance from as little as one hour to as long as 28 days.
It is only available as fully comprehensive insurance, so you are covered against any damage you cause to the vehicle you are testing, as well as any damage you cause to third parties or their property.
Test drive insurance is a separate policy, so even if you need to make a claim, it will not affect your no-claims bonus on your standard car insurance.
Can You Drive A New Car Home Without Insurance?
No, you must insure your new car before you drive it home. If you drive straight home after a test drive and the policy you purchased for it is still in force, you can drive home with the same policy.
If you want to get new car insurance so you can drive your car home, you have several options:
Get drive-up insurance, which gives you more time to find the best insurance deal. Consider extending your temporary insurance or registering your car as a SORN after your policy expires until you’re ready to fully insure it.
Take out annual car insurance when you buy the vehicle so you’re fully covered right away, but if you have to return the car for any reason, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.
Do I Need Insurance For A Longer Test Drive?
Yes, extended test drives take longer than a typical drive around the block, so make sure you have insurance. Some extended test drives can take up to 7 days.
These are usually only offered by dealers, as private sellers are less likely to keep their car for a week. For longer test drives, you may not need to take out test drive insurance, as the dealer will usually have their own insurance.
While this should cover you, it’s always worth checking before you drive. If you need to arrange this yourself, you can take out extended test drive insurance for up to 28 days.
Conclusion
FAQ
It is the dealer’s responsibility to insure the test vehicle in accordance with insurance regulations. When the vehicle is sold, it is your responsibility (i.e. the buyer’s responsibility) to obtain insurance coverage and no longer the dealer’s responsibility.
No, test drives with the car are free.
Anyone who drives a car in the United States is required to have insurance.
Car insurance for new drivers costs an average of $322 per month with comprehensive coverage. Minimum coverage for new drivers costs about $132 per month. However, car insurance rates vary depending on your age, where you live, and other factors, such as your credit score.
Even though the test car may be covered by the dealer’s insurance, the dealer may hold you liable for damage to the car, especially if you drive recklessly.
