Insurance for test drives

[wiggy001]

Hi,

After my car was written off 5 weeks ago I am now looking for a replacement car, and was wondering what my position is regarding insurance for test drives given that my own fully comprehensive insurance has now been cancelled.

As I understand it, I would be covered by a traders insurance during a test drive on trade plates? What level of cover is this - third party only? And do all traders offer this, or only the main dealers?

And do I have any options regarding private sales? I can't see too many sellers adding me to their insurance for the purpose of a test drive. Are there specialist insurers for this type of thing?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks

[Derek Smith]

wiggy001 said:

Hi,

After my car was written off 5 weeks ago I am now looking for a replacement car, and was wondering what my position is regarding insurance for test drives given that my own fully comprehensive insurance has now been cancelled.

As I understand it, I would be covered by a traders insurance during a test drive on trade plates? What level of cover is this - third party only? And do all traders offer this, or only the main dealers?

And do I have any options regarding private sales? I can't see too many sellers adding me to their insurance for the purpose of a test drive. Are there specialist insurers for this type of thing?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks

Not all traders carry insurance for all types of test drive. Some impose conditions. The only, and the necessary, thing to do is check with the trader.

A small point: regardless of insurance, you can still be sued personally for any damage to a car caused by you on a test drive regardless of insurance.

As for private sales, you obviously have no insurance so can't drive it. Some insurances cover driving for one day, or more in fact. I've used it when executor of a will. It's not cheap but then, nor is an accident. I was told that the majority of the cost was for admin. Not sure if I believed that.

I used a broker but a quick search on line brought up a few.

I can't remember the precise charge (didn't pay it, generously donated by the beneficiaries) but it was less than £50 all in. I bet it would be cheaper than buying a duff car.

The alternative is to get a mate you trust to drive it.

[leyorkie]

Google Day Insurance and there are lots of insurers that offer this.
I used it to move a car for a mate who lost his licence.

[markmullen]

Every dealer and trader I know of has insurance to cover customers on test drive.

Ours, if I recall correctly, covers any driver on any car up to £1,000,000 value, with anything more expensive than that we have to arrange temporary cover.

[Podie]

I used this lot last year - http://www.dayinsure.com/

Reasonable cost. I guess you'll only find out if they're any good if you crash...

[gshughes]

markmullen said:

Every dealer and trader I know of has insurance to cover customers on test drive.

Ours, if I recall correctly, covers any driver on any car up to £1,000,000 value, with anything more expensive than that we have to arrange temporary cover.

How many cars do you stock worth more than a million quid?!

[markmullen]

gshughes said:

How many cars do you stock worth more than a million quid?!

Not too many, I've got one at £750k, another at £425k and another at £400k, plus another two &750k cars coming in next week.