Car insurance for test drives: everything you need to know

If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, you'll likely want to test drive a car you have your eyes on before making the purchase. But you may be wondering, 'do I need car insurance for test drives?' and if so, 'what insurance do I need for a test drive?'

The short answer is yes, you absolutely need insurance for test driving cars, and there can be serious consequences if you aren't covered. Whether you're buying a car privately or through a dealership, this guide will cover everything you need to know about test drive insurance.

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What is car insurance for test drives?

Test drive insurance is a temporary policy that provides cover when driving a car you don’t own for a test drive. It can also be used to insure potential buyers who want to test drive a car that's being sold privately.

Why do I need test drive insurance?

Test drive car insurance protects you against accidents or damage during the test drive, ensuring that any resulting costs are covered without impacting your personal insurance policy.

What does test drive insurance cover?

Test drive car insurance is a short-term policy that provides coverage when driving a vehicle you don’t own for a test run. Here’s what it typically includes:

• Flexible Duration: policies can range from an hour to several days, depending on your needs.

• Comprehensive cover - protecting you, the car, and any third parties, including their property.

• Cover for non-collision risks such as loss, theft, fire or vandalism.

• Accidental damage - covers repairs if the car is damaged during the test drive.

• Legal liability cover - protecting you if you're held responsible for damages or injuries caused to others.

However, the cover included in your policy differs between providers, so not all of the above will be necessarily included in your test drive policy.

It's always worth checking with your insurer to see what's included. Some providers may also include the following in your policy, or as optional add-ons:

• EU cover - allowing you to drive the car in the EU - usually third party only.

• Breakdown cover - Provides roadside assistance if your car breaks down.

• Excess protection cover - Reimburses the excess you pay on a claim, preventing out-of-pocket costs.

• New car replacement - Replaces your vehicle with a brand-new one if it's written off within a specified timeframe.

It's also worth noting that test drive car insurance is separate from your main policy; taking out temporary car insurance will not impact any existing cover or no claims bonus.

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What's not usually covered?

Test drive insurance typically has some exclusions, meaning certain situations or damages may not be covered. These could include:

• Driving other cars - your policy will only apply to the car you're taking for a test drive

• Unnamed drivers - all drivers must be named on the insurance policy.

• Keys left in ignition - If the car is stolen or damaged due to this negligence, insurance is unlikely to cover the loss.

• Claims made for incidents that occur outside the agreed use outlined in the policy.

Do you need insurance to test drive a car?

You'll always need insurance to drive a car, even if it's only to test drive a new car. In the UK, it’s against the law to drive without insurance.

With test drive insurance, you can try out a car you're considering without the concerns of legal liability issues.

Do dealerships provide cover for test drives?

Main dealerships often provide insurance for customers taking test drives. However, you should always check the test drive insurance policy they provide before leaving the forecourt to make sure you're properly insured.

Even if the dealership provides insurance, you should check for any conditions or exclusions, such as age limits or third party only cover.

Do I need test drive insurance for a private sale?

Yes - regardless of where or who you're buying your car from, you need test drive insurance. And if you're buying a car privately, you'll need to take out your own insurance.

Some comprehensive car insurance policies provide third party cover to drive other people's cars with their permission, but this is not always the case, so you should always check with your insurer first.

If you don't have existing cover in place, you can easily take out temporary car insurance for your test drive. Temporary car insurance typically ranges from an hour to up to 28 days.

Once a temporary policy ends, the coverage ends as well, with no auto-renewals.

Can you test drive a car without insurance?

No. Having valid car insurance is a legal requirement when driving on UK roads, even if it’s just for a test drive. If you are caught, you could face:

• A fixed penalty of £300

• 6 penalty points on your licence

• A potential court case, an unlimited fine, or even a driving ban

Who is eligible for car insurance for test drives?

Eligibility criteria for test drive insurance usually varies between providers. However, most insurers will require you to meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 17 or 18 years old. Some insurers also have an upper age limit which is usually 75 years old or more.

• Have a full UK driving licence, which you have held for at least six months. Some insurers may require you to have held your licence for longer.

• You have a current permanent UK address.

• A good claims history - typically no more than one fault claim in the last 12 months.

• You will need a clean driving licence, usually no more than 6 penalty points over the past three years and no pending prosecutions.

• You have no criminal convictions or a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBP).

• You have no history of being refused insurance or have had a policy cancelled or been refused renewal.

How do I insure myself for a test drive?

Getting test drive insurance is a straightforward process. If you're not choosing a car from a dealership (where cover is usually provided for you), here's how you can easily get insurance to test drive:

1. Select your vehicle

Choose the car you want to insure.

2. Enter car details

Provide key information about the car, such as its make, model, and value.

3. Pick your coverage duration

Decide how long you need insurance, whether it’s just for a quick test drive or up to 28 days of protection.

4. Activate your policy instantly

Normally, as soon as payment is completed, your cover will start, so you’re ready to hit the road.

If you're looking for temporary insurance to test drive a car, get a quote with Howden today! A member of our team can help get you tailored cover in minutes.

Can you drive a car home after buying it without insurance?

If you've just bought your car after test driving it, congratulations! But you'll still need insurance to drive it home. Here are your options:

Drive away insurance

If you're not yet ready to commit to an annual policy, or want more time to shop around, you can get drive away insurance. These policies are specifically designed for this purpose, offering flexible, temporary cover to get your new car back home. Cover typically lasts for 24 hours but may extendable, depending on the insurer.

Take out an annual policy

If you're looking for long-term cover, you can opt for a full annual car insurance policy. This provides comprehensive cover for the entire year, protecting you against accidents, damages, and third-party liability from the moment you drive your new car home. Always shop around to find the best annual policy price for you!

Car insurance for test drives: key takeaways

• Test drive insurance protects you from accident or damage costs during a test drive, without affecting your personal policy or no claims discount.

• A test drive insurance policy usually provides fully comprehensive cover during the specified duration.

• Dealerships usually offer test drive insurance for customers, but ensure to double check the policy they provide before leaving the forecourt. For private sale, you'll need to take out your own insurance.

• It is legally required to have insurance to test drive any car.

• Driving without insurance while test driving can lead to a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 points on your licence. Penalties can increase to an unlimited fine and potential disqualification if the case goes to court.

• Insurers will require you to meet specific eligibility criteria to get test drive cover (such as age restrictions, UK residency and a full UK driving licence).

• If you plan to drive your new car home, you can either get short-term drive away insurance, or opt for an annual policy.