Do you need insurance to drive a car home after buying it?

Why Insurance Is Essential Before Driving Off

In the UK, driving without valid insurance is illegal, no matter how short the journey is. Even if you’ve just bought the car and are simply taking it home, you still need to be insured to drive it on public roads.

Failing to have insurance could result in fines, penalty points, or even the risk of the car being seized before you’ve had a chance to park it in your driveway. So, before you turn the key, make sure you have the right cover in place.

You may already have cover under an existing policy for driving a car that doesn't belong to you but (a) this is usually limited to third party risks only and (b) once you have bought the car this cover would normally become irrelevant; it would then belong to you and require specific insurance.

What Are Your Insurance Options?

Depending on your situation, there are several ways to ensure you’re covered for the journey home. Here’s what you might consider:

1. Adding the Car to an Existing Policy

If you already own a car and have an insurance policy in place, you might be able to add the newly purchased vehicle to it temporarily. This could be an option if you’re replacing an existing car, but it depends on the terms set by your insurer.

2. Dealer-Provided Driveaway Insurance

Some car dealerships offer short-term cover, often called "driveaway insurance," which allows you to take the car home without delay. This can be useful, but always check how long the policy lasts and what level of cover it provides.

3. Short-Term Insurance

If you’re buying from a private seller or need immediate cover, short-term insurance may be an option. It allows you to be insured for just a few hours or days, making it ideal for one-off situations like driving your car home before arranging long-term cover.

4. Transferring an Existing Policy

If you’re replacing your old car, your insurer might allow you to transfer your existing policy to the new vehicle straight away. However, this might mean your previous car is no longer covered, so check the details before making the switch.

5. Dealer-Included Cover (Sometimes)

Some dealerships may include temporary insurance with the purchase of a car, particularly for new or nearly-new models. However, this is not always the case, so it’s important to ask before assuming you’re covered.

Buying from a Private Seller? What to Watch Out For

If you’re buying from a private seller rather than a dealer, you’ll need to sort out your own insurance before driving away. Unlike dealerships, private sellers won’t provide driveaway insurance, so it’s entirely your responsibility.

Before completing the purchase, consider:

• Confirming the car is roadworthy: Make sure the car has a valid MOT (if required) and is taxed before you drive it.
• Arranging insurance in advance: Some insurers allow you to set up cover to start from a specific date, ensuring you're insured the moment you take ownership.
• Checking for previous cover: Don’t assume that the seller’s insurance covers you, even for a short trip.

Can You Drive Without Insurance If You Just Bought the Car?

No, not under any circumstances. The law doesn’t make exceptions for new car owners who haven’t arranged cover yet. Even if you’re picking the car up and driving it directly home, you must have insurance in place before setting off.

What About Road Tax?

Another thing to consider is road tax. You can no longer rely on the previous owner’s tax, as car tax no longer transfers with ownership. Before driving home, you’ll need to ensure the car is taxed, which can be done online as soon as you have the logbook reference number (V5C).

Alternatives to Driving the Car Home Yourself

If sorting out insurance right away isn’t an option, you could consider alternative ways to get your new car home:

• Using a Trailer: If you have access to a car trailer, you could transport the vehicle without driving it on public roads.
• Hiring a Recovery Service: Some breakdown or vehicle transport companies offer collection services, which could be useful for longer distances.
• Asking the Seller to Deliver: In some cases, the seller may be could ing to deliver the car to your address if they still have valid insurance.

The Essentials:

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered before hitting the road. Whether you opt for short-term insurance, transfer an existing policy, or use a dealership’s driveaway cover, having the right protection in place could be an excellent idea.

Need insurance to drive your new car home? Click below to find out more and get a quote.