Short-term insurance for picking up a car you just bought online

Unlike buying from a traditional dealership where the paperwork is often sorted for you, purchasing a car online means you're responsible for ensuring it’s road-legal before you drive it away. This includes having valid insurance in place, as driving without it could lead to serious penalties. Short-term insurance may be the solution to getting your new purchase home safely and legally.

Are You Allowed to Drive a Car Home Immediately?

In most cases, once you’ve completed the purchase, the car is yours to take away. However, that doesn’t mean you can just jump in and drive off. Before setting off, you’ll need to check a few important details:

• Is the car taxed? Vehicle tax is no longer transferable from one owner to another, meaning you'll need to arrange this before driving away.
• Does the car have a valid MOT? If the vehicle is more than three years old, it needs a valid MOT certificate to be roadworthy.
• Are you insured to drive it? Driving without insurance is illegal, so you’ll need to ensure you have the correct cover before you get behind the wheel.

Without meeting these requirements, you could face fines, penalty points, or even have your newly purchased car seized before you've had a chance to enjoy it.

Why Short-Term Insurance May Be the Answer

If you've just bought a car and need to get it home, arranging a full annual policy immediately may not always be practical. Short-term insurance provides a flexible alternative, allowing you to drive the car legally for a set period without the need for a long-term commitment.

Temporary insurance could be useful in situations such as:

• Picking up a car from a private seller or auction.
• Driving the car home before deciding on a permanent insurance policy.
• Transporting the vehicle to a garage for a pre-MOT check or repairs.
• Allowing a friend or relative to drive the car home for you.

This type of cover may also protect against potential mishaps on the way home, offering a steady reassurance whilst you get everything else sorted.

What to Check Before Driving Away

Once you've sorted your insurance, there are still a few things to check before driving your new purchase home. A private seller or online marketplace may not offer the same level of checks as a dealership, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to ensure everything is in order.

• Check the basics: Ensure the brakes, lights, and indicators are all working properly.
• Look at the tyres: Tyres should have a legal tread depth and be properly inflated.
• Ensure you have the correct paperwork: You should be given the V5C logbook and any service history.
• Know your route home: If the car is unfamiliar, plan your journey in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.

What happens if you drive a car with no insurance?

Driving a car home without insurance isn’t just risky - it’s illegal. If you’re caught, you could face:

• A fine of up to £300 and six points on your licence.
• Your new car being seized, with additional fees to reclaim it.
• Increased insurance costs in the future owing to an offence being recorded.

Sorting out the correct cover before you drive away is a small step that could save a lot of hassle.

Other Transport Options If You Can’t Drive It Home

If you’re not able to arrange insurance or the car isn’t roadworthy yet, there are still options for getting your new purchase home:

• Using a vehicle transport service: Some companies offer delivery services for newly purchased cars.
• Hiring a trailer: If you have access to a vehicle with towing capabilities, you could transport the car home yourself.
• Asking a friend or family member: If they already have insurance that allows them to drive other vehicles, they may be able to help.

Whilst these options may take a little longer, they ensure you’re not driving illegally or risking fines.

Closing Notes:

Buying a car online is an exciting experience, but making sure it’s legal to drive home is just as important as choosing the right vehicle. Short-term insurance provides a flexible way to stay covered without the commitment of an annual policy, allowing you to enjoy your new purchase safely and legally.

Need Insurance to Drive Your New Car Home?

If you’ve just bought a car and need to drive it home, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Click below for short-term insurance quotes at a glance..