Would You Need to Insure a Car During Delivery?

If you're considering purchasing a car and having it delivered, the question of insurance often arises. Is it necessary to have the car insured while it's in transit? This article aims to clarify the requirements and considerations for insurance during car delivery, particularly in the context of UK regulations and best practices.

The Importance of Insurance

Insurance is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership, especially when you're driving on public roads. However, the considerations change when the car is in transit. Knowing whether your car needs to be insured during delivery can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches.

Required Insurance During Delivery

In the UK, the rules about vehicle insurance are straightforward but essential to follow. You must have insurance to cover the liability of the driver on a public road. Therefore, if the car transport company is driving the vehicle on a public road, they must be insured for that particular journey.

Closing the Car Transporter Windows

When the car arrives at the destination, there are a few scenarios to consider:

Car Transporter Delivery: If the vehicle is delivered by a car transporter (trailer), it does not need to be insured, as it is not being driven. The transporter company will handle the insurance for its operation on the public road. Motor Trader Delivery: If a motor trader drives the car to you and the vehicle is to be left off public roads, such as in a garage or driveway, it generally does not need to be insured. These traders often have specific insurance policies that cover the situation. Trade Plates: If you see 'trade plates' on the vehicle (typically red and white), these indicate that the vehicle is non-roadworthy and should not be driven on public roads. Losing these plates is a severe offense.

Your Responsibilities as the Vehicle Owner

Once you own the vehicle, you have certain obligations, regardless of whether the car is in transit or parked off the road:

Tax and Certificates of Insurance

If your vehicle is three years old or older, you will need to tax it, which requires a certificate of insurance. Additionally, for vehicles over three years old, you'll need a current MOT (Mandatory Orginal Test) certificate as well.

If you choose to keep your vehicle off the roads, you can declare that the vehicle is not being used on the roads by completing a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) declaration. This form allows you to avoid having to tax the car and get an MOT certificate, but it is only applicable for off-road use.

Insuring a Vehicle Delivered to You

While it's not legally required, insuring the vehicle while it's in transit can provide peace of mind. Insurance providers often offer short-term policies that can cover the few days it takes to transport the car from the dealer to your location. These policies are relatively inexpensive and can give you full control over the coverage.

For instance, if a friend or relative picks up the car from the dealer, they will need to have their own insurance policy that includes 'driving other cars' or 'hire-purchase vehicle' coverage. Alternatively, you can obtain insurance for the car for the duration of the delivery process.

Conclusion

While insurance is not strictly required for a car during delivery, understanding the legal requirements and best practices can help you make an informed decision. By ensuring your vehicle is adequately insured or meeting the necessary regulations, you can protect your investment and avoid any potential legal issues.