I bought a car privately and need to drive it home — when exactly should the insurance start?
What should you do?
- Do not rely on the seller's insurance.
- Check the start date and exact start time on your certificate or confirmation.
- Make sure the registration number and vehicle details are correct.
- If you are taxing the vehicle online, remember tax and insurance are separate legal requirements.
What can make a difference?
The result can depend on your level of cover, exclusions, excess, information given when the policy was arranged or renewed, who was driving, and the precise circumstances. Two policies both described as “comprehensive” can still contain different terms.
A policy starting later that day is not enough if you drive before the stated start time.
Do not rely on the seller’s insurance or assume an existing policy automatically covers a newly bought car. Arrange and confirm the insurance start time before you take possession and drive the vehicle on the road.
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