Buying a car at auction? Need insurance?
Car auctions and short term car insurance tend to go hand in hand. If you are successful with a bid, the vehicle becomes yours straight away, and that means you are responsible for how it is moved. Without insurance in place, driving it away could quickly lead to fines, penalty points, or worse.
Why cover matters at auction
Once the hammer falls and payment is made, ownership transfers immediately. Ideally, you might arrange for a transporter or a specialist vehicle recovery company in advance, but in reality many buyers choose to drive the car away themselves.
Some experienced buyers have motor trade policies that allow them to drive multiple vehicles. Others do not. Police are well aware of this, and areas around auction sites are often monitored. It is not unusual for checks to be carried out on vehicles leaving the premises.
Getting insured on the spot
Sorting insurance at short notice is usually straightforward. Many auction sites provide Wi-Fi, but even without it, a smartphone is enough. Once you have the registration details, you can arrange short term cover online in a matter of minutes.
While insurance deals with one part of the legal requirements, tax is another. If the vehicle is not taxed, there could still be an issue, although this may be resolved by taxing the car promptly. Either way, insurance should be in place before driving it on the road.
What if the car has no MOT?
It may still be possible to arrange cover if you have a pre-booked MOT appointment and drive directly to it. Outside of that situation, driving a vehicle without a valid MOT would not normally be covered.
Be prepared before you bid
It is easy to get caught up in the moment at an auction. Taking along a phone or tablet means you can deal with insurance there and then if you are successful. A few minutes spent setting up cover can avoid a lot of hassle afterwards.