Buying a car? You will need a test drive
If you are planning to buy a car, a proper test drive is part of the process. It is the only way to get a feel for how the vehicle handles, sounds and responds. If you are dealing with a larger dealership, they may have motor trade insurance in place that allows you to drive the vehicle. Even so, it remains your responsibility to make sure you are actually covered before setting off. If you are not, saying you assumed it was fine would not carry much weight.
Are you already insured?
If the car is being sold by a smaller dealer or a private individual, things can be less clear. Some existing car insurance policies include a clause that allows you to drive vehicles not owned by you. It is often referred to as a driving other cars extension.
That said, this type of cover is usually limited to third party only. If something goes wrong and the car is damaged, particularly if it is a higher value vehicle, you could find yourself in a difficult position.
There is another point to bear in mind. Once you buy the car, it becomes yours. That means any previous extension allowing you to drive other vehicles would no longer apply. Driving it home without arranging proper cover first could leave you uninsured.
Is there an alternative?
Dealers may offer to arrange a full annual policy there and then. While that might be convenient, it is not always the most cost effective option. Many people prefer to take a bit of time to compare prices properly rather than making a quick decision on the spot.
A short term option for the day
This is where one day car insurance can be useful. It allows you to arrange comprehensive cover for a set 24 hour period, giving you time to test drive the vehicle and, if you decide to go ahead, drive it home legally.
The process is quick. Using a phone, tablet or computer, you can usually arrange cover within a few minutes. Once the policy is in place, you have the reassurance that you are properly insured while driving a car that may still feel unfamiliar.
It also removes the risk of unexpected costs if something were to happen, or the potential consequences of driving without insurance. For a short window of time, it fills the gap neatly.