Quick test drive insurance question

ScarySquirrel · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:03

Hi all,

I am viewing a car on Saturday and would like to test drive it. My insurance policy has this section in it:

1a Driving your car

We will cover you for everything you are legally liable to pay resulting from an accident in your
car or an attached trailer and:
• someone else is killed or injured
• someone else’s property is damaged - Motor third party property damage losses for private cars shall be limited to £20,000,000 per occurrence per policy
This cover also applies to any accident involving a trailer, caravan or broken-down car you
may be towing.

1b Driving other cars

If you qualify under this section, cover is limited to the policyholder and is restricted to Third
Party only. This only covers private motor cars whilst being driven within our territorial limits.
We will cover you for everything listed in clause 1a when you are driving any other car as long as:
• your current Certificate of Motor Insurance says so, and
• you hold a valid Driving Licence and are not disqualified, and
• the other car is not owned by you, a rental car, nor hired to you under a hire purchase or leasing agreement, and
• you have the owner’s permission to drive the car, and
• you are not covered by any other insurance to drive it, and
• you still have your car, and it has not been damaged beyond repair, stolen or sold

Is this adequate cover for a test drive?

Another vague question. When test driving a car, what things should I do to 'test' it? Thanks

ajstan · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:38

Make sure little gadget thing works, if it doesn't use it to beat him/her down on price.

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:42

ScarySquirrel said:
Another vague question. When test driving a car, what things should I do to 'test' it? Thanks

How old is the car & what car is it ?

And Yes you will be covered for a test drive.

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:44

Hang on a minute, it does say:

If you qualify under this section

Which means that only applies if it's listed on his insurance certificate or wherever, that this cover has been offered to him, so I wouldn't assume that you have it just because it explains it in the T&Cs of the insurance

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:47

Don't confuse the issue by short editing, He Will be covered, Third party only but he will be covered.

If you qualify under this section, cover is limited to the policyholder and is restricted to Third
Party only
• the other car is not owned by you, a rental car, nor hired to you under a hire purchase or leasing agreement, and
• you have the owner’s permission to drive the car,

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:48

What part of "if you qualify under this section" do you not understand?

Janesy B · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:51

I'd suggest calling the insurance company and clarifying the situation.

Prophet · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:52

ScarySquirrel said:
When test driving a car, what things should I do to 'test' it? Thanks

Test everything.

Check all electrics operate as they should.
Listen for odd noises when driving.
Engine runs well etc.
Steering and braking - Car doesnt wonder all over the road when driving or under braking.
Tyres are on good condition.
Fluids are all topped up and are clean.
Condition of the seats/interior is up to standard.
Bodywork - Check panel gaps, paintwork etc for signs of a repair. Also look around the wheel arches/sills etc for rust/damage etc.
HPI Check.

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:54

Google seems to suggest Elephant insurance, AFAIK they don't offer DOC to under 25s, so yeah it's probably best you clarify

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:55

Howard said:
What part of "if you qualify under this section" do you not understand?

He Does Qualify, The If means If he meets the Below requirements & he does.

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:57

No! It means IF YOU QUALITY FOR DRIVE OTHER CARS COVER then the below applies! If you don't qualify, it doesn't apply. Simple.

Like I said above, most insurance companies who offer DOC cover will mention it in their T&Cs, but it's up to them whether they then offer it to each customer..

We will cover you for everything listed in clause 1a when you are driving any other car as long as:
• your current Certificate of Motor Insurance says so, and

Get it yet?

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:58

No need to Shout Lad, The Adult way is just to beg to differ.

1b Driving other cars

+

ScarySquirrel · 31 Mar 2010 at 10:58

I'll check with my insurance company. I have comprehensive cover though if that helps?
I'm with Diamond but I'm only 24. If I can't test drive it I guess the next best thing is to let the owner take me for a ride in it. Not ideal but what else can I do? I can't get single day insurance as that seems to be only over 25s too.

The car is a 2004 Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup

Thanks for the advice on what to look for.

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:00

I wasn't shouting, I was emphasising

Mr Squirrel, who are you insured with?

If it's a dealer you're probably covered under their insurance anyway

Janesy B · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:00

malc30 said:
No need to Shout Lad, The Adult way is just to beg to differ.

Would you be willing to cover the OP for any liability should he not be covered by the insurance policy?

My policy has the more or less the same wording in it and I can most certainly not drive over cars.

If you are not covered, ask if they will cover you. My Father just paid £8.50 to insure an ST170 so he could drive it home after buying it as DOC would not be valid due to him owning the vehicle.

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:01

Janesy B said:
Would you be willing to cover the OP for any liability should he not be covered by the insurance policy?

My policy has the more or less the same wording in it and I can most certainly not drive over cars.

Don't be Ridiculous, Most Adults would ring there Insurance company & ask, Not go by what Forumites say.
It's my opinion & I am entitled to it.

Howard · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:03

Dude, this isn't you offering an opinion. You're stating as a fact something which is blatantly incorrect. Something which could get someone into a lot of trouble, should they choose to it listen to instead of checking over their personal insurance documentation (NOT the generic T&Cs). Sorry, but it's true.

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:06

I am merely giving my opinion as I have stated, I am not the one Highlighting my text or shouting the odds am i & it was me that said Any sensible person would ring them. Jeez Dude take a chill pill.

D-Ranged · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:06

Howard said:
No! It means IF YOU QUALITY FOR DRIVE OTHER CARS COVER then the below applies! If you don't qualify, it doesn't apply. Simple.

Like I said above, most insurance companies who offer DOC cover will mention it in their T&Cs, but it's up to them whether they then offer it to each customer..

Get it yet?

Howard is 100% right. It says "IF" you qualify.

My insurance says "IF" i qualify then i can drive another car but i do not qualify as i am not comprehensive. It still says "IF" i qualify.

4T5 · 31 Mar 2010 at 11:07

Well I don't mind being wrong IF I am.

But If my Auntie had balls she would be my Uncle.