Selling car - what precaution for test drive?

movilogo

I am willing to sell my car privately.

I understand everyone will ask for a test drive.

What sort of insurance do I need to cover during the test drive?

If anything happens (God forbid), can I claim from the potential buyer's Drive Other Cars extension?

Should I ask him/her to show proof that s/he is allowed to drive other cars?

vikingaero

The potential buyer may only have 3rd Party Cover and therefore may not have the drive other cars extension.

Get name, address and landline number, ask to look at their driving licence to see whether they have a million convictions etc. Any genuine buyer won't mind showing you details. If they get uppity then kick them to touch.

When you get in the car keep hold of the key and hand it to the driver when you're safely in the passenger seat.

Easier to put them under your insurance or sort out day insurance.

Jamp

Just because they have fully comp does not mean they have the driving-other-cars extension. Even if they do, it might well be 3rd party only and may be only for use in an emergency. So, get them to bring proof they have FC cover, don't just trust their word as many people think they have it but in fact do not (scary really)! https://www.dayinsure.com might be of use to you.

golly99

Well, I sold my last car privately first time I've done so, I drove and they came with me....personally I would probably do the same again rather than risk anything else, especially if it's a car they could have test drive in via a garage anyways.

wazza

If the buyer looks dodgy then say sorry i just sold the car. If you are nervous then have a friend/family member be with you. I tend to take the buyer to a quiet road for example on an industrial estate where he can test drive the car. If happy with his quality of driving then i will let him venture on the main roads.

If he crashes the car then you are liable if he is not covered. If he speeds and gets flashed then you are liable unless you have his details and he admits to driving the car at that time.

scbk

Someone I know asks for the full asking price as a deposit in his hand in cash, then fills out the V5 in pencil, before allowing any test drives.

Might put off one or two people, but the genuine and honest buyers will prolly go through with it

saintjanet

My husband had one of his cars stolen on a test drive,It was pre internet days and he put it in the auto trader.The bloke seemed genuine,even had a mobile phone,when they were the size of a brick!!
He let the guy have a test drive, went round to the passenger side and got locked out,the man sped off and the police found it three days later outside a bail hostel,where he was living ,on bail for aggravated burglary and vehicle taking.The car was ok,the robber would not have been if hubby could have got hold of him but he was jailed, i am pleased to add.Robber not hubby:D
So watch,like a hawk,anyone who you let drive your car.