Purchasing a new car before claim settled?

Dempseyh

Hi, iv got 14 years no claims (well did until my car was stolen three weeks ago) 
The insurance are dragging there feet on paying me out, requesting really random documents, everything is up to date etc so won't be an issue.
my situation is my close friend has been made redundant due to the current circumstances and is selling his car, he's struggling to get a buyer, Iv agreed to buy it at the asking price as it's a fair price and I know he has looked after it. 
 If I do this and tax it then contact my insurance to insure it while I have an ongoing claim will this be frowned upon regarding the claim almost like I'm jumping the gun instead of waiting for the payment?
I have no idea how Insurance works and the claims process all I know is it's still with the investigators and they take around four days to reply to an email and the phone number for them goes directly to answer phone. 

Thankyou 

lesalanos

No reason why you cannot buy another car & insure it.  Call them to see how much it will cost 

452

I know it's a big if but what happens if your car is found before they agree to pay out? You'll then be the owner of two cars. 

AdrianC

The issue with your insurer isn't whether the car is a total loss or not. It unequivocally is. Even if it is found, the chances are it's a write-off after this length of time, unless it was something unusually valuable and has been pampered in their care.

The issue is the amount they're paying out. So long as you can afford to buy this car, even at the lowest payout likely, all is good.

Does your old policy expire on a total loss? Many do. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you get some kind of loyalty bonus for staying with "your insurance". They don't care about you and would happily give a cheaper premium to Joe Random as a new customer.

Oh, and your "14yr" NCB isn't - 9yrs is the max most insurers recognise. If you had protected NCB, that'll lose 2yrs, so you'll be down to 7yrs.

Dempseyh

Thankyou folks, I'd be paying for the car out of my savings, to be totally honest even if my car turned back up I'd only sell it and keep the potential car I'm buying as it's loads better on fuel.
I didn't know that about my insurance and no claims nor did I know anything about the total loss expiring the policy I will look into that. 
Cheers everyone for the quick helpful replies 

Dempseyh

Quick follow up question, my insurance does expire on a total loss, how do I know how many years no claims I will have left when going on price comparison websites for the new cover.

Thanks

AdrianC

Your insurance paperwork will tell you how many you had at your policy inception. Take two off that, assuming protected NCB. But work on 9 -2 = 7. Which will probably be a difference of about 2% on your premium.