Test drive a car from private seller

Car_54

Emmia said:

Taking a turn on a quiet road without cover would mean you are breaking the law (and a minimum 6 points on your licence if caught) - the sellers insurance won't cover you, and in the event of a collision/causing damage to the car/injury to someone, you leave yourself open to claims financially.

The seller would also be guilty (causing or permitting), and would face the same penalties.

AdrianC

alihd said:

Veygo has a different problem. firstly, they just announced that they have suspended insuring for less than a day (e.g. one hour) until further notice. Secondly, it asks for the annual insurance information (from the car's owner), which practically you can't ask. If I do, then the owner will realize that I am serious about buying the car and won't give any room for negotiating the price.

Why is 24hrs cover for £24 a problem?

Look at a car, make a decision if you're interested. If you are, then insure for a day, test-drive, and if you still want it, buy it and drive it home, then insure it permanently.

Grumpy_chap

Is the best approach to go and see the car, get the vendor to drive you as a demonstration, agree the price.  Do the deal subject to test drive and then, and only then, say you'll get the day-insurance to cover you to test drive, pay and drive home?  That way, you do not incur the insurance costs for a car you are not certain about and the cost of insurance (being "bought in" to the car) is not hampering negotiation status.

Emmia

alihd said:

Emmia said:

DayInsure and Vego (Admiral) offer short term policies. 

http://www.dayinsure.com/
https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/

Thanks. Unfortunately, none of these work in practice.
DayInsure does not give me any quotes.
For DayInsure, when I put in my licence information, it says they cannot insure me. It is a new licence, just got it two months ago:

Veygo has a different problem. firstly, they just announced that they have suspended insuring for less than a day (e.g. one hour) until further notice. Secondly, it asks for the annual insurance information (from the car's owner), which practically you can't ask. If I do, then the owner will realize that I am serious about buying the car and won't give any room for negotiating the price.

You could just wait a couple of days until after 1 Jan? Or are you in a massive hurry to buy a car (any car)?

You should remember if buying privately that there will be no comeback or warranty if for example something like the clutch or brakes failed on the way home - it's very much a buyer beware situation.

Are you mechanically minded and would you be able to identify any obvious faults. Will you be checking for HPI / outstanding finance before viewing? Do (will) you have breakdown cover?