Do you need insurance to test drive a car?

This guide explains what insurance you need to test drive a car, what cover applies, and whether the car you’re test driving is already insured.

If you’re planning to test drive a car, it’s important to understand the insurance requirements before you get behind the wheel. So, do you need insurance to test drive a car, and is your car insured for a driving test?

This handy guide walks you through what cover you need when test driving a car or taking your driving test, and what to check before setting off.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is car insurance for test drives?

Car insurance for test drives is short-term, fully comprehensive cover that lets you legally drive a car you don’t yet own, typically for an hour to a few days.

Do I need insurance to test drive a car?

Yes. You must have insurance to drive a car on public roads, including when test driving one. However, you may not need to arrange your own policy.

Dealership test drives

Dealers will often have insurance that covers customers on test drives. Check what their policy covers before driving, including any restrictions or exclusions. For longer test drives, you may need additional cover.

Private seller test drives

If you’re buying privately, make sure you’re insured before taking the car for a test drive. Some comprehensive policies include third-party cover for driving another car, but this varies, so check with your insurer first.

Third-party cover won’t pay for damage to the car you’re driving, so temporary fully comprehensive insurance can give you more protection.

Can I get temporary car insurance to test drive a car?

Yes. You can arrange temporary car insurance through a dedicated provider offering short term or ‘day cover’, or contacting your existing insurer to ask about fully comprehensive cover for the car you want to test drive.

Can I test drive a car with comprehensive insurance?

Not necessarily. Having fully comprehensive car insurance does not automatically mean you’re covered to test drive someone else’s car.

If your policy includes Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, it will typically provide third-party cover only. This means it can cover damage you cause to other vehicles or property, but not damage to the car you’re test driving.

DOC cover isn’t included on every comprehensive policy, so check your policy documents or speak to your insurer before taking a test drive.

Can I test drive a car without insurance?

No, you cannot legally test drive a car without insurance. The car must be insured before you drive it on a public road, whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller.

Driving uninsured can result in at least six penalty points on your driving licence and a £300 fine if you’re caught. Depending on the circumstances, you could also face an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and having the car confiscated and potentially destroyed.

Insurance to test drive a car FAQs

Can I test drive a car using a provisional licence?

Generally, no. Most dealerships won’t allow drivers with a provisional licence to test drive their cars.

For private sales, temporary learner driver insurance won’t usually cover test drives, as it is intended for driving lessons or taking a driving test. If you have a provisional licence, the simplest option is to ask someone with a full licence to test drive the car for you.

How much does test drive insurance cost?

Test drive insurance typically costs between £6.50 and £20 for one hour, according to Briefly Cover, while RAC and GoCompare report one-day policies ranging from around £12 to £26. The exact price depends on the car, your driving history and how long you need cover.

Temporary policies are usually fully comprehensive, helping protect the car you’re test driving and the owner’s no-claims discount if you need to make a claim.

What happens if you crash on a test drive?

If you crash on a test drive, the dealership’s insurance will usually cover the damage, but you could still be held responsible depending on who is at fault and the terms of the insurance policy.

Do I need insurance to test drive a used car?

Yes, you legally need a valid car insurance before test driving any used car.

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