Insurance Question - When To Get It

[snook]

This might seem a stupid question but please bear with me.

I haven't had a car for quite a few years (for various reasons, none relevant to this question) and I'm thinking of buying one second-hand at a local dealership, but I'm completely "out of the loop". How do I go about this since I have no insurance? Once I've decided on a car, do I need to ask them to hold it for a few days while I sort out the insurance? I can't drive it away uninsured, right? And obviously I can't get insurance without at least having a car in mind since I'd need to specify the car's details on my insurance application.

Like I said, it probably sounds stupid, and there's probably a very obvious answer ... but I can't think of it right now.

[Cloverjo]

A dealership can sort out temporary insurance for you to drive it away. You can then get your annual one yourself.

[shoota]

Many garages provide a basic 'get you home' insurance to cover this eventuality.
If yours doesn't you can always speak to a broker and prime them to expect the details when you find a car. Then you just give them the reg and details over the phone and you are covered.
It doesn't take long to insure a car nowadays if you have done some preparation.

[Zacs-Master]

If you want it there and then, You phone an insurance company and tell them the registration number, some info about yourself and they’ll usually insure you there and then.

Alternatively, the day you pay a deposit there’ll be a few days before you can pick it up as the garage will, they’re reputable, service iPad carry out checks on it . During this time you can go online and sort out your insurance.

[gingejbee]

....and, with no accrued No Claims Discount, expect the premium to cost more than the car!

[KJN]

Car insurance is expensive and not having driven for a few years you may be surprised at the high costs, my advice is decide what car you like then get insurance quotes, you can then buy the car insure it then take it home, any respectful garage will hold the car for a few days. Good Luck

[shoota]

You also need to tax it before driving away...

[Buenchico]

When I've purchased secondhand cars in the past, I've simply called an insurance broker from my phone at the point of purchase. (I use Post Office Insurance, on 0330 018 3770).

[Buenchico]

As Shoota points out, vehicle tax is no longer transferable from one owner to the next, so any vehicle you purchase won't be taxed. You can do that online though, using the 'new keeper' slip from the V5C:
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax

[margarettom]

If you haven't insured a car within the last 2 years you may find the cost prohibitive. My son had this problem but was saved, at the time, by Aviva who allowed within 3 years. Some of the quotes he was given were ridiculously high.

[bhg481]

Further to margarettom's post, there are some companies who will give you an NCD if you've had a company car or access to another vehicle.

[davebro]

If you look on Autotrader at the sort of car you are interested in I think there are tools that help you work out the running costs - tax/insurance/finance etc.

[Maydup]

Once you have chosen the car you will be asked for a deposit and asked to come back for it in a few days time. A date and time will be arranged. This is to allow the garage time to MOT the car, get it road ready, and for you to arrange the cheque or transfer for the balance of the money, and the insurance.

Go online now using some of the compare sites to see what sort of costs you're in for insurance wise. Use a friends car or a car you've seen for sale as an example. Go for a small engine for more affordable insurance.

[Buenchico]

^^^ According to this thread, Aviva have now changed their policy to only accept no-claim discounts for up to 2 years, rather than 3:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2785780#topofpage

With Snook's question referring to 'quite a few years' (which suggests a period likely to be quite a lot longer than just two or three years anyway) it seems highly unlikely that he/she will find any insurer who'll accept his/her former NCD, so he/she is going to get stung for the full cost of the insurance.

[hc4361]

Thankfully snook is a billionaire who has good reason to sack her chauffeur :)

[Zacs-Master]

The following link is to a website showing companies who insure high risk drivers (which is what you will be seen as by them)
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/best-insurance-companies-for-high-risk-drivers/

[twix123]

If you can remember who you insured with previously, they may look kindly upon you, as a returning customer, if they can trace your previous driving history and you explain that you have not owned a car for some years.

[drmorgans]

Will you be using the car to get to work, for travelling between different work sites, do you have any idea what your average mileage could be? All affect the price.

[snook]

Thanks for all the replies to my query, I appreciate you taking the time to reply and I'll keep in mind all you advice and information.

I realise my premium will be sky high but there's not a lot I can do about that. I need the car - my wife is ill and I need it to get around, so circumstances dictate that I bite the bullet and get mobile again.

Also, if anyone has a particular recommendation for a company that provides cover for over-50's [in my situation] I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again!

[shoota]

I think the suggestion of going back to your last company is a good one (if you can remember who it was...)

[Zacs-Master]

I think there are some companies on my link for over 50s, snook. I hope your wife is OK. Would taxi’s not be cheaper than the purchase of a car, petrol, insurance, MOTs etc?