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.

[snook]

Zacs-Master, I've been on the verge of getting a car for quite a while so this is just the push I need to get one. I'm well aware it's going to be costly but we do need transport and I suppose I've been looking for an excuse to have a car again.

[Buenchico]

Be wary of going to insurers who claim to specialise in policies for the over-50's. Most of them are no more than trading names for 'ordinary' insurers, so you'll still be dealing with Axa, Aviva, Hastings, LV, etc. even though the name on their website is something like 'OldFogiesOnTheRoad.com'

This might be worth a read:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-insurance/

(I stand by my recommendation of giving Post Office Insurance a try though. The last time I tried to find a better renewal quote than the one they offered me I spent nearly two full days researching deals. The best one I could find was exactly what they'd offered me in the first place!)

[ToraToraTora]

if I was you I'd first use a comparison site to get a list of quotes then when/if you buy the car just click on the one you select before going to collect the car. Ask the dealer for the reference number on the V5C/2 - green slip, then you can tax it on line before you collect it too.
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax

[ToraToraTora]

also for future reference these days loyalty to an insurer is punished not rewarded, therefore go round the comparison site route each time you renew.

[derek-33]

use a comparison web site theres plenty on line
but you'll need the reg of the car if you've seen one your buying