Two million motorists could be at risk of a £300 car insurance penalty when trying to take advantage of new rules changes this September, according to experts. The launch of new September number plates has sparked a surge in interest across the new car market, often leading to a depreciation in older second-hand car models.
Savvy used car buyers often wait until a plate launch to secure second-hand vehicles, some only a year old, at a much cheaper value. Car dealerships often offer cover to prospective customers through their motor trade insurance, but this won't be in place for private sales.
Uninsured test drives on the rise
Despite this, a new poll from Tempcover of 2,000 drivers has revealed a critical blind spot, with 21% of road users admitting they don't check whether they are insured before test driving a car. Tempcover analysis predicts that uninsured test drives could top two million this September, up from 1.5 million at the last plate change in March.
Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover explained: “Second-hand electric cars are changing hands at an increasing pace, and buyers looking to grab an EV bargain during the September '76' number plate change are likely to take longer, diagnostic test drives - covering more miles and driving to public charging points to vet battery performance before handing over their hard earned money.”
Penalties for driving without insurance
While it's important to test drive a second-hand car before finalising a deal, sellers have no obligation to provide insurance, meaning road users could be caught out. Motorists caught getting behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance could be slapped with a £300 fine and up to six penalty points on their licence.
In some circumstances, road users could even be hit with an unlimited fine and between six and eight penalty points in a staggering blow. Jake added: “These extended test drives make proper insurance coverage even more crucial. Private sellers have no legal obligation to insure a buyer, and relying on outdated policy assumptions without verifying cover leaves drivers at risk of taking to the road without valid insurance. Securing fully comprehensive, temporary insurance is a simple fix that protects buyers from severe out-of-pocket costs if an accident happens.”
