Driving your new car off the dealership lot is a truly exciting experience, but it comes with its own challenges. One of those challenges is how to drive your car home without insurance. If you just purchased a car and don’t have insurance yet, you may be wondering how to drive it home legally. While driving without insurance isn’t recommended, options are available to you. We will explore some options to allow you to drive a new car home without insurance.
There are several ways to drive a new car home without insurance, such as temporary insurance, dealer insurance, or even adding the new car to an existing policy. While this might save you from the cops, remember that getting involved in an accident would be financially disastrous.
However, if you’re in a bind and need to get your new car home, this guide can help you navigate your option.
Ways to Drive a New Car Home Without Insurance
In this section, I will disclose the various ways to drive a new car away from the dealership without insurance coverage.
Various jurisdictions each have policies on driving a new car home without insurance. In some states, there is no big deal in driving a new car home without protection. Nonetheless, some other countries are ever ready to impound the vehicle. If the police seize your new car, you can recover the car without insurance.
Below are the steps regarding how to drive a car home without insurance:
1. Let the Dealership Drive the Car
This is another smooth way to drive a new car home without insurance. This option will work for you if your home is near the dealership. However, driving the car home without insurance is not advisable if you live pretty far from the dealership.
To drive your new car home without insurance, discuss it with the dealership. Disclose to the dealership that you have no active insurance and will ensure after driving home.
The dealership is happy with you as a customer and would be willing to do anything, including being responsible for the vehicle’s liability. The dealership will then permit you to drive your car home under their insurance coverage, with staff accompanying you.
How is it possible? Consider when you test drive without insurance. Would the dealership make it mandatory to use your insurance? No, they will not because they have insured the car already. Nevertheless, not every dealership would be willing, so you must discuss the situation with them. The idea is simple; the dealership will aid in driving the car home as if it is a test drive.
2. The Private Seller Should Drive
Like the dealership, a private seller should have an insurance policy covering the car you are buying. Private sellers often have insurance policies that prevent them from taking responsibility for their vehicle insurance. Inquire from the seller whether the vehicle, whether your car is insured. If yes, ask the seller to drive the vehicle down to your home with you in the car.
It will be difficult for the private seller to give in, but you can convince him/her to do so. If you live within the town, it should be easy. When the police stop the car, inform them it is on a test drive.
When I purchased my first-ever car, I had no insurance, and I did not fancy getting temporary insurance for the day. I simply convinced the private dealership to drive me home in the car. My request was not declined, and I am confident your request will not be denied.
3. Tow the Car Home
Can you tow a new car home without insurance? Yes, you can. The law can’t fine you because you are not driving the car. But then, you must ensure all the necessary papers are on board to avoid inconveniences with road officials.
The only downside is that you have to pay for towing, which may be enough to afford temporary insurance. It will be a great idea if you live quite far from the dealership or private seller.
4. Use Old Insurance Coverage
You do not have to worry about insurance if your insurance includes the DOC (Drive Other Cars). Just inform the insurance company of the new car, and they will include it in the current coverage. Once you confirm the addition, you can hit the road in your new car.
Are you unsure whether your current insurance permits you to drive other cars? Contact the insurance helpdesk and inquire from them. If the insurance company does not provide the service, it is unfortunate that you can’t drive your new car home.
Also, this coverage is usually temporary and offers protection for your new vehicle for up to 5 days.
5. Pay the Police
Are you perplexed but wish to drive your car from the dealership to the house without insurance? Consider paying the cops to protect you. If you have a cop friend, it is super-easy to talk them into becoming your convoy as you drive home.
Of course, no road official(s) will stop your car while you drive home without insurance. Endeavour to drive safely and be on the lookout until you arrive home safely. After a day or two, do not hesitate to insure your new vehicle before hitting the road again.
How to Get Insurance to Drive New Car Home
If you would give in to the pressure of getting the car insured before driving home, then you need insurance. Below are the steps to get the new car insured before going home:
Shop for the Best Quotes
Usually, you should compare quotes from various insurance companies. Some insurers do not sell protection at cheap compared to several others. To opt for an affordable quote, shop and compare multiple quotes from various insurance companies. Make sure to understand their policies before signing up.
Contact the Insurance company.
Contact the insurance company and request express coverage. If you do not want full insurance, get temporary protection instead.
Get a Temporary Insurance
If you cannot afford the alternatives above, buy temporary vehicle insurance. Usually, you need drive-away insurance, which lasts between 5 and 7 days. It is the best bet you require to drive your car anywhere, as long as you do not exceed the timeline. Interestingly, it is a legal way to move your new car home.
If it tickles you to take the car home immediately, you do not have to visit any physical office. Apply for temporary insurance online, and you are good to go. Do not put your new car on the road when the protection exceeds its timeline.
Is It Illegal to Drive a New Car Home without Insurance?
Yes, it is illegal to drive a new car home without insurance. Follow the measures in this article to be a safe lane and avoid the hefty fines accompanying driving an uninsured car.
Are you yet to buy a car? See the recommended steps for buying a car.
Conclusion
Some of these measures regarding how to drive a new car home without insurance work for short distances. If you live far from the car assembly, it will be difficult to go home.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may require car insurance to drive off the car lot. If the road officials halt your car while you have no insurance coverage, you would have to pay a fine. Moreover, it is not safe for you to drive a new car without insurance. Unexpected situations can leap in at any time and may result in spending so much on repairs.
Bernard is the lead driver and force behind his Big Dog Garage Race Team. He is the General Manager and Chief Mechanic of Jay Leno’s Garage. Bernard and his crew of seven are responsible for all repairs, restoration and fabrication of Jay’s incredible automobile and motorcycle collection.
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