Your Guide to Driveaway Insurance: Short-Term Protection for Vehicle Movement
When you buy a new car or need to move a vehicle from one location to another, you require immediate protection to stay legal on the road. This is where driveaway insurance comes in. It is a specialized short-term policy designed to protect you while you are driving a car that does not yet have a permanent insurance policy.
Ideal for car dealers, transporters, or private buyers, driveaway insurance ensures you are fully covered while getting the vehicle to its final destination.
Understanding Driveaway Insurance
Driveaway insurance is a temporary motor policy that provides essential legal and financial protection when moving or delivering vehicles. Instead of committing to a long-term plan, you can purchase coverage for a few hours, days, or even a week to meet short-term needs perfectly.
This type of insurance is especially useful for individuals buying cars privately or from dealerships, motor traders and transport companies, drivers delivering vehicles for customers, and those collecting vehicles from auctions. It helps mitigate risks during vehicle transfers—such as accidents, theft, or third-party damage—without the need for a full-term auto insurance plan.
How Driveaway Insurance Works
The process for driveaway insurance is straightforward and mirrors regular car insurance, but for a limited time. You can purchase it online, select your desired coverage period, and become insured instantly once payment is processed.
Typical coverage periods range from one to seven days for individuals and can extend up to 30 days for businesses or traders. Once the policy expires, the coverage stops automatically, eliminating any need for cancellation or renewal.
What Does Driveaway Insurance Cover?
A standard driveaway insurance policy provides comprehensive protection. Key coverage areas include third-party liability, which covers injury or property damage you cause to others in an accident. It also includes fire and theft protection, paying for damage if the vehicle is stolen or catches fire during transit.
Furthermore, policies often cover accidental damage, handling repair or replacement costs if the car is damaged while in your care. Personal injury coverage is also common, providing compensation for medical expenses or loss due to an injury. For traders and companies, public liability coverage is essential when handling client vehicles. It is important to remember that specific coverage details can vary by insurer, so always review the policy terms carefully before purchasing.
Who Needs Driveaway Insurance?
Driveaway insurance is designed for anyone who needs to move a car temporarily without a long-term policy. Common users include private car buyers driving a newly purchased vehicle home, motor traders transporting cars between lots or to customers, and professional delivery drivers moving cars as part of their service. Mechanics or garages also use it for road-testing repaired vehicles, and auction buyers need it when collecting vehicles from car auctions. It is a smart, flexible, and legal solution for anyone driving a vehicle that is not yet permanently insured.
The Benefits of Driveaway Insurance
Opting for driveaway insurance offers numerous advantages. You can secure instant coverage online and be protected within minutes. The short-term flexibility allows you to choose coverage from a few hours to several days, making it a highly cost-effective solution where you only pay for the time you need without any long-term contracts.
Crucially, it provides legal protection, ensuring you comply with mandatory road insurance laws. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind by protecting you, the vehicle, and others during transit. For businesses, this also helps build customer trust by demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to caring for their vehicles.
Driveaway Insurance vs. Temporary Car Insurance
While both are short-term solutions, they serve different primary purposes. Driveaway insurance is intended for moving or delivering vehicles, often by traders, transporters, or buyers, where the vehicle is frequently not owned by the driver. Policies can last up to 30 days.
In contrast, temporary car insurance is generally used for personal short-term driving by individuals or tourists, typically in a car they own or have rented, with policies usually lasting up to 28 days. If you are transporting a vehicle that is not registered to you, driveaway insurance is the correct and necessary choice
