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Test drive car insurance

Need to take a car for a spin before committing? Don’t hit the road without cover! With Confused.com, comparing test drive car insurance quotes is a breeze.

So if you’re test-driving a car (or a few cars), we’ve got you covered from as little as 1 hour to 28 days.

Get a quote Takes less than 2 mins

How to compare test drive car insurance quotes

Setting up insurance for a test drive is as easy as pie. Here’s how you can do it in just three steps:

Share your details

Provide your name, address, driving history, and details about the car you want to test drive.

Choose your cover

Need insurance for an hour, a day, or even a week? Select the duration that works best for you.

Start your policy when you’re ready

Planning ahead? Good idea. Buy a policy up to 28 days in advance, so you’re covered exactly when you need it.

It takes less than 2 minutes to get a quote. It’s that simple.

What is test drive insurance?

Test drive insurance is a flexible, temporary policy designed to cover you when you’re trying out a new vehicle. It protects you from potential fines, points on your licence, or worse if the unexpected happens while you’re behind the wheel.

Here’s what it offers:

Comprehensive cover for damage to the car, third parties, or their property
No impact on your existing no-claims bonus if you need to make a claim

Looking for longer-term cover?

Check out our annual car insurance policies.

Get a quote

Do you need insurance to test drive a car?

Yes, you absolutely need insurance to test drive a car. Driving without it could result in:

A £300 fine
6 penalty points on your licence
A potential court case, an unlimited fine, or even a ban

Key tips:

At a dealership: Check if they provide cover for your test drive
Private sellers: You’ll need to arrange your own temporary insurance policy before driving

How does test drive insurance work?

Test drive insurance is designed to give you peace of mind while trying out a car before you buy it. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, it ensures you’re legally covered and protected for the duration of the drive.

This type of temporary car insurance is flexible by nature, allowing you to choose coverage from an hour up to 28 days. You can even buy policies up to 28 days before you need them.

Here’s how it works:

Pick the car you want to insure
Provide details of the car you’ll be driving, including the make, model, and value. Note: Confused.com doesn't compare cover for cars with a value below £1,500.
Choose your coverage length
Select the duration of the policy, from an hour-long test drive to 28 days of protection.
Get instant comprehensive cover
Your policy activates as soon as you’ve paid for it. You’re ready to hit the road.

It’s worth noting that test drive insurance is:

Comprehensive: You’re covered for damage you cause to the car you’re driving, any third parties, or their property
Separate from your main policy: Claims won’t affect your no-claims bonus on any existing car insurance you might have

When your policy ends, so does your cover–no auto-renewals, no hidden fees. And if you need more time to decide on a car, you can always buy another temporary policy for extra hours or days.

Whether you're test-driving a brand-new model or a pre-owned gem, test-drive insurance ensures a smooth and worry-free experience.

Why compare temporary test drive car insurance quotes?

Why settle for one-size-fits-all when finding test drive insurance? Comparing quotes helps you:

Save money by choosing the most competitive option
Avoid gaps in protection while you’re behind the wheel
Choose optional extras or set a voluntary excess to suit your needs
Pay only for the time you need, from as little as 1 hour

What does a test drive car insurance policy cover?

Finding the right test drive insurance shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why every temporary car insurance policy through Confused.com includes comprehensive cover – making your test drive stress-free and safe.

What's covered:

You’ll benefit from*:

Cover for yourself, your car, any involved third parties and their property
Protection against non-collision risks, including theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage
Cover if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver
Reduced out-of-pocket expenses if an incident occurs
Legal liability cover
Cover for driving in the EU (third-party-only)

*Always review the specific policy wording for details, as coverage may vary by insurer.

What's not covered:

While test drive insurance offers robust coverage, there are some limitations:

Driving other cars: The policy only applies to the vehicle you’ve insured for the test drive
Additional drivers: Only the named driver on the policy is insured
Claims made for activities outside of the agreed use

If the car is used for something beyond a test drive, you’ll need a different type of policy.

Who’s eligible for temporary test drive insurance?

As with any insurance product, certain eligibility criteria apply to short-term vehicle policies. When you buy online with Confused.com, we ask that you:

Live in the UK
Have held a full UK driving licence for at least 6 months
Are between 17 and 78 years old

Please note: Approval depends on previous claims and convictions.

That’s all there is to it. No hassle, no stress – just easy, straightforward cover for your test drive.

That’s what life feels like when you’ve just used Confused.com.

Get a quote

What our expert says

"It takes less than 2 minutes to find test drive cover, so you’ll be able to set it up even if you’re already at the dealership or with a private seller.

“Driving without cover could land you with points, a fine or worse, so it’s just not worth the risk, especially if you’re driving an unfamiliar car.

Rhydian Jones - Confused.com Commercial Director

Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert

Driving your new car home after a test drive

Bought the car after your test drive? Congratulations! But remember, you’ll need valid insurance to drive it home.

If you’ve just bought your car after a test drive, here are your options for getting it home safely:

Get an annual policy: If you're ready to commit to long-term cover, you can switch to a full annual car insurance policy. This gives you comprehensive cover for the entire year, protecting you from accidents, damages, and third-party liability as you drive your new car home. Are you a new driver? Compare quotes for your first car insurance policy.
Drive away insurance: If you don’t want to commit to a full 12-month policy right away, drive away insurance is a flexible, short-term solution. It’s designed specifically for people who need temporary cover to get their new car home. Giving you time to compare options and find the best annual policy for you.

Regardless of which cover you choose, both options ensure you’re covered from the moment you pick up your new car.

FAQs about temporary car insurance for a test drive

Still unsure about buying temporary cover for a test drive? We’ve got you what you need! Here are expert answers to FAQs about test drive car insurance.

How much does test drive car insurance cost?

Test drive insurance starts from just £20 for a 1-hour policy*. The cost can vary depending on factors like how long you need cover for and the type of car you’re driving. The longer the cover, the higher the price, but it’s all about what suits your needs.

Whether you need insurance for a quick test drive or a few days, you can easily compare quotes to find the best deal.

*Based on Confused.com data on average policy purchase prices in September 2023.

Can I test drive a SORN car?

No - if a car has been declared off-road with a SORN, it’s illegal for anyone to drive it, even for a test drive. Before you can drive the car, the owner has to remove the SORN and get it taxed. You then need to get test drive insurance before you can drive the car.

If you buy a car with a SORN, you’d need to tax and insure it yourself before you can drive it home.

Do I need insurance for an extended test drive?

Yes, extended test drives last longer than your typical trip around the block, so you need to make sure you’re insured. Some can last as long as seven days.

They’re usually only offered by dealerships, as private sellers are less likely to let you keep their car for a week. You might not have to buy test drive insurance for extended test drives as the dealership often has its own insurance in place.

While this should cover you, it’s always worth checking before you start driving. If you do need to arrange it yourself, you can buy extended test drive insurance for as long as 28 days.

Do I need insurance to test drive a used car?

Yes, insurance is legally required to test drive any car, whether it’s new or used.

Even if you’re already insured on your own car, it doesn’t cover you for someone else’s vehicle. Some dealerships might offer test drive insurance as standard, but you should always double-check.

If not, don’t fret! You can easily grab temporary test drive insurance for as little as 1 hour or up to 28 days. Quick, simple, and totally stress-free!

Reviewed by Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert Updated on 14 February 2025

Confused.com's temporary cover solution is provided by Tempcover LTD. Tempcover LTD are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 746985. Tempcover LTD is registered in England No. 9923259 at office: 2nd floor, Admiral House, Harington Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4BB. Confused.com is an intermediary and receives a percentage of commission received by Tempcover LTD.