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Short term car insurance can be a great option when you’re looking to buy or sell a car. Whether you need to insure a car that you’ve bought in order to get it home, or so someone can test-drive a car you’re selling, its flexible nature could be just the ticket.

It can be arranged in minutes and last anywhere from one hour to a few days – perfect whether you want to test drive a car or shop around for an insurance policy once you’ve got your new wheels.

Two male hands exchanging car key fob

Buy a car with short term car insurance and get on the road quickly

Nothing beats the freedom that comes with being able to hit the open road whenever you like. And that freedom only really comes when you own your car. But, before you buy a new ride,  you need to think about practical matters like insurance. 

And, when you’re shopping around for a new car, you might find you need insurance to test-drive your dream ride. But getting quotes can be such a drag. That’s where short term car insurance like Zixty comes in. It’s designed for people who need cover for a limited period of time. It can help you get on the road in minutes without any hassle. Plus, it can last from just an hour up to 28 days, giving you plenty of time to test-drive that potential purchase. 

If you choose to buy the car, temporary car insurance can help too! You can’t legally drive your new car home without car insurance in place. But, temporary car insurance is super flexible. Which means you could take out a policy that lasts just a few days. Or however long you need to shop around and get the best deal on your annual insurance policy.

If you find the prospect of buying a car daunting, then why not have a glance at our top tips for buying a car safely, and buying for the right price. 

Whether you’re just test-driving a potential vehicle or taking your new car home, temporary car insurance can make for a smooth ride. 

Smiling young man in shorts, sits in front of his Land Rover Evoque, autumn leaves in background

Sell a car with short term car insurance for extra peace of mind

If you’re selling a car, short term car insurance can give you an extra layer of protection as well. Say you’re hoping to just sell your car on eBay or Autotrader. People will probably want to come see your car before they buy it. Many will also want to try it out. 

But, chances are, these potential buyers will not be insured to drive your car. Even if they own a car and have a comprehensive insurance policy, it’s likely their cover won’t extend to driving other cars. What’s the solution? You can’t just tell them they can’t test drive your car. 

You guessed it, it’s short term car insurance cover to the rescue again! 

Short term car insurance policies could help a potential buyer test drive your car safely and legally. All you’ll need to do is give the driver your permission to use your vehicle. Then, as long as they meet our criteria, they could take out cover that lasts as little as 60 minutes – that’s just enough to let them see whether the car’s right for them! 

Of course, if you’re opting for a private sale, you’re in charge of making sure the test drive goes smoothly. There are always risks associated with letting strangers drive your car. As unlikely as it might seem, theft remains a possibility. 

So it’s a good idea to take steps to make sure both you and your car are as safe as possible. You could, for example, keep hold of the person’s driving licence as security. Or perhaps, you could accompany them on the test drive if you feel it is safe to do so. Whatever steps you decide to take, making sure you stay safe during the sale is key here. Without over-egging the pudding – your safety, and the safety of your car are paramount.

Once you’re ready to proceed, you won’t even have to call us to get a quote. Your Zixty policy can be arranged via our website or our app in minutes. Cover could start in as little as 5 minutes, allowing them to try out your car quickly and safely.

If you’re a detail person, why not check out our guide to selling your car, where we’ve pulled together a tip-packed guide to help you sell safely and at the best price.

Smiling young woman looks at camera. She is seated in the driver's seat of a car and proudly holding up the keys to her new car.

Buying and selling a car with short term car insurance

Short term car insurance is a great way to protect yourself when buying or selling a car. It’s quick and easy to purchase online or via the app, and it can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is properly insured. So next time you’re in the market for a new ride, consider giving short term car insurance a go.