Insurance Question-buyer + Seller.

[Chris Skelton]

OK 'Mr Insurance' (I know you're there!), try this one.

Whilst investigating importing a car from Europe (Citroen XM, since you ask) I discovered an interesting fact. The SELLER'S insurance covers the car until midnight on day of sale! ( SO if you can get to ferry in time, it saves a lot of fuss!)

Does this apply to the UK as well?

So, if I buy a car I still can drive it home before self-insuring.

Would certainly make tentative buying easier-no more arranging Insurance/pending, then not buy car etc!

We await words of wisdom!

(Thank you!)

[Ruud]

I think the difference is that in Europe (I know this is the case in Holland) you insure the car rather than the driver.

In the UK on most policies one is allowed to drive a car that is not owned by the policy holder on a third party cover.

Holland also doesn't know the 'added driver' principle. Anyone (even without car or insurance) can drive any insured car providing you have a valid license.

In UK terms this would mean that the insurance currently on the car becomes invalid as soon as you take ownership of the car.

[Chris Skelton]

I guess, in reality, we insure BOTH car and driver, as Companies take consideration of the car details and owner?

[Ruud]

Well yes, but here in the UK the driver is directly linked to the car. In Europe not so much