Just wondered if anybody has had good experience at picking up cheap insurance off the highstreet.
I have to do this tomorrow instead of using the usual Internet suppliers as I need to get the certificate / cover note to pick up a new car.
Cheers.... HB.
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Why do you need a covernote to pick the car up?
Every car I've ever bought, I've arranged cover over the phone, made sure I'm insured and driven off.
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I read often, only post occasionally
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Why do you need a covernote to pick the car up?
>>Every car I've ever bought, I've arranged cover over the phone, made sure I'm insured and driven off.
>>
spikeyhead -
see www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=21743&...f
"Documentation
You are reminded that it is your personal responsibility, under the Road Traffic Acts, to ensure that you are in possession of a current valid cover note or certificate of insurance before using your vehicle on the public highway."
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"Usual Internet Suppliers!"
It wasn't that long ago that you couldn't get cover over the 'phone, let alone on the internet. (Showing my age)
Try the AA - they used to have shops all over the place - don't know if they still do.
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Agree about above answer regarding no need for the insurance certificate or cover note if you have pre-arranged the insurance.
More likely is the fact that the vehicle would have to be registered with the DVLA in your name as the owner before you could take it home.
My son bought a used car some considerable distance away from home a few months ago - it had to be registered that day before he could leave the dealership in it (fortunately there was enough time left to do so). Otherwise he would have had to make another trip to collect it.
Secondly, the AA is a broker - you'll find equivalent cover for far, far less elsewhere by going direct.
Talking of direct, try DirectLine. Turned out cheapest for me for past two years, a reverse of previous experience. Also renewal premium this year is actually £18 cheaper than when I first took out insurance with the company last year.
Never had a price reduction before during 48 years behind a steering wheel, although there have been years when it hasn't gone up..:-)
If you arrange cover either over the phone or online, you state exactly the date and time that you want the cover to commence. You will then be covered even if you don't have the actual documentation with you.
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I suspect because either;
The supplying dealer has to get road tax for him.
or
There is some financial arrangement on the vehicle.
As an aside, technically travelling without your documents IS against the law and the 5 (or 7?) day producer is a concession, not a right. Although I'm not sure what would happen if they tried to enforce it.
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You're right - at my age memory tends to play tricks...:-(
It was to obtain road tax - payment had been made for the vehicle.
As there is no requirement for you to carry your insurance documents with you at all times - as a personal security measure it's wise not to in any case, as is the case with your driving licence - a police officer will provide if necessary, dependent on the alleged offence, the option to produce required documents at a police station within a seven day period.
It will soon be sussed out if you were not actually covered at the time you were stopped.
Lancashire Police, for instance, state:
"If a driver cannot produce the relevant documents at the time of request the police officer will issue an HO/RT/1 form. The documents should be produced with this form at the police station nominated by the driver.
"If a HO/RT/1 is issued, the driver has seven clear days from midnight on the day of the request to produce the documents at the nominated station.
"The driving licence must be produced in person. The certificate of insurance and the MOT test certificate can be produced by any person. If one of the documents you are required to produce is lost, immediately apply for a duplicate and produce the documents that are available at the nominated station. (Police action will be explained to you when you produce the documents you have available)."
Relevant documents are a driving licence, insurance certificate and MOT (if appropriate).
No stipulation is made that such documents should be carried at all times whilst driving.
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>>I suspect because either;>>
Apologies, I thought you had responded to my second posting and not holtyboy when I first read it...:-(
Obtaining road tax would be the most likely reason as you state.
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Now I'm confused. I was replying to you, and your reply to me seemed fine.
Right now I have no idea who is replying to whom about what.
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>>Right now I have no idea who is replying to whom about what.>>
The times of the posts might help...:-)
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Thanks for all the thoughts guys.
Yes, the reason is Road Tax. Can't get it without a certificate or cover note. Am phoning around now trying to get insurance from a highstreet dealer - so far £40 more than Direct Line is my best quote.
TheAA closed all their stores a while ago apparently :-(
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Direct Line post out the documents immediately. You\'d have them tomorrow morning.
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Thanks, but going on holiday this afternoon - wanted to pick up the car today!
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OK problem solved - Directline is allowing me to pick-up the certificate from their offices in Croydon which is not a million miles from my home.
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You never know when the post is going to arrive or whether first class post is as it's named these days...:-)
Hope the car doesn't break down on holiday - enjoy it....
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With DirectLine and presumably other internet insurers you can print out cover details when the transaction is complete. You will also get a confirmation email. Printed both off and used them as evidence of insurance cover when I picked up my car last September.
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>>Thanks, but going on holiday this afternoon - wanted to pick up the car today!
Now that is what I call brave! I'm sure you'll be OK... but I wouldn't like to risk it! There again, I'll happily go right the way across Britain in my car that is over a decade old.
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