Selling my car. Test Drive Dilemma.

[ringway]

I'm selling my S210 320CDI.

I had a back operation a couple of weeks ago so I'm in no fit state to accompany a potential buyer on a test drive.

What can go wrong?

I'm assuming that if I give the keys to someone and they don't return with my car, I've had it?

I have thought of getting a friend to sit in on the test drive, but will my car be fully covered by my insurance in the event of theft or accident?


All advice very much appreciated.


TIA.


Paul.

 

[developer]

You also need to check the driver has insurance cover for your car, which is unlikely - it's a tough one all roads round.

A driving licence or passport from the driver would help, if you decide to let them out alone, but if they bump it you're buggered.

 

[renault12ts]

Risky Paul, I'm not sure I'd let anyone test it if I wasn't there. Check your insurance policy to make sure they would be insured...don't rely on their insurance.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

If the person 'testing' your car has his own fully comp insurance, he should be covered to drive yours, but third party only. having someone sit with the 'tester would be a good idea.
The only way your car would be fully covered would be if it were insured for any driver, this would be true whether you were in the car with them or not.

 

[ringway]

The only way your car would be fully covered would be if it were insured for any driver, this would be true whether you were in the car with them ot not.

Thanks Woody. I'll call my insurer and see if I can arrange short term any driver cover.

 

[kins]

Methinks contact your insurer first to get their tack on your predicament . Forwarned is forarmed or so they say , whoever "they" are ! I certainly don't envy your task and good luck with it . I hope there is a satisfactory conclusion to your dilemma .

 

[Rory]

I'm assuming that if I give the keys to someone and they don't return with my car, I've had it?

Correct.

I have thought of getting a friend to sit in on the test drive, but will my car be fully covered by my insurance in the event of theft or accident?

I'm bemused by why you think being in the car would make any difference to the insurance cover. It's as if you think anyone can drive your car as long as you're in it. Please tell me that you don't really think that.

 

[grober]

I guess you have to assess your buyer carefully. A bit of a "friendly chat" to establish some background / address/place of employment / ability to pay for example prior to any test drive would be a good idea. Be prepared to refuse a test drive and potentially lose a sale if you have any concerns or things don't seem right . They need to be accompanied by you or a friend on any test drive. The number of people in the car during the test drive should 2 only ---you /your representative and the " tester" i.e. the prospective owner or his tame expert.

 

[harrim00]

If the person 'testing' your car has his own fully comp insurance, he should be covered to drive yours, but third party only. having someone sit with the 'tester would be a good idea.
The only way your car would be fully covered would be if it were insured for any driver, this would be true whether you were in the car with them or not.

Unfortunately not. A lot of people assume this but a large number of insurers have stopped thus now. Some still do but most don't. Check and ask for evidence.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Mb dealers do a free heathcheck tick sheet or at least Chester do, why not get this done and possibly a star print out ?

Last Merc I sold had both of these for the buyer to see and it's little effort and cost.

 

[Rory]

Unfortunately not. A lot of people assume this but a large number of insurers have stopped thus now. Some still do but most don't. Check and ask for evidence.

Most have put it back, but only for over 25's.

You do need to to check anyway though. Also it's common for people to think covered and it turns out that they don't even have their own insurance, they're a named driver on someone else's policy.

 

[Dieselman]

I'm bemused by why you think being in the car would make any difference to the insurance cover. It's as if you think anyone can drive your car as long as you're in it. Please tell me that you don't really think that.

I think he means that he would have some control over a situation and the driver not just driving off with the car.

As ringway said, if he gives someone the keys and they go then he's up the creek without a paddle, but if he's in the car they have to effectively rob him to take the car.

My advice would be to either wait until fit enough to be able to go in the car yourself or to have someone that you know you can trust and is insured for your car to act as chaperone, given ringways current fitness level, both might be a good idea.

I know someone who had a back op recently. They said they would be up and driving in about two weeks... LOL

 

[Mavster]

I would get the car inspected by the AA/ RAC. Provide the report to any potential buyer and explain the situation about test drives.

Allow them to pay for the car, and then get a friend to sit with them for a final test drive when they come to collect the car, at which point the buyer will have their own insurance and will have the test drive report from the inspection company. If they damage the car during the drive then they own it so it is not your problem.

The report will only cost a hundred or so, but it gives peace of mind and a view on how the car drives.

 

[mdk1]

You can get one day car insurance,
http://www.insuredaily.co.uk

When the buyer comes, enter there details, ask them to pay ( will show how serious they are) print off the cert. and away you go.

If they buy you could offer a refund on the one day cost.

 

[m2287]

You can get one day car insurance,
Temporary car insurance, Short term car & van insurance - Insure Daily

When the buyer comes, enter there details, ask them to pay ( will show how serious they are) print off the cert. and away you go.

If they buy you could offer a refund on the one day cost.

That's exactly what I do and I make it clear that's what I do to any potential buyers before they come. Separates any timewasters straight away.

 

[gIzzE]

Paul, PM me the deatils of your car would you mate?

Cheers

Guy

 

[ringway]

I think he means that he would have some control over a situation and the driver not just driving off with the car.


As ringway said, if he gives someone the keys and they go then he's up the creek without a paddle, but if he's in the car they have to effectively rob him to take the car.

My advice would be to either wait until fit enough to be able to go in the car yourself or to have someone that you know you can trust and is insured for your car to act as chaperone, given ringways current fitness level, both might be a good idea.

I know someone who had a back op recently. They said they would be up and driving in about two weeks... LOL

Thanks DM.

Yes I was worried about being taken advantage of in my current state - This is where you get out Ringway! LOL!

I'll be honest that I wasn't quite sure about the state of play regarding others driving my car having had a few friends offering to drive me around in my car on their insurance (third party).
My other thought was of a neighbour who is a motor trader accompanying a test-driver and possibly having some kind of insurance cover, but having spoken to him earlier I've found out that he'd only be covered if he'd bought the car. His advice was not to let anyone have a test drive and drive the potential buyers around myself, which wont' be happening for a while.


As for driving two weeks after the back operation? Erm..

 

[camerafodder]

Yes I was worried about being taken advantage of in my current state

That's not what I heard!

I would echo DM's advice.

Here's wishing you a speedy recovery

 

[A210AMG]

I sold my Brothers Golf years ago when he was in America..

I went for the drive (I drove) with potential buyer in passenger seat.

I am fully comp on my own car with my own insurance (and have 3rd party on other cars) (check if they have company car insurance as this doesn't usually cover them even third party).

I would use a family friend, obviously ideal if local and they could drive the car prior to any actual tesy drive just to be familiar with the way it drives, buttons etc..

good look with your heath and the sale

 

[Coggers]

This is the normal situation for anyone buying or selling a motorbike. You basically have a good look round it and it's 'sold as seen' the first chance you get to ride it is after you've handed over your hard earned cash.

Unfortunately car drivers will expect a test drive, so getting a friend to sit in and hoping he doesn't crash is probably your best option I'm afraid. Realities of selling a car.