What is Unaccompanied Demonstration Cover?
With social distancing rules in place, it’s not possible for motor traders to travel safely with customers on test drives.
Unaccompanied demonstration cover allows a test drive to be taken by a customer, without the dealer present in the vehicle. This keeps both the driver and the dealer safe, while allowing a prospective buyer the chance to test out the vehicle.
What does unaccompanied demonstration insurance cover?
Unaccompanied demonstration insurance provides road risks cover for:
- Use of a vehicle for the purposes of an unattended test drive
- Injury to the driver or third parties and their property following an incident or accident
- Theft of the vehicle (where third-party fire and theft or comprehensive road risks cover is in place)
How do I reduce the risk with unattended test drives?
Before handing over the keys, make sure you:
- Ensure you follow HSE guidelines. Wipe down all surfaces in the vehicle, including switchgear, gear levers, the handbrake, dashboard, steering wheel, pedals, door handles, ignition, locks etc. Do this before the vehicle goes out for test drive, and when it returns.
- Carry out DVLA checks on driving licences.
- Ensure as much relevant information is known about the individual as possible, including credit checks where necessary, to verify their identity.
- Ensure all paperwork is signed off electronically.
- Make certain you have unaccompanied demonstration insurance in place.
- Fit the trade plates to the vehicle so you’re insured.
Why do I need unaccompanied demonstration cover?
Following the coronavirus outbreak, accompanied demonstration cover is no longer effective. Yet test drives remain crucial for dealers to pick up sales, allowing customers to ‘drive before they buy’.
The DVLA has responded by allowing unaccompanied test drives with trade plates fitted on a vehicle. As a result, insurers have introduced unaccompanied demonstration cover.
This extension to your motor trade insurance policy provides cover should the unaccompanied driver be involved in an accident, or the vehicle is stolen (subject to a minimum level of third party fire and theft cover).
How do I get unaccompanied demonstration cover?
As an existing customer, we can add this cover as an extension to your policy. New customers can request a quote as part of their motor trade insurance quote.
Call us to discuss your requirements, and we will provide an individual quote based on your circumstances.
We’ll offer advice on any covers you need, and can even put you in touch with risk management experts if you need them, to help comply with HSE guidelines.
Speak to an expert, call 01625 885046 01625 885046
How much does unaccompanied demonstration cover cost?
Insurers have worked hard to keep the cost of cover down, so traders can continue to buy and sell vehicles while social distancing measures remain in place. This is especially useful, as there are increased risks with handing over the keys to a vehicle to be driven away unattended.
Costs are based on your individual business. Contact us for further information and a personalised quote.
Can you get unaccompanied demonstration cover on a road risks only policy?
Most motor trade businesses with trade plates have motor trade combined cover in place.
That said, unaccompanied demonstration cover can be added to a road risks policy. So, as long as you have trade plates, then you can request this cover.