Overhaulin'

Car insurance, do i need the paper documents to arrive before driving car?

Im planning on buying a car tommorow, the internet websites say i can start insuring tommorow if i wanted to but im guessing the paper documents might not arrive till after the actual insurance starts. In UK law, am i allowed to drive the car, technically i am insured, its just i wont have the documentation to prove it if i somehow i am involved in an accident before the paperwork arrives? Will i be able to drive the car before the documentation arrives?

Public Comments

1. no u don't need it to arrive b4 u drive it u should have been given the policy number online or over the phone and not only that if u were stoped by the police or in an accident the police would no strait away if the car was insured for u to drive because when u take out insurance now it is registered on the data base instantly
2. if you booked your ins on line you also can print the documents
3. When you arrange insurance you and the insurer agree a date and time for it to start. If it is a new policy, not a renewal, it will usually start immediately and so you can drive immediately. You don't have to wait for the paperwork to arrive, but you can print out the confirmation if you want to have proof that you are insured.
4. You will have documentation. If you go into the agent's office, he will hand you the needed paperwork. If you do it on line using a credit or debit card, they will give you documents to print to show proof of insurance.
5. Your insurance company will have some kind of documentation that you can carry with you. You can either get it from your insurance agent, or print it from the insurance company's website.