Unaccompanied Demonstration Cover

Typically, a salesperson or representative must be present to accompany people on test drives. The insurance required for this is accompanied demonstration cover.

However, with social distancing recommendations in place, the test driver and dealer aren’t safe while accompanied demonstrations take place. This situation is likely to continue for a considerable time yet – even after lockdown is lifted.

Hence, the DVLA has reacted sensibly to ease restrictions on test drives.

While many dealers have welcomed this latest news, it does raise questions about what insurance cover they need to have in place.

Unaccompanied Demonstration Cover: How do I get it, and what does it cost?

Unaccompanied demonstration cover is required to carry out test drives using trade plates. Without this, your motor trade policy won’t cover your vehicle.

Usually, this won’t form part of your insurance policy, so it will need to be added. Insurers are doing their best to keep any additional costs down to a minimum in the current circumstances. They are mindful that motor traders need this cover to keep their businesses up and running with social distancing measures in place.

We can assist with the addition of unaccompanied demonstration cover on motor trade policies, particularly motor trade combined policies. Get in touch with us for more information on the availability of this insurance for your business.

What do I need to do to allow an unaccompanied test drive?

There are some considerations for dealers to make when allowing unaccompanied test drives.

Here’s our five-point guide to staying safe and allowing test drives:

1. Safety is paramount. Before you do anything, make sure you have followed the HSE safety guidance and – where necessary – have a written assessment to ensure your business is Covid-19 secure. You should minimise contact with any potential customers, and make sure the vehicle is cleaned and wiped down before and after the test drive. Cleaning should include door handles, the steering wheel and gear stick, handbrake, rear-view mirror, switches, and seats.
2. Make the relevant checks. This is even more important when sending a customer out on their own on a test drive. The usual things you might do – checking driving licences with the DVLA, completing all forms with relevant details, etc. – are essential. Make sure you run through a full checklist before handing over the keys, and see that they are safely returned  to a ‘dropbox.’
3. Work electronically. Ensure ‘paperwork’ is filed electronically wherever possible (including electronic document signing).
4. Make sure you have unaccompanied demonstration cover. Speak to Bollington about adding the protection you need to allow unattended test drives.
5. Fit the trade plates to the vehicle. This is no different to an accompanied drive – trade plates are needed. Fitting them ensures you are complying with the terms required for unaccompanied demonstration cover to be valid.

Is unaccompanied demonstration cover different to accompanied demonstration cover?

Aside from the obvious difference that a test driver must be accompanied for accompanied demonstration cover to remain valid, there is no difference in the insurance provided.  However, unaccompanied demonstration cover accounts for an element of risk in handing over the keys to the test driver. Be mindful of the risks before allowing an unaccompanied drive.

As and when social distancing measures ease, accompanied demonstration cover is more likely to become the ‘norm’ once more.

Where can I get help and advice on unaccompanied demonstration cover for my motor trade business?

Gallagher are on-hand to answer any of your questions and ensure you have the right cover for your business.

Contact your account manager or call us on 01625 854443 for more information on taking out unaccompanied demonstration cover, and keep your business trading.