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[terry paget]

Does anyone know whether a standard comprehensive policy covers me when towing:
a) a small trailer
b) a large trailer carrying a car
c) a car on the end of a towbar without its own cover

[joff]

If the car your towing does not have insurance then it needs to be on a trailer

[Entwood]

You will generally be covered for third party claims only in respect of the towed unit ... as an example .. when towing my caravan or my utility trailer...

1) The car, and all third parties, are covered by the car insurance fully comp

2) If the caravan or trailer causes damage, either when attached or if it breaks loose, all third party claims are covered by the car insurance.

3) Damage to the caravan is ONLY covered by the separate caravan insurance

4) Damage to the trailer is not covered as it is not insured

so in your cases 1 & 2 .. third party cover does exist .. however I'm not at all certain of the legalities of a rigid tow ... I believe (but have no proof) that this is to remove a vehicle to a place of safety only ??

[Crazycarzowner]

If the car your towing does not have insurance then it needs to be on a trailer   

Car being towed needs its own 3rd party insurance.

[terry paget]

Thank you gentlemen. That is what I imagined. My current insurer (Admiral) grants me the right to drive any other car not owned by me, but only so long as that other car has insurance cover. This last condition is my problem. In the past I have driven cars home from purchase or auction legally by delaying change of ownership until I arrive home. I suppose now I have no alternative but arrange temporary insurance cover. I know the trade has trade plates and other dodges; trailers and transporters too.

 

[Crazycarzowner]

Yup, seized many a car due to "I thought I could drive any car on my policy?" Yes, was my reply, as long as the other car has a 3rd party policy in place.  & don't forget trade plates only cover the 'car tax' aspect of things, not mot or insurance.

[r1]

well my insurance just states can drive other  cars no where does it say they have to be insured maybe I need to check,but picked up a car from the police pound  that had got towed for no insurance and the police where happy to let me drive it away.

[Crazycarzowner]

Do you have a trade policy R1??

[Jimbob]

Few years ago I SPOKE to Direct line, who informed me, for them, the car did not have to be insured in its own right, but if for example it caused damage while parked, handbrake failure for example, I would be liable.

Other insurers have said the opposite, Admiral for instance, so check on an insurer by insurer basis

[2woody]

most insurance policies have a "we cover you for seven days for a new car purchase before you've told us you've got it" clause

[2woody]

... and cowing a car on a trailer is only covered if its legal.

which means that its withion the specific GTM of the towing vehicle and within the legal weight limit

[Sir Tigger KC]

In the past I have driven cars home from purchase or auction legally by delaying change of ownership until I arrive home.

If you have paid for the car, you are the legal owner regardless of who the car is actually registered to.  The V5 is not proof of ownership, so that's a bit iffy in my opinion. 

You'd probably get away with it if you got pulled for a minor infringement, but I doubt that your theory would stand up in the event of an accident for example.   

[Kevin Wood]

In the past I have driven cars home from purchase or auction legally by delaying change of ownership until I arrive home.

If you have paid for the car, you are the legal owner regardless of who the car is actually registered to.  The V5 is not proof of ownership, so that's a bit iffy in my opinion. 

You'd probably get away with it if you got pulled for a minor infringement, but I doubt that your theory would stand up in the event of an accident for example.   

Indeed. A phone call to the registered keeper would reveal that you've paid for it and, therefore, own it. If something major happened, an insurance company would be looking for a way out of the claim, and, you'd play straight into their hands with this one.

[Crazycarzowner]

Few years ago I SPOKE to Direct line, who informed me, for them, the car did not have to be insured in its own right, but if for example it caused damage while parked, handbrake failure for example, I would be liable.

The law  changed in 2011 see the below

http://www.mib.org.uk/motor+insurance+database/en/continuous+insurance+enforcement/default.htm

[Jimbob]

Few years ago I SPOKE to Direct line, who informed me, for them, the car did not have to be insured in its own right, but if for example it caused damage while parked, handbrake failure for example, I would be liable.

The law  changed in 2011 see the below

http://www.mib.org.uk/motor+insurance+database/en/continuous+insurance+enforcement/default.htm

This was indeed a few years before that came in, hadnt considered that change