Do more before you travel
Ask for clear photographs, the VIN, service information and recent invoices. Check MOT history and consider a paid history check. For a valuable purchase, an independent inspection may save a wasted journey or a difficult dispute.
Confirm collection hours and payment arrangements. Keep a return option that does not depend on the car being suitable to drive.
Make the cover comfortably long enough
Allow for delays, a late handover and breaks. Check the policy start and finish times, geographic limits and permitted use. If the journey might cross into another country, do not assume UK cover extends to it.
Get a short-term quote →Ramasis Limited supplies quotations and policies, subject to criteria and terms. We may receive commission on a sale, which will not change your premium.
Prepare the route, not just the destination
Choose a sensible route with fuel or charging stops and somewhere safe for an early check. Avoid setting off at the end of a long day if possible. If another driver will share the journey, that person needs appropriate cover too.
Take a phone charger, water and suitable clothing, but do not let emergency kit create false confidence in a doubtful car.
Know when not to drive it
Serious tyre defects, brake problems, overheating, oil-pressure warnings or doubtful steering are reasons to stop. Arrange recovery or transport rather than attempting to nurse the car hundreds of miles.
The sale price is already spent; it should not influence a safety decision.