Car insurance guide - taking delivery

As you're starting the car buying journey, we want you to feel confident about the steps you need to take and relaxed about the whole process. So we've gone to the experts - Whatcar? - and we're featuring pages of help and advice from them right here for you.

We'd also like to try and save you some time and money on your car insurance. So, while you're here, get an online car insurance quote and find out how much you could save.

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Car insurance information

Taking delivery

When the big day arrives, you’ll want to pick up your new car with the minimum amount of hassle. However, get complacent or rush things and you could end up regretting it. Check your car carefully to makes sure all is as it should be.

Arrive on time and inspect the car before you hand over any money or complete any paperwork.
Don’t try to do a thorough inspection in the dark or wet: you won’t spot bodywork problems. If buying from a garage, take delivery of the car but ask it to be recorded on the sales invoice that you have not been able to adequately examine the vehicle.
Walk around the car and check all corners, along with body panels and windows.
Check that the car is as specified and that all the options you expected are present. If buying used, check that everything works correctly.
If buying from a dealer, make sure any accessories have been fitted to the car as requested.
If buying a new car, check the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) has been carried out, and the service book is stamped to reflect this.
Make sure you ask for both sets of keys, especially if buying privately.