I put the deposit down on my new car a few weeks ago in the knowledge it will be registered first as a demo car to get the price down (I will effectively be the 2nd owner, but the car will have delivery mileage).

I'm due to collect the car next Monday. I've just found out that the dealer will hang on to the registration for 3 months then transfer the registration to me.

This has set the alarm bells ringing, as the gap insurance I was about to buy states:

You can apply for this policy if at the Date of Commencement of the Period of Insurance:

- You are the registered keeper and owner of the Insured Vehicle

Not only that, but will my main car insurance be void in the event of needing to make a claim? What if the car was stolen and written off a week after I collect it? Would I be left to pay for it myself?

Has anyone else bought a car under these circumstances as I'm seriously worried and am considering pulling out of the deal.

The registered keeper is not always the legal owner, in this case you would be the legal owner and the garage the registered keeper for 3 months. Nothing to worry about, as this is the way car leasing works.

The registered keeper is not always the legal owner, in this case you would be the legal owner and the garage the registered keeper for 3 months. Nothing to worry about, as this is the way car leasing works.

Thanks, that's put my mind at rest a little. Just to clarify, what would happen in the case of a write-off where the insurance company become owners of the car and have to be given the registration document? Will this be covered by my existing (standard) insurance policy?

On another note, any recommendations for cheap gap insurance that covers this kind of situation?

There shouldnt be any problems with the insurance, you as the legal owner/insured will get any payout in the event of a claim. Just contact the garage and ask for the V5.

I guess the reason they are doing this is because Skoda should in theory keep demo cars for a number of months before sale.

I guess the reason they are doing this is because Skoda should in theory keep demo cars for a number of months before sale.

That is exactly the situation.

I would carefully read the T&Cs of your insurance cover.

You may be exposing yourself to the risk of losing your 12 month's 'new for old' cover if you have not bought the car brand new.

You should also insist you get the V5 as soon as it is available.

I would carefully read the T&Cs of your insurance cover.

You may be exposing yourself to the risk of losing your 12 month's 'new for old' cover if you have not bought the car brand new.

You should also insist you get the V5 as soon as it is available.

That's why I'm keen on getting gap cover, to make up for the loss of that first year new-for-old insurance cover.

I'm currently in discusion with a gap insurer to see whether they'll cover me.

That's why I'm keen on getting gap cover, to make up for the loss of that first year new-for-old insurance cover.

I'm currently in discusion with a gap insurer to see whether they'll cover me.

Most decent insurance companys will replace the car in the first twelve months, so no need for Gap insurance,(just a rip off)

Radiotwo

Most decent insurance companys will replace the car in the first twelve months, so no need for Gap insurance,(just a rip off)

Radiotwo

As John W pointed out above, all insurance policies offer 12 months new-for-old only for the first registered owener. I'll be the second owner.

The gap cover I'm looking at will give me 10 grand of cover for 3 years for £130 total. Pretty good value I reckon, given that I'd get a brand new car should it be written off in mid-2010.

Been working away all week and just got home to find my new main insurance policy which states I am "the legal owner and registered keeper of the car".

I can see this getting tricky ...

Called my insurance company and they just changed the details on the insurance schedule. No change to the policy coverage or cost. New car now in the garage.

Called my insurance company and they just changed the details on the insurance schedule. No change to the policy coverage or cost. New car now in the garage.

Sorry for re-igniting an old post but I wondered which insurance companies did you find that were happy to insure you, considering that you are not the registered owner albeit the legal owner? We are in the same position and have found that Admiral, Elephant & Diamond all have this question on their quotes and therefore provide cover under these circumstances.

Sorry for re-igniting an old post but I wondered which insurance companies did you find that were happy to insure you, considering that you are not the registered owner albeit the legal owner? We are in the same position and have found that Admiral, Elephant & Diamond all have this question on their quotes and therefore provide cover under these circumstances.

I'm with Privilege and they were fine with it. I didn't shop around as I was mid-policy.

Thanks for reminding me as I need to let them know I now have the registration document.

Most decent insurance companys will replace the car in the first twelve months, so no need for Gap insurance,(just a rip off)

Radiotwo

what a load of rubbish.

GAP is 3 years cover

GAP is invoice price - i.e. depreciation refunded.. show me a std motor policy that offers that.