Temporary insurance after purchase from the dealer: is it possible?

After purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, insurance is mandatory to take it out of the country. Temporary insurance is available and quick to obtain.
Have you just purchased a new vehicle from a dealership? Congratulations! But be careful: before even hitting the road, an essential question arises: are you insured?
French law requires that a vehicle be insured as soon as it is put into service , even for a simple trip between the garage and your home. However, it sometimes happens that you have not yet finalized your insurance contract.
In this case, temporary insurance can be a quick, flexible, and perfectly legal solution. In this article, KT Tempo explains how and why to take out temporary insurance after buying a car from a dealership.
Is it mandatory to insure your vehicle as soon as you buy it?
The answer is yes, even for 1 km
According to Article L211-1 of the French Insurance Code , all motor vehicles must be insured from the moment they are put into service , even for a single trip. This also applies to new cars purchased from a dealership.
❗ No garage will let you leave with the vehicle if you do not present a valid insurance certificate.
Temporary insurance: an immediate and practical solution
What is temporary insurance?
Temporary insurance is a short-term contract, from 1 to 90 days , covering at least civil liability , and in some cases additional guarantees (defense/recourse, assistance, etc.).
Why choose temporary insurance when buying a car?
- You have not yet chosen your final insurer
- Your annual contract is not yet activated
- You want to compare several offers before committing
- Are you buying a vehicle for someone else or abroad?
The advantages of KT Tempo
- 100% online subscription
- Immediate confirmation by email
- Flexible duration from 1 to 90 days
- Competitive rates starting from €15/day
- Compatible with temporary registration certificates (WW, CPI)
Does this also apply to a vehicle with temporary license plates?
Yes, even with WW plates
New cars are often delivered with a temporary registration certificate (WW or CPI), pending receipt of the final registration certificate.
These vehicles can certainly be covered by temporary insurance , provided that the following documents are supplied:
- Provisional registration certificate
- Driver's identity card
- Proof of purchase of the vehicle
What does temporary insurance cover in this case?
| Guarantee | Included? | Usefulness for this journey |
|---|---|---|
| Civil liability | ✅ Required | Covers damages to third parties |
| Defense/Recourse | 🟡 Optional | Legal protection in case of dispute |
| 0 km assistance | 🟡 Recommended | Towing service if breakdown occurs on the way |
| Broken glass / fire | ❌ Not included | Not very useful for a short trip |
How to easily subscribe with KT Tempo?
- Visit the subscription page at kttempo.com
- Enter the vehicle and driver information
- Choose the desired duration
- Pay by credit card
- Receive your certificate immediately by email
Conclusion
When you buy a new or used car from a dealership, you are required to have insurance before driving it. If your annual policy isn't ready or you want a quick solution, temporary insurance is the ideal option.
With KT Tempo , you can drive legally as soon as you leave the garage , in just a few clicks, without obligation and at a fair price.
👉 Just bought a vehicle? Get your temporary insurance certificate in 5 minutes at kttempo.com and leave the garage with peace of mind.