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

After purchasing from a dealer, insurance is required to drive the vehicle away. Temporary insurance is available and quick to purchase.
Have you just purchased a new vehicle from a dealership? Congratulations! But be careful: before you even hit the road, there's one essential question to ask: are you insured?
French law requires that a vehicle be insured from the moment it is put into circulation , even for a simple trip between the garage and your home. However, sometimes you have not yet finalized your definitive 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 purchasing a car from a dealership.
Is it mandatory to insure your vehicle upon purchase?
The answer is yes, even for 1 km
According to Article L211-1 of the Insurance Code , all motor vehicles must be insured as soon as they are put into circulation , even for a single journey. This also applies to new cars purchased from a dealer.
❗ 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 certain cases additional guarantees (defense/recourse, assistance, etc.).
Why choose temporary insurance when purchasing?
- You have not yet chosen your final insurer
- Your annual contract is not yet activated
- You want to compare several offers before committing
- You are buying a vehicle for someone else or abroad
The KT Tempo advantages
- 100% online subscription
- Immediate certification by email
- Flexible duration from 1 to 90 days
- Competitive rate from €15/day
- Compatible with provisional registration documents (WW, CPI)
Does this also apply to a vehicle with temporary plates?
Yes, even with WW plates
New cars are often delivered with a provisional registration document (WW or CPI), while waiting to receive the final registration document.
These vehicles can be covered by temporary insurance , provided that the following documents are provided:
- Provisional registration certificate
- Driver's identity card
- Proof of vehicle purchase
What does temporary insurance cover in this case?
Guarantee | Included? | Usefulness for this trip |
---|---|---|
Civil liability | ✅ Mandatory | Covers damage to third parties |
Defense/Recourse | 🟡 Optional | Legal protection in the event of a dispute |
0 km assistance | 🟡 Recommended | Towing if breakdown on the road |
Glass breakage / fire | ❌ Not included | Not very useful for a short trip |
How to easily subscribe with KT Tempo?
- Go to the subscription page of kttempo.com
- Fill in the vehicle and driver information
- Choose the desired duration
- Pay by credit card
- Receive your immediate certificate by email
Conclusion
When buying a new or used car from a dealership, it's mandatory to have insurance before getting behind the wheel. If your annual policy isn't ready or you're looking for a quick solution, temporary insurance is the ideal option.
With KT Tempo , you can drive legally right out of the garage , in just a few clicks, without commitment and at a fair price.
👉 Have you just bought a vehicle? Get your temporary insurance certificate in 5 minutes at kttempo.com and leave the garage with peace of mind.