The arrival of the new '76' registration plate is expected to drive a significant surge in dealership visits10:12, 09 Sep 2026Updated 10:13, 09 Sep 2026The launch of the new '76' registration plate is set to spark a major surge in car dealership footfall, test drives and new vehicle collections throughout September. Industry analysts at The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) forecast that 75,000 new vehicles will roll out of UK dealerships this week alone, with the figure potentially surpassing 300,000 by the close of September.‌However, drivers looking to take advantage of the new plate launch are being warned to carry out one crucial check. Motorists are being advised to confirm they have the correct insurance cover in place before getting behind the wheel of their brand-new car.‌Specialists at temporary car insurance provider Covertime.com have stepped in to offer vital guidance, warning that many drivers wrongly assume they are automatically fully covered when test-driving or collecting a newly purchased vehicle, reports Wales Online.‌Tom Warsop, motor insurance specialist at Covertime, said: "The arrival of a new registration plate is one of the busiest times of year for new car sales, so it's understandable that buyers are focused on choosing the right vehicle and securing the best deal. However, insurance is just as important."Many drivers assume they are automatically covered when test-driving a vehicle or collecting their new car, but that's not always the case. It is actually a worryingly common insurance blind spot. Before getting behind the wheel for a test drive, motorists should check exactly what cover is in place and ensure they are fully insured for the journey ahead."‌"While most franchised and independent dealerships will have some form of motor trade insurance that allows prospective buyers to test drive vehicles. But the level of protection can vary, and drivers shouldn't assume all dealerships offer comprehensive cover."In some circumstances, cover will be third-party only, meaning damage to other people or property may be covered, but damage to the vehicle itself may not be. Additional conditions, such as age restrictions, licence requirements, accompanied test drives or excess payments may also apply".Covertime is urging motorists planning to purchase a new vehicle this September to verify several details. These include:‌Make sure to check what insurance is set up before you go for a test drive.Look into any rules or conditions that might come with the insurance from the dealership.Confirm that you have a valid insurance policy in place before you drive your new car home.Getting behind the wheel without valid insurance is against the law and can lead to penalty points, fines and vehicle seizure. If you're caught on the road without valid cover, you could face a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence, while more serious cases can result in an unlimited fine, a driving ban, or even your vehicle being seized.Article continues belowCompare the MarketTom also shared some considerations for drivers on collection day. He said: "Collecting a new car is exciting, but it's also one of the easiest times for drivers to make assumptions about their insurance cover. While some dealerships may ask buyers to confirm insurance arrangements before collection, they aren't legally required to check cover is in place before they hand over the keys."Ultimately, it's the driver's responsibility to ensure they are properly insured before driving away. For situations where drivers only need short-term cover, temporary car insurance can often provide a practical solution. The most important thing is making sure appropriate cover is arranged before the vehicle moves."