Selling your car: can the buyer keep your insurance?

What the ASF explains

The ASF states that insurance does not transfer to the new owner and ends at midnight on the sale date. It also requires written notification to the insurer within 24 hours and return of the insurance documents identified in its guidance. The buyer must arrange another contract and should not treat the seller's documents as proof of their own insurance.

Sources: ASF — vehicle sale and buyer’s insurance; guidance reread 30 October 2026 ↗

Prepare the handover using a separate checklist

Rui prepares notice to his insurer and records the actual sale date. Clara reminds him that the buyer needs to arrange their own contract and check its start date and time before driving. Rui does not hand over a photograph of his insurance certificate as though it insured the vehicle for the new owner. The keys address physical handover; insurance documentation needs a separate check.

Keep evidence of what was done

After notifying the insurer, save evidence of submission and the reply. If you are unsure about electronic documents or the requested procedure, clarify it with the insurer or intermediary. Identify the actual sale date rather than relying on the date of an earlier conversation or reservation. If amounts need reconciling, ask for the breakdown in writing. Keep the enquiry open until a specific answer arrives instead of treating the matter as administratively complete because the message has left your outbox or a generic acknowledgement has appeared.

Plan insurance for the next vehicle

Read the motor insurance guide and ask RMACHADO GROUP for help preparing the sale and insurance for another vehicle, with the relevant documents and dates clearly established.