HPI has launched a short-term insurance solution and fleet management diary for dealer loan vehicles.

Currently, if dealers loan cars to their customers using an existing motor trade policy, they could be risking their premiums, says HPI.

Now HPI has created HPI Readycover, a short term insurance for dealers and their customers.

It provides comprehensive cover for courtesy cars and unaccompanied and extended test drives.

For a daily fee, dealers can cover their loan vehicles online, using the web-based system.

"HPI Readycover makes it easy for dealers to offer test drives and courtesy cars, knowing their customers have the right cover, at no risk to their current premiums," says Daniel Burgess, director of automotive at HPI.

"Once dealers have signed up to use HPI Readycover, they also get access to HPI's Fleet Management Diary. This allows dealers to control all of their courtesy and sales cars, so they know exactly which vehicles are available and which have been allocated - even those on an overnight demonstration.

"This makes it easy to arrange HPI Readycover before the customer arrives to collect the car, for the ultimate in customer care."

The system can be used to schedule routine cleaning and maintenance of vehicles. With a clear overview of their vehicles, dealers can amend or clear bookings and see who was driving a vehicle on any given day.

The insurance is available to customers meeting the eligibility criteria.

Once dealers have registered to use HPI Readycover they can log on to the website, select the vehicle, enter the customer and booking details and wait for the instant quote.

When the customer accepts the quote, the dealer buys and charges them as normal.

The policy documents can be printed off for the customer to sign. HPI Readycover can also be provided to non-FSA-regulated dealers demonstrating its flexibility.

Burgess added: "We are helping dealers enhance their customer service offering, which is crucial in a competitive market.

"This short-term insurance solution also helps dealers protect their premiums. In addition, HPI's fleet management system means dealers stay in control of their fleet, while boosting sales and customer satisfaction."