Temporary Car Insurance in the UK: What It Covers and How to Get the Best Deal
- Alex Mason - Investing & Financial Growth Writer
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Temporary car insurance offers flexible, short-term cover when you need to drive a vehicle for a limited time — whether it’s for a day, a week, or up to 30 days. It’s often cheaper and more convenient than adjusting your main policy or taking out a full 12-month plan.
In this guide, we’ll break down how temporary car insurance works in the UK, when it makes sense, what it covers, and how to get the best value.
What Is Temporary Car Insurance?
Temporary car insurance (also called short-term car insurance) is a standalone policy that provides comprehensive cover for a short, fixed period — usually ranging from 1 hour to 30 days.
Unlike adding a driver to an existing policy, this type of insurance is completely separate and won’t affect the main driver's no claims bonus if a claim is made.
When Would You Need Temporary Car Insurance?
Short-term cover is ideal for situations where full-time insurance would be excessive or impractical. You might consider it in the following scenarios:
Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car for a few days
Sharing driving duties on a road trip
Test driving or collecting a vehicle you’re buying
Using a courtesy car or rental vehicle
Driving a car home from university during the holidays
Occasional business or client travel
It’s also useful for drivers returning from abroad or expats visiting the UK who need quick and legal cover.
Who Can Get Temporary Car Insurance in the UK?
Most insurers offering temporary cover will require the driver to:
Be aged between 18 and 75 (varies by provider)
Hold a full, valid UK driving licence (some accept EU/EEA licences)
Have no more than 6 penalty points
Have had no more than 1 or 2 recent claims or convictions
Have the vehicle owner’s permission to drive
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may need to explore alternative options such as
What Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover?
Most short-term policies in the UK include:
Comprehensive cover for damage to your car or a third party’s
Fire and theft protection
Legal liability for injury or damage caused to others
Windscreen repair and breakdown assistance (optional with some providers)
What’s typically not included:
Cover for commuting or business use (unless specified)
Driving other vehicles
EU or international cover (check before travelling)
Modifications or high-value customisations
Always check the exact terms and limitations — not all policies offer the same benefits.
How Much Does Temporary Car Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary based on your age, driving history, the car you’re insuring, and the cover duration. For most drivers, expect to pay:
£20–£30 for one day
£80–£120 for one week
£200–£300 for 28–30 days
You’ll usually pay more if you're a younger driver, covering a high-performance vehicle, or choosing optional extras.
How to Get the Best Deal on Short-Term Cover
To save money and ensure you get the right protection, follow these steps:
1. Compare Multiple Providers
Use comparison sites and direct insurers to get a range of quotes. Prices can vary significantly between insurers, especially for younger drivers.
2. Choose the Right Duration
Don’t overpay for cover you don’t need. If you only need a car for two days, don’t buy a week-long policy. Most insurers let you choose the exact number of hours or days.
3. Check Your Main Insurance
If you already have a policy, it’s worth checking whether it includes DOC (Driving Other Cars) cover. Be aware, though, that DOC is usually third-party only and often restricted to emergencies.
4. Look for Offers with Optional Extras
Some short-term policies allow you to add breakdown cover or legal protection for a small fee. This can be cost-effective compared to buying standalone services.
5. Consider Usage-Based Cover
Pay-per-mile or app-based insurance providers may offer flexible alternatives if you drive occasionally. These can sometimes compete with short-term quotes depending on usage.
Unique Tip: Use Temporary Insurance to Bridge Policy Gaps
If your annual insurance has lapsed or you’re switching providers, a short-term policy can keep you legal for a few days. This avoids paying inflated “gap insurance” from the previous insurer and helps maintain continuous cover.
Can You Get Temporary Insurance on Any Car?
Most policies allow you to insure cars that:
Are registered and kept in the UK
Have a valid MOT and tax (unless SORNed for storage)
Are not too high in value (usually under £50,000–£75,000)
Are not used for hire, reward, or taxi purposes
You may not be able to insure classic cars, modified vehicles, or certain high-risk makes and models — always check the insurer’s accepted vehicle list.
Is Temporary Insurance Cheaper Than Monthly Cover?
It depends on how long you need the vehicle. Temporary cover tends to be:
Cheaper for short bursts of up to 7 days
More expensive if used repeatedly (e.g., weekly renewals over 2+ months)
If you need regular short-term cover, a monthly or subscription-style policy may be more cost-effective. Look for rolling one-month contracts with no cancellation fees.
Temporary Insurance and the No Claims Bonus (NCB)
Most temporary policies do not earn or use your NCB. However, any claims made won’t affect your main policy’s bonus — which is a key benefit of using a separate short-term policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get temporary car insurance instantly?
Yes — many providers offer immediate cover, often within 15 minutes. You’ll need your driving licence number, car registration, and payment details ready.
Can learners get short-term insurance?
Yes, some insurers offer learner-specific temporary policies. These are ideal for practice in a friend or family member’s car.
Is temporary car insurance legal in the UK?
Absolutely. As long as the policy meets the UK’s minimum requirements and your details are valid, it’s a legal and recognised form of insurance.
Does temporary insurance show up on the MID?
Yes — your cover is registered on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), usually within 24–48 hours. You can verify it at askMID.
Can I cancel temporary insurance and get a refund?
In most cases, no. Due to the short-term nature of the cover, many insurers do not offer refunds once the policy has started — even if you cancel early.
Final Thoughts
Temporary car insurance is a flexible, fast, and legally sound way to get behind the wheel without long-term commitment. It’s especially useful for one-off trips, car sharing, or collecting a new vehicle. By comparing providers, choosing the right duration, and checking for extra costs, you can make sure you stay protected — without overpaying.
Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car for the weekend or need a short-term fix between policies, temporary car insurance gives you a legal and efficient solution when you need it most.
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