Temporary car insurance provides short-term, flexible cover for drivers who don’t need a full annual policy. Whether you require insurance for a few hours, a day, a week, or a month, this option helps you get insured quickly and legally across the UK.
What is Temporary Car Insurance?
Temporary car insurance offers short-term vehicle coverage, typically lasting from one day to a few months, providing flexible and immediate protection. It’s ideal for situations like borrowing a car, renting one, taking a test drive, or transporting a newly bought vehicle home.
This cover often includes third-party liability, fire and theft, and sometimes damage to your own car. It also runs separately from the car’s main policy, so the owner’s no-claims bonus stays safe.
How Temporary Car Insurance Works?
Temporary car insurance is quick to arrange and can start within minutes. You simply provide your details, select the car, and choose cover length—hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. It runs separately from the car’s existing policy, so the owner’s no-claims bonus stays protected.
This flexible cover is perfect for emergencies, driving a new car home, occasional trips, or sharing long journeys. It’s an easy, fast way to get legal protection without changing long-term insurance.
How Temporary Car Insurance Can Be Beneficial?
Temporary car insurance offers short-term, flexible coverage, ideal for borrowing cars, emergencies, or occasional driving without a long-term commitment. It’s a simple way to get quick protection when you need to get behind the wheel for just a few hours or days.
If you’re borrowing a car for a short trip, one-day insurance can provide fast and affordable coverage. When hiring a car, using a temporary insurance provider is often more cost-effective than the coverage offered by rental companies.
Temporary policies are ideal for scenarios such as:
- Emergencies when your own car isn’t available
- Helping a friend by driving their car for a road trip or moving day.
- Sharing long journeys with family or friends
- Covering yourself while waiting for an annual policy to start
When borrowing someone else’s vehicle, temporary car insurance is usually much simpler than changing their yearly policy. It offers instant peace of mind, effortlessly.
Types of Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary car insurance is a flexible, short-term option that lets you get behind the wheel without the commitment of a full-year policy. It’s perfect for borrowing a car, picking up a new one, or covering one-off trips with ease.
One-Day Car Insurance
One-day car insurance is perfect for those quick, unexpected situations. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency, borrowing a friend’s car, or simply driving a new vehicle home, this option offers instant, hassle-free cover for a single day.
Weekly Car Insurance
Weekly cover is ideal for short-term needs like holidays, work trips, or borrowing a car while yours is in the garage. It’s a practical solution when you don’t need long-term insurance but need more flexibility than a single day.
Monthly Car Insurance
Monthly policies give you the freedom to use a car for a longer period without locking into an annual contract. It’s great if you’re working away from home temporarily or using a car for a few months.
Hourly Car Insurance
If you only need to drive for a brief period, opting for hourly insurance could be a more cost-effective choice. It’s perfect for quick errands, moving a car, or a brief trip where paying for a whole day wouldn’t make sense.
Temporary Cover for New Drivers
Temporary insurance is a useful option for new or learner drivers who want to get on the road without long-term costs. It’s especially popular for driving lessons, tests, or occasional practice, though prices can be higher for less experienced drivers.
Temporary Cover for Rental Cars
Many drivers opt for temporary insurance when renting cars, as it tends to be more affordable and offers greater flexibility compared to the coverage provided by rental companies. It can provide peace of mind at a lower cost, especially for short trips.
How Much is Temporary Car Insurance?
The cost of temporary car insurance in the UK depends on factors like your age, driving experience, car type, location, driving history, and how long you need cover.
Typically, temporary car insurance in the UK costs £10 per hour, £20-£35 per day, £60-£100 per week, and £150-£300 per month, depending on your details.
New or younger drivers usually pay more, and covering luxury or high-performance cars can also increase the price. Comparing quotes is the best way to find a better deal.
Cheapest Temporary Car Insurance
Finding affordable temporary car insurance in the UK depends on factors like your age, driving history, the car you’re insuring, and how long you need cover. Prices can vary a lot between insurers, so it’s always worth comparing.
Temporary car insurance in the UK typically starts at £10 hourly, £20 daily, £60 weekly, and £150 monthly, though costs can change based on your age, car type, and cover length.
You can often lower your premium by choosing smaller, lower-powered cars, avoiding high-risk times like driving late at night, and selecting the shortest cover period you really need.
UK providers like Cuvva, Tempcover, Veygo, and Dayinsure often offer some of the most competitive rates and flexible options, making them a good place to start when searching for a cheaper deal.
How to Get Temporary Car Insurance?
Getting temporary car insurance is usually quick and hassle-free—it can often be arranged in just a few minutes. You just need to provide some simple information, like:
- Your personal information and driving licence number
- The vehicle’s registration number
- How long do you need the cover for—whether that’s by the hour, day, week, or month
You can easily buy temporary policies online or through apps from popular UK providers like Cuvva, Tempcover, Veygo, and Dayinsure.
Once you’ve completed the simple steps, your insurance can often start immediately, making it a perfect option for last-minute situations like borrowing a car, test driving, or unexpected trips.
Pros and Cons of Temporary Car Insurance
The Benefits of Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary car insurance can be a quick and flexible solution when you need short-term cover. It’s perfect for situations like borrowing a car, driving a rental, or dealing with unexpected emergencies.
Pros:
- Flexible cover periods to suit short-term needs
- Quick and easy to set up online, often in minutes
- Won’t affect the vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus
- Ideal for emergencies, borrowed cars, and short trips
The Drawbacks to Consider
While temporary insurance is convenient, it’s not the right choice for everyone. It can be more expensive day-to-day and comes with some limitations.
Cons:
- Higher daily cost compared to annual policies
- It can be costly for young or new drivers
- Some insurers limit the types of vehicles covered
- Strict expiry—cover ends exactly at the agreed time
Key Considerations for Temporary Car Insurance
When choosing temporary car insurance, always check the policy details carefully. Extras like European driving cover, roadside assistance, and legal protection can be useful, but they aren’t always included as standard.
If you’re planning to drive abroad or need breakdown cover, make sure these features are clearly listed. Some providers, like Aviva, Cuvva, Tempcover, and Veygo, offer flexible options, so it’s worth comparing what’s included before you buy.
Temporary insurance isn’t meant to replace annual cover—it’s best for short-term use, emergencies, or occasional driving, but always confirm exactly what’s covered to avoid surprises.
Common Questions About Temporary Car Insurance
Can I get car insurance for one day?
Yes, one-day car insurance is available and is ideal for emergencies, test drives, or occasional car use.
Is short-term car insurance cheaper than annual cover?
It is more expensive per day, but short-term cover can be cheaper overall if you only need it for a limited time.
Can new drivers get temporary cover?
Yes, temporary insurance for new drivers is available, though it usually costs more due to higher risk.
Can I use temporary insurance for rental cars?
Yes, rental car insurance from temporary providers is often cheaper than the policies offered by rental companies.
