Temporary car insurance

Why short-term car cover is getting popular

Temporary car insurance is short-term car cover you can buy from as little as one hour up to 30 days. It is separate from any existing policy and typically provides comprehensive protection for the period you choose. Many drivers use it when borrowing a car, sharing driving on a trip, moving house, test driving, or covering a gap when switching vehicles.

Across Great Britain, interest has surged as driving habits change. Remote work has reduced daily commuting and shifted journeys to weekends and occasional trips. In 2024, short-term policies grew by around 50% year on year, with business-use temporary cover more than doubling as people sought occasional protection for ad hoc work trips. Searches for temporary car insurance are up significantly since 2021, showing that more drivers are exploring flexible options that fit real use.

Younger motorists are leading the shift. Drivers under 30 increased their use of temporary cover markedly, attracted by clear pricing, app-based purchasing, and the ability to insure only when needed. Learner drivers often choose short-term policies to practise between lessons without changing a parent’s annual policy. Suburban drivers also benefit. Around two in five temporary policies are bought by people in outer suburbs who drive less often and rely on public transport until a specific trip arises.

Costs vary by duration, location, vehicle, and driver profile. As a guide, cover can start at roughly £23 for an hour and rise to over £200 for four weeks. That flexibility can be helpful at a time when the average annual premium remains significant and overall car running costs are high. This guide explains what temporary insurance covers, how it works, and how to decide if it suits your situation.

Insurance can offer real protection when it matches how you actually drive.

What is included and how claims typically work

Temporary policies in Great Britain commonly include comprehensive cover for accidental damage to the insured vehicle, third-party liability for injury or property damage, and fire and theft. Many also include windscreen damage, personal accident benefits, and cover for personal belongings. Some offer helpful extras such as child seat replacement after an incident or new car replacement of the same make and model within certain limits.

There are important limits. Insurers usually exclude wear and tear, mechanical or electrical breakdown, and driving outside the permitted use, such as commuting or business use if you only selected social, domestic and pleasure. Unauthorised drivers, intentional damage, and driving under the influence are not covered. If you plan to travel abroad, you must check whether the policy includes driving in the EU or requires a Green Card. Business use is often available, but it needs to be selected and confirmed on your certificate.

Claims are straightforward. If an accident happens, you contact the insurer’s claims line, provide your policy number, details of the incident, and any evidence such as photos or dashcam footage. The insurer will confirm your cover is active for the time and use declared, then arrange repairs or settlement subject to your excess. For theft, you will need a crime reference number. If another driver is at fault, the insurer may recover costs from their insurer.

A simple example helps. If you borrow a friend’s car for a weekend and buy a 48-hour temporary policy, an at-fault bump in a car park would be covered under comprehensive terms, with you paying the policy excess. Your friend’s annual premium should not be affected because the policy sits separately in your name. If you instead used the car for a business delivery without adding business use, the insurer could decline a claim.

Who benefits most from this type of cover

Temporary car insurance suits people who do not need a car insured all the time but still want full protection when they drive. It is a practical choice for borrowing or sharing a vehicle, adding an extra driver for a holiday, covering a short gap between cars, or test driving a used car before purchase. Learner drivers benefit from short bursts of cover to practise between lessons without changing a family policy. Younger drivers, who often face higher annual premiums, may find paying only for the hours or days they drive more affordable.

It can also work for occasional business trips when you normally do not use your car for work, provided you choose the correct class of use. Drivers in outer suburbs who rely on trains or buses most days often turn to temporary policies for emergencies or weekend journeys.

If you drive daily, commute regularly, or require long-term cover, an annual policy is likely to be more cost effective. Similarly, if you need fully comprehensive cover for cross-border travel over several weeks, a tailored annual policy with European use may be more suitable.

Choose the right level of protection

1. Basic short-term comprehensive

   • Includes third-party liability, accidental damage, fire and theft.
   • Typically excludes business use, European cover, and many extras.
   • Suits quick errands, test drives, and short borrowing periods.

2. Standard comprehensive with extras

   • Adds benefits like windscreen cover, personal belongings, and personal accident.
   • May include courtesy car during approved repairs and child seat replacement.
   • Good for weekend trips or short holidays where you want broader protection.

3. Premium comprehensive with extended limits

   • Higher policy limits and reduced excess options.
   • May offer new car replacement of the same make and model within age limits.
   • Ideal when using a higher-value car or wanting lower out-of-pocket costs.

4. Class of use options

   • Social, domestic and pleasure only: personal driving, no commuting.
   • SD&P plus commuting: adds travel to a single workplace.
   • Business use: for ad hoc work trips, meetings, or site visits.

5. Optional add-ons

   • European driving extension for specified countries and dates.
   • Breakdown cover matching the policy duration.
   • Legal expenses cover for uninsured loss recovery.
   • Key cover and enhanced personal belongings limits.

6. Duration choices

   • From 1 hour to 30 days. Costs scale with time.
   • Some providers allow consecutive policies, but check any maximum total duration rules.

What it costs and why prices differ

Typical pricing varies by duration and risk profile.

Prices are illustrative, not guarantees. Always check exact terms and total cost before buying.

Can you apply and what will you need

Most GB providers require you to hold a valid GB driving licence and meet minimum age and licence-length rules, which vary by insurer. Some accept UK residents with certain international licences, but restrictions apply. The vehicle must usually be UK-registered, not SORN, taxed, and have a valid MOT if required. You will need the keeper’s permission if you do not own the car.

Insurers typically ask for your personal details, address history, driving history including convictions and claims, the vehicle registration, and the exact time and date you want cover to start and end. Proof of identity may be checked electronically. Common reasons for decline include undeclared motoring offences, previous insurance fraud, vehicles outside age or value limits, or using the car for purposes not selected, such as business use when only SD&P is chosen.

If you plan to drive abroad or need commuting or business cover, confirm this up front so the correct class of use is shown on your certificate. Keep a digital or printed copy of the certificate in case you are asked to present proof of insurance.

From quote to claim in clear steps

1. Enter your details, licence, and vehicle registration for an instant quote.
2. Choose duration, class of use, and any optional add-ons you need.
3. Review cover limits, exclusions, and the policy excess carefully.
4. Confirm start time and date, then pay securely to activate the policy.
5. Receive your certificate by email or app and check all details are correct.
6. Drive only within the permitted use and within the insured time window.
7. If an incident occurs, contact the claims line promptly with evidence.
8. Follow repairs or settlement steps as directed by the insurer.

Benefits and drawbacks to weigh up

Key checks before you buy

Before purchasing, read the Insurance Product Information Document and the full policy wording. Pay close attention to the policy excess, any young driver or windscreen excess, and limits on personal belongings. Confirm the class of use matches how you will drive. If you need commuting or business use, it must be selected. Check the start and end times to the minute to avoid gaps. Note any territorial limits and whether European cover is included or extra. Look for restrictions on vehicle value, age, or modifications, and understand how courtesy cars and repairs are managed. Ensure you have the vehicle owner’s permission and that the car is taxed and roadworthy. Keep copies of your documents accessible on your phone.

Alternatives that might fit better

1. Annual comprehensive car insurance - best for regular, year-round drivers or multi-car households needing consistent cover.
2. Pay-per-mile or usage-based annual policies - suitable if you drive infrequently but want permanent cover with pricing linked to mileage.
3. Being added as a named driver - useful for occasional use of a family member’s car, though it may affect their policy and no-claims.
4. Short-term van or courier insurance - appropriate for temporary commercial driving where standard car policies are not valid.
5. European short-term car insurance - if you specifically need cross-border cover for a defined trip.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is temporary insurance valid for any car I drive? A: No. It must be set up for a specific vehicle registration and driver. The car must meet insurer criteria such as being UK-registered, taxed, and roadworthy. Always check vehicle eligibility.

Q: Will it affect the owner’s no-claims discount? A: Typically no. Temporary policies are separate from the owner’s annual policy, so claims normally do not impact their no-claims discount. Confirm this in the policy wording for certainty.

Q: Can I use temporary cover for commuting or business? A: Only if the correct class of use is selected. Standard social, domestic and pleasure does not include commuting or business. Choose SD&P plus commuting or business use if required.

Q: How much does short-term cover cost? A: Prices vary by duration, age, location, vehicle, and driving history. As a guide, an hour can start around £23, and four weeks can exceed £200 for higher-risk profiles.

Q: Can learner drivers buy temporary insurance? A: Yes. Many providers offer learner-specific short-term policies, often for about a week at a time. This can be more flexible than being added as a named driver.

Q: Can I drive in Europe with temporary cover? A: Sometimes, but not always. Some policies include basic European cover or sell an add-on. Confirm country lists, required documents, and any time limits before travelling.

Q: How quickly can I get insured? A: Often within minutes. Digital-first providers allow instant quotes and immediate start times, provided your details are verified and the vehicle meets eligibility criteria.

What to do next

If short-term cover fits your situation, compare a few options for the exact duration, class of use, and limits you need. Check exclusions, excesses, and any add-ons like breakdown cover. Take your time, review documents carefully, and only proceed when you are satisfied everything matches how you plan to drive.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Temporary insurance terms vary by insurer, including eligibility, cover, limits, and exclusions. Always read the policy wording and Insurance Product Information Document carefully before buying to ensure the cover is suitable for your needs.