You can insure and drive a vehicle for as little as one hour through to one year, depending on the type of insurance policy you need.
Temp car insurance, or short-term day insurance, offers full legal road cover from as little as an hour up to 28 days.
There are a handful of decent providers, such as Veygo, Dayinsure and Tempcover.
But our favourite is Go Shorty, because they have a simple application process, top Google reviews and competitive quotes.
Temporary car insurance is a flexible and cost-effective solution for those who need short-term coverage.
In this quick guide, you will understand temporary car insurance, guiding you through its types, cost factors, eligibility criteria, and benefits before you apply online.
It’s all pretty simple once you have a few of the basics.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary car insurance provides flexible coverage for specific periods tailored to the individual’s needs.
- It offers cost savings and no impact on the vehicle owner’s no-claims discount, making it an excellent option for short-term coverage.
- The temporary car insurance cost is determined by driver age, vehicle type and policy duration.
Guide to the Basics of Temporary Car Insurance
When you’ll need temp cover:
- Driving someone else’s car, like borrowing a friend’s car
- Coverage for a test drive
- Coverage for a hire or rental vehicle.
Temporary car insurance works well for short-term cover for an hour up to 28 days.
It is a flexible option tailored to your individual needs.
It’s good for:
- Learner drivers with a provisional licence
- Established drivers with a full licence
Temporary car insurance allows quick and easy coverage without affecting the vehicle owner’s no-claims discount.
What is Temporary Car Insurance?
Temporary or temporary car insurance cover is a short-term policy that provides temporary cover for a specific time. It’s a flexible alternative when you require insurance coverage for a short duration, be it for emergencies, test drives, or short trips.
Unlike an annual policy, temporary car insurance is tailored to your needs, ensuring you only pay for the required coverage.
Why Choose Temporary Car Insurance?
Opting for temporary car insurance offers several benefits:
- Flexibility: It allows drivers to have coverage for a limited duration, such as when driving someone else’s car or sharing a lengthy journey.
- Cost savings: Temporary car insurance can be more cost-effective than traditional annual policies, especially if you only need coverage for a short period.
- No-claims discount protection: By using temporary car insurance, you can safeguard your no-claims discount, which can help lower your premiums in the future.
It offers a quick and convenient solution, allowing you to pay for coverage only when needed without committing to a long-term policy.
Types of Temporary Car Insurance
Several types of temporary car insurance are available, including hourly, daily, and weekly or monthly policies.
Each type of policy is designed to cater to different needs and situations, allowing you to choose the coverage that best fits your requirements.
The subsequent sections will delve into the details of each type of temporary car insurance.
Hourly Car Insurance
Get the cheapest online quotation with Go Shorty.
Hourly car insurance is ideal for short trips, emergencies, or test drives. It provides coverage for a specified amount of time, typically ranging from 1 hour to 12 hours of cover.
This policy allows you to obtain coverage for the precise duration you need, ensuring you only pay for the required insurance.
While annual car insurance is a common choice for many drivers, hourly car insurance presents a convenient and economical solution for those needing insurance for a short duration.
Daily Car Insurance
Daily car insurance is a short-term policy that provides coverage for a single day. This type of insurance is perfect for situations where you need coverage for a slightly more extended period, such as moving, weekend trips, or borrowing a car for a day.
Daily car insurance, similar to hourly car insurance, provides flexibility and convenience, letting you secure coverage for the precise duration you require.
Weekly and Monthly Car Insurance
Weekly and monthly car insurance policies cover extended durations, such as vacations or temporary vehicle use. These policies are designed to accommodate scenarios where short-term car insurance is necessary for extended periods.
Weekly and monthly car insurance allows individuals to procure coverage for an exact duration, eliminating the need for a long-term commitment.
Costs and Factors Affecting Temporary Car Insurance Pricing
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The cost of temporary car insurance can vary depending on several factors:
- The type of coverage
- Driver’s age and history
- Vehicle type
- Policy duration
- Location
The upcoming sections will shed light on the average cost of temporary car insurance and discuss the factors influencing its pricing.
Take a look at Go Shorty for a quick online quotation.
Average Cost of Temporary Car Insurance
The cost of temporary car insurance varies depending on the factors mentioned earlier, such as coverage, driver’s age, and vehicle type.
For example, one day car insurance coverage is approximately £37, while prices range from £7.30 per hour to £176 per month.
Comparing prices and assessing your needs is crucial for making an informed decision.
Factors Affecting Pricing
Insurance providers consider a range of factors when determining the cost of your policy. For example, a driver with a clean driving record may be offered a lower rate than someone with a history of accidents or traffic violations.
Additionally, the location where the vehicle is being driven and the value of the car can also impact the overall cost of the policy.
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Car Insurance
Obtaining temporary car insurance requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including driver and vehicle requirements.
These requirements may vary depending on the insurance provider. The general criteria to be considered eligible are as follows:
- Individuals between 17 and 78 years old
- Holds a valid UK or EU driving licence
- Has a current permanent address
Learner drivers may qualify, too. You’ll need to check with a leading provider like Go Shorty. You’ll also like our complete young driver’s black box insurance guide.
The following sections will delve deeper into the driver and vehicle requirements for temporary car insurance.
Driver Requirements
Driver requirements for temporary car insurance typically include age, a valid license, and a clean driving record.
Insurance providers may have additional criteria, such as minimum age requirements or residency requirements. It’s essential to consider new driver insurance options if you’re a new driver seeking temporary coverage.
Reviewing the requirements of your chosen insurance provider is crucial to ensure your eligibility before applying for temporary car insurance.
Vehicle Requirements
Vehicle requirements for temporary car insurance may include age, vehicle registration and model, and value limitations.
No specific vehicle requirements are stipulated for temporary car insurance, provided the car is insured and fulfils the criteria established by the insurance provider.
For example, some providers, such as Temp Cover or Go Shorty, require vehicles to be less than 40 years old and registered in the United Kingdom, making it necessary to have your car.
How to Apply for Temporary Car Insurance
Applying for temporary car insurance involves a simple step-by-step process, from getting a quote to finalising the policy.
The subsequent sections will guide you through the application process for temporary car insurance, furnishing all the necessary information.
We suggest heading to Go Shorty and filling in their quick online form.
Getting a Quote
The first step to getting temporary car insurance is to obtain quotes from multiple providers to compare coverage and pricing. A comparison of quotes will help you secure the best deal catered to your specific requirements.
Several online tools and websites help you obtain and compare quotes from various insurance providers, making the process quick and easy.
Check Confused.com, which offers quotes from multiple insurers registered with the Motor Insurance Database.
Comparing Quotes
Once you have obtained quotes from multiple providers, you must compare them based on coverage, price, and customer reviews.
By analysing these factors, you can decide which temporary car insurance policy best suits your needs.
Taking time to assess each quote carefully ensures you find the right level of cover at the cheapest price.
Finalising the Policy
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After comparing quotes and selecting the best policy for your needs, the final step is to finalise the policy by providing the necessary information and making the payment.
It may include specifying the vehicle to be insured, the start and end dates of the coverage, and submitting your driving license details.
Once the payment is complete, your temporary car insurance policy will be active, providing you with the necessary coverage to drive on the road legally.
Claims Process and Coverage
In an accident or incident requiring a claim, it is essential to understand the claims process and coverage options for temporary insurance policy.
The next sections will offer an overview of the claims process and discuss the different coverage options for temporary car insurance policies.
Making a Claim
The claims process for temporary car insurance may vary depending on the provider. Generally, it is advised to:
- Contact your insurance provider’s claims team.
- Provide them with the necessary information about the incident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any relevant information about the other party involved.
- They will guide you through the process and assist you in filing a claim.
Explaining the incident’s details clearly and accurately is vital when contacting the claims team.
Tip: Check the other party is insured by running their vehicle registration number through the askMID motor insurance database. Visit their website here or check our complete askMID insurance check guide.
Coverage Options
The coverage options available with a temporary insurance policy will depend on the type of policy you select.
- Fully comprehensive car insurance cover offers the most comprehensive cover and protection
- Third-party fire and theft temporary car insurance provides a more basic level of security.
Understanding the distinctions between these coverage options empowers you to decide the temporary car insurance policy that best suits your needs.
Benefits of Temporary Car Insurance
There are several benefits to choosing temporary car insurance, such as flexibility, cost savings, and no impact on the vehicle owner’s no-claims discount.
The upcoming sections will delve into these benefits in greater detail, aiding your understanding of why temporary car insurance might be the ideal solution for your short-term coverage needs.
Flexibility
One of the main benefits of temporary car insurance is its flexibility, allowing drivers to obtain coverage for the exact duration needed avoiding unnecessary costs.
Whether you need coverage for a single day or an entire month, temporary car insurance policies can tailor the coverage to your needs.
Day car insurance is ideal for various scenarios, from borrowing a friend’s car to insuring a rental vehicle during a vacation.
Cost Savings
Temporary car insurance policies offer cost savings by enabling you to pay only for the duration of car insurance cover that is required.
It means you do not have to commit to a long-term policy and can avoid paying for coverage you do not need.
You can economise by comparing quotes and choosing a policy that provides the necessary coverage at the most competitive price while protecting against potential accidents or incidents.
No Impact on No Claims Discount
Another significant benefit of temporary car insurance is that it does not impact the car owner’s no-claims discount.
It will not affect the vehicle owner’s insurance record if you need to claim on your temporary car insurance policy.
This protection provides peace of mind to both the driver and the vehicle owner, knowing that their insurance premiums will not be affected by any claims made on the temporary policy.
Summary
In conclusion, temp cover offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for those who need short-term coverage.
With hourly, daily, and weekly or monthly policies, drivers can obtain coverage for the exact duration needed, avoiding unnecessary costs.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, claims procedure, and coverage options, you can decide which temporary car insurance policy best suits your needs.
So, the next time you need coverage for a short period, consider short-term car insurance as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional annual policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you insure your car for one month?
Getting car insurance for up to 28 days is possible, making it possible to insure your car for one month.
Temporary car insurance provides flexible coverage and an affordable way to get you the coverage you need for short periods such as holidays or emergencies.
Is short-term car insurance expensive?
Temp cover insurance is generally more expensive than an annual policy since you pay day by day and the excess fee can often be higher. However, the flexibility provided by such policies makes it worthwhile for those who need one-day or temp car insurance.
What is the shortest term for car insurance?
Short-term car insurance is affordable and convenient, providing coverage from as little as 1 hour up to 28 days. It allows you to pay only for the cover you need and can start as soon as you want after payment.
There are varying terms for temp car cover, such as day insurance, day car insurance, one-day insurance, and hourly insurance.
How long can I get temporary car insurance for?
You can get temporary car insurance for up to 28 days.
Are there any age restrictions for temporary car insurance?
Generally, individuals between 17 and 78 can obtain temporary car insurance, depending on the specific provider’s eligibility criteria.
Composed by Marcus Rockey
Marcus has authored across the automotive sector for more than 30-years – with a focus on private motorists buying or selling a used car.
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