What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

You’ve heard of car insurance, but have you heard of temporary car insurance? This is a fairly popular option for people looking for a quick solution to car insurance needs but isn’t recommended to be the solution long term. Curious about temporary car insurance and how it works? Take a deep dive with us. For all things car insurance, visit our other piece here.

Temporary Car Insurance Explained

Temporary car insurance provides short term cover, which can be used in lots of different situations:

• Driving a friend’s car.
• Test driving a vehicle.
• If you borrow your parent’s car.
• Moving furniture.
• When waiting for your car to be repaired.

Temporary car insurance is your short-term solution, with insurance available for as little or as long as you wish. This is of course a temporary solution and isn’t recommended to be used in the long-term over traditional insurance. Temporary car insurance can last anywhere from one hour to one month and can be extended if you need slightly longer protection.

The Cost Of Temporary Car Insurance UK

Wondering how to find cheap temporary car insurance? For a lot of people, getting cheap car insurance is a priority. With that in mind, some might see short-term temporary measures as a way to save, but how does this shape up in the long run? Based on the RAC’s figures, hourly car insurance quotes cost anywhere from £20.78 (1 hour) to £28.49 (4 hours). For day insurance, car insurance quotes can range from £33.87 (1 day) to £87.80 (4 days) and for weekly cover, you could pay anywhere from £90.93 (1 week) to £169.29 (4 weeks). These car insurance quotes probably work for a quick fix, but long term could break the bank! Take your time when trying to find the cheapest temporary car insurance. Remember that there’s a lot more that needs to be considered before committing to temporary car insurance.

The Pros And Cons Of Temporary Car Insurance UK

Here are the arguments for and against temporary car insurance to help you decide on your next steps 👇.

Pros

• You can choose how long your temporary car insurance lasts, giving you ultimate control and freedom.
• Full coverage. You can expect full coverage in your temporary car insurance agreement, protecting you, your car and others in the event of an accident.
• Temporary car insurance can be a great solution to a problem. Sudden breakdown with your car leaving you with no way to get around? Hire a car, get temporary insurance, and hit the road.
• Quick and easy to get. Applying and receiving temporary car insurance can be done online and, in some cases, can see you receive cover the same day.

Cons

• Expensive in the long run. Although the prices look exciting in the short-term, constantly extending your temporary insurance into the future will end up costing you more than if you chose traditional car insurance.
• Limited eligibility. Believe it or not, temporary car insurance isn’t quite as accessible as normal car insurance. While traditional insurance is a requirement, temporary car insurance can be unreachable for some people. This can happen if they are within a certain age range (around 18-21) or have had previous accidents. Whether this is the case for you depends on your circumstances and the insurance provider you have chosen.

Temporary Car Insurance: The Verdict

Temporary car insurance can be fantastic in the short term as a solution for an immediate problem or quick cover when you need it. The ability to cut it off when you need is great for your finances too. The main area to be aware of is the risks of constantly extending your policy. If you avoid this and stick to an agreed period of time though, you should be able to feel the benefits of temporary car insurance.

This Insurance Might Be Temporary, But Marsh Finance Are Ready To Become Your Permanent Car Provider

Looking to change your wheels to something new? The New Year is approaching, and with that plenty of chance for fresh beginnings. Could a new car be on the horizon for you? Who knows, you might be reading this needing temporary insurance to cover test drives! Marsh Finance is here to support your car dreams. With flexible finance options and competitive rates, we’re here to help you get behind the wheel of your dream ride.

Temporary Car Insurance - FAQs

How much is temporary car insurance?

According to the RAC, hourly insurance ranges from £20 (1 hour) to £28 (4 hours). Temporary day insurance can go from £33 (1 day) to £88 (4 days). Weekly temporary car insurance costs £90 (1 week) to £169 (4 weeks).

Can I get temporary car insurance?

You can get temporary car insurance, as long as you have a valid driving licence. 

Can you tax a car with temporary car insurance?

When you sign up to temporary car insurance, your insurer will pass this on to the Motor Insurance Database (MIB). Having this allows you to then tax it.

How does temporary car insurance work?

Temporary car insurance is just a shortened version of traditional car insurance, and is designed to help you for a short amount of time. You can choose different time periods to insure your car for, and is best suited to people who only intend to drive the car for a short period of time (hours to weeks).

Can you get temporary insurance on an uninsured car?

No, you can't get temporary car insurance on an uninsured car. All cars must be insured, unless they are declared SORN (not to be used on the roads).

What is temporary business car insurance?

Temporary business car insurance is perfect for professionals looking for transport when away on business. Likely there for a short amount of time, temporary business car insurance is perfect in that it covers you at an affordable price, and you are only charged for that specific period.

When could I need temporary car insurance?

There's a few situations where you might need temporary car insurance:

• Driving a friend’s car.
• Test driving a vehicle.
• If you borrow your parent’s car.
• Moving furniture.
• When waiting for your car to be repaired.