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 is a standalone policy that provides fully comprehensive cover for a short, fixed period, allowing you to drive a car legally without changing an annual insurance policy.

Temporary car insurance, also known as short-term car insurance, is a standalone policy that provides fully comprehensive cover for a fixed period, ranging from one hour to around 28 or 30 days. It allows you to legally drive your own car or someone else’s without changing an existing annual insurance policy.

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.

Key Features Of Temporary Car Insurance

Temporary car insurance is designed to offer short-term flexibility, comprehensive protection, and fast setup without affecting existing annual insurance.

• Flexible duration: Cover can last from one hour up to around 30 days.
• Standalone policy: Does not affect the vehicle owner’s annual insurance or No Claims Discount.
• Comprehensive cover: Typically includes damage to your car, other vehicles, and property, plus fire and theft.
• Quick setup: Cover can often be arranged online in minutes.

Who Can Get Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance is usually available to drivers who meet insurer requirements around age, licence type, vehicle condition, and permitted use.

Temporary car insurance is usually available to drivers who meet standard eligibility rules set by insurers. In most cases:

• Age: Drivers are typically accepted from 17 up to around 75–78, though some insurers set higher minimum ages.
• Licence: A valid UK driving licence is required. Some providers also accept EU or recognised international licences.
• Vehicle: The car must be roadworthy with a valid MOT. SORN vehicles are only covered when driven to a pre-booked MOT.
• Use: Policies usually exclude hire and reward, such as taxi or delivery driving.
• Driving history: Recent claims, serious convictions, or penalty points may limit eligibility.

Eligibility criteria vary by insurer, so it’s important to check the policy terms before buying cover.

The Cost Of Temporary Car Insurance UK

The cost of temporary car insurance in the UK varies by duration and driver profile, and is typically higher per day than annual car insurance.

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.

Temporary Car Insurance Is A Standalone Policy

Temporary car insurance operates independently from annual insurance, meaning it does not amend an existing policy or affect the vehicle owner’s No Claims Discount.

Temporary car insurance is issued as a separate, standalone insurance policy, not an add-on to an existing annual car insurance agreement. This means you can drive a car for a short period without needing to change, cancel, or amend the vehicle owner’s main insurance policy.

Because the policy is separate, any claim made on temporary car insurance usually does not affect the vehicle owner’s No Claims Discount (NCD). This makes it a popular option when borrowing a friend or family member’s car, test driving a vehicle, or driving a newly purchased car home.

In simple terms, temporary car insurance gives you short-term cover without risking someone else’s long-term insurance record.

The Pros And Cons Of Temporary Car Insurance UK

Temporary car insurance offers short-term flexibility and convenience, but can become expensive and restrictive if used beyond its intended purpose.

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 usually get temporary car insurance if you meet the insurer’s age, licence, and vehicle requirements. Most providers require a valid UK licence and a roadworthy car with a valid MOT.

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.