One Day Car Insurance
One day car insurance is designed for drivers needing immediate, short-lived cover lasting exactly 24 hours. Perfect for borrowing a car, driving a new purchase home, or handling emergencies—without affecting the car owner's no-claims bonus.
Key Benefits
Instant Setup
Purchase online within minutes and get cover starting immediately.
NCB Protected
Separate policy means the car owner's no-claims bonus stays safe.
No Commitment
Pay only for the exact time you need—expires automatically after 24 hours.
How It Works
Enter Your Details
Provide your driver information and details of the vehicle you wish to insure.
Choose Start Time
Select exactly when your 24-hour cover should begin.
Pay and Go
Complete payment and receive your certificate instantly—cover begins immediately.
Automatic Expiry
Policy expires automatically after 24 hours—no cancellation needed.
Common Use Cases
Collecting a New Car
Drive a newly purchased vehicle home legally whilst arranging permanent annual cover.
Borrowing a Friend's Car
Borrow a vehicle for a day trip without being added to the owner's policy.
Private Test Drives
Get legal cover to test drive a used car from a private seller before purchase.
Emergency Transport
Cover when a family member needs you to drive their car during an emergency.
Moving Day Help
Borrow a relative's larger vehicle for moving furniture or belongings.
One-Off Trips
Single-day journeys where you need a vehicle you don't normally drive.
Legal Requirements
Road Traffic Act 1988
One day insurance provides the same legal protection as annual policies—driving without it is a criminal offence.
FCA Regulation
Providers must sell products fairly and transparently, clearly stating start and end times.
Continuous Insurance Enforcement
Vehicles must be insured continuously or declared SORN—one day cover only protects during its active period.
Considerations & Limitations
Higher Per-Day Cost
On a per-day basis, more expensive than annual policies. Best for occasional use only.
Age Restrictions
Most providers require ages 21-75. Under-21s often face limited or no options.
Vehicle Exclusions
High-value, high-performance, or modified vehicles may not be eligible.
Exact Timing Matters
Policy expires precisely at the stated time—driving even minutes late is uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can buy one day insurance?
Typically drivers aged 21-75, though some providers offer cover from age 18. Eligibility limits vary.
Does it affect the car owner's no-claims bonus?
No. It's a completely separate policy, so any claims don't touch the owner's NCB.
Can I use it for test drives?
Yes—it's ideal for test driving private sale vehicles before purchase.
Can it be used abroad?
Some policies include EU cover, but many don't. Check territorial limits before travelling.
What if I need more than one day?
You can purchase consecutive one-day policies or consider weekly/monthly cover instead.
Is it cheaper than annual insurance?
On a per-day basis, no. It's designed for occasional, emergency, or one-off use only.