Short-Term Car Insurance
Not every driver needs annual insurance. Short-term cover provides flexibility from one day to several months—perfect for borrowing cars, test driving vehicles, covering new purchases, or bridging gaps between policies.
Key Benefits
Exact Duration
Choose exactly the period you need—from 24 hours to several months.
NCB Protected
Claims don't affect the car owner's no-claims bonus—completely separate policies.
Instant Setup
Arrange online within minutes with immediate digital documents.
No Wasted Cost
Avoid paying for unused months—only cover what you actually need.
Common Scenarios
Borrowing a Car
Borrow a friend's or relative's vehicle for a weekend trip without affecting their policy.
New Car Purchase
Drive a newly purchased vehicle home legally whilst arranging permanent cover.
Test Drives
Get legal cover to test drive a private sale vehicle before committing to buy.
University Holidays
Students returning home who need to use a parent's car during breaks.
Policy Gaps
Bridge the gap between selling one car and insuring another, or switching insurers.
Temporary Work
Contractors or temporary staff needing vehicle cover for short-term assignments.
Types of Cover
Daily Cover
Policies from 24 hours to 30 days. Perfect for occasional one-off use and emergencies.
Weekly Cover
Seven-day policies for short trips, house moves, or waiting for annual cover to start.
Monthly Cover
30-day policies for longer temporary needs like seasonal work or extended visits.
Specialist Vehicles
Vans, motorbikes, or business vehicles with tailored short-term cover options.
Legal Framework
Road Traffic Act 1988
Driving without insurance is a criminal offence. Short-term policies provide full legal compliance.
FCA Regulation
Insurers must be transparent about terms, conditions, and pricing. Clarity is crucial for short policies.
Continuous Insurance Enforcement
Vehicles must be insured at all times or declared SORN. Short-term cover bridges transition gaps legally.
Considerations & Limitations
Per-Day Cost
Short-term cover costs more per day than annual policies. Best for occasional use only.
Age Restrictions
Many insurers require drivers to be at least 21, with upper limits typically around 75.
Vehicle Limits
High-performance, luxury, or modified vehicles may be excluded from short-term cover.
Usage Restrictions
Some policies exclude business use, towing, or deliveries. Check terms carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does short-term insurance last?
From a single day up to several months, depending on the insurer and your needs.
Is it cheaper than annual insurance?
Not on a per-day basis, but cost-effective for occasional use where you don't need a full year.
Can I insure a car I don't own?
Yes, with the owner's permission. That's the primary purpose of short-term cover.
Does it build a no-claims bonus?
Usually not, but it preserves the vehicle owner's NCB since it's a separate policy.
Does it include business use?
Sometimes, but you must declare it. Check the policy terms or select business use options.
Can I drive abroad on short-term cover?
Some policies include EU driving, but confirm territorial limits with your provider.
Related Guides
Explore other temporary and flexible insurance options.