Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary car insurance provides immediate legal cover arranged in minutes. Perfect for borrowing vehicles, managing emergencies, bridging gaps between policies, or covering new purchases before permanent insurance begins.
Key Benefits
Instant Setup
Arrange online in minutes with immediate digital certificate.
NCB Protected
Claims don't affect the car owner's no-claims bonus.
Flexible Duration
From 24 hours up to 90 days—choose exactly what you need.
When Temporary Insurance Helps
Borrowing a Vehicle
Use a friend's or family member's car without affecting their policy.
Emergency Cover
Someone unwell and you need to drive their car? Arrange cover instantly.
New Car Collection
Drive a newly purchased vehicle home whilst arranging permanent cover.
Bridging Policy Gaps
Stay insured between selling one car and insuring another.
Holiday Returns
Students home from university needing the family car for a few weeks.
Test Drives
Cover for test driving private sale vehicles before purchase.
Legal Framework
Road Traffic Act 1988
Requires valid insurance for all drivers on public roads. Temporary cover provides full legal compliance.
FCA Regulation
Insurers must clearly communicate terms, exclusions, start times, and end dates.
Continuous Insurance Enforcement
Vehicles must be insured at all times or declared SORN. Temporary cover bridges transition gaps.
Considerations
Per-Day Cost
More expensive per day than annual policies—best for occasional use.
Age Restrictions
Many providers only cover ages 21-75. Under-21s face limited options.
Vehicle Exclusions
High-performance, luxury, or modified vehicles may be excluded.
Usage Limits
Often excludes hire and reward, commuting, or towing activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can temporary cover last?
Typically between one day and 30 days, though some providers extend up to 90 days.
Does it protect the car owner's no-claims bonus?
Yes. It's a completely separate contract from the vehicle's main policy.
Can I drive abroad with temporary insurance?
Some policies include EU cover, but always check territorial limits first.
Does it include business use?
Not usually. Specialist policies are required for courier or taxi work.
Is it cheaper than annual insurance?
On a per-day basis, no—but cost-effective for genuine occasional use.