What is temporary car insurance and how much is it?

Temporary car insurance is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK as a practical alternative to traditional annual policies.

It offers drivers the ability to insure a vehicle for short periods — from as little as one hour up to several weeks — making it ideal for occasional drivers, car borrowers, or those needing insurance for specific trips.

Need to insure a car for an hour, day, or month? Temporary car insurance could be the answer (Image by sharwan894984 from Pixabay)

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance provides short-term coverage tailored for brief, specific uses.

Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a weekend, test-driving a vehicle before purchase, or using a car for a short business trip, temporary insurance gives you the legal protection you need without the cost or commitment of a full year’s policy.

Why Is temporary insurance growing?

The trend is growing due to:

• Cost efficiency: Paying for insurance only when you drive is often cheaper for those who don’t need year-round cover.

• Flexibility: You can insure a vehicle for hours, days, or weeks depending on your needs.

• Instant access: Most providers offer quick online quotes and immediate digital proof of insurance.

• Appeal to occasional drivers: Many younger drivers or car sharers prefer temporary insurance to avoid expensive annual premiums.

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How much does it cost? 

Costs vary widely depending on factors such as age, car type, and coverage length. Here’s an overview based on official UK pricing data from temporary insurance providers:

• Hourly Cover: Starts from about £16.98 for a single hour.

• Daily Cover: Approximately £20.44 per day.

• Weekly Cover: Roughly £42.02 for a full week.

• Monthly Cover: Around £162.40 for 28 days.
  (Source: GoShorty)

Additionally, premiums often depend on the vehicle’s value. According to uSwitch, average premiums by vehicle value are:

• Cars worth £1,000–£5,000: Average premium £69

• £5,001–£10,000: Around £72.67

• £10,001–£20,000: About £80.18

• Above £40,000: Up to £112-£125 on average

Where to get temporary car insurance

Top UK providers include:

• GoShorty

• Cuvva

• Tempcover

• Dayinsure

They offer easy online sign-up, instant quotes, and digital insurance certificates.

Benefits and other considerations

• Benefits: Flexible durations, comprehensive cover, no impact on the vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus, and instant online access.

• Considerations: Temporary insurance is generally more expensive per day than annual policies for long-term use. It may come with higher excess fees and some limitations compared to standard policies. Always check the terms carefully.

(Source: The Sun)

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Final thoughts

Temporary car insurance offers a smart, cost-effective option for those needing short-term cover without the commitment of an annual policy.

Whether for a few hours, days, or weeks, it provides legal protection tailored to your needs — and with multiple providers competing, it’s never been easier to get insured quickly and affordably.

If you drive infrequently or need cover for a specific occasion, temporary insurance could be the flexible solution you’ve been searching for.

 

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