Borrowing a Car or Driving One Off the Forecourt?
There are moments when a full-year insurance policy just doesn’t make sense. Maybe you're borrowing a friend’s car. Maybe you’ve sold yours and are picking up another one next week. Or you’ve got guests visiting who need to drive your vehicle for a few days.
That’s where temporary insurance comes in. You set the dates, pay for what you need, and move on. No long contracts. No phone calls to cancel. No awkward “do I really need this?” feeling.
What Is Temporary Car Insurance, Really?
Temporary (or short-term) car insurance is standalone cover that usually lasts between 1 hour and 30 days; sometimes longer, depending on the provider. It's completely separate from any existing policy on the vehicle and doesn’t affect the no-claims bonus of the main driver or car owner.
It's designed to be flexible. Think of it like pay-as-you-go; you’re only covered for the time you actually need.
When Might It Make Sense?
Some situations just don’t fit the long-term mould. Short-term cover might be the better option when:
- You’re borrowing a car for a few days
- You’re test-driving or collecting a new vehicle
- You’re sharing a long drive and need to add another driver
- You’re lending your car to a friend or relative
- You’re using a car for university holidays or moving house
- Your main policy has ended and you’re in-between vehicles
It's also a great backup for emergencies. Broken-down car? Hired one from a mate while yours is in the garage? No need to switch over your entire annual policy; just cover what you need.
What Does It Usually Include?
Every policy is different, but most temporary car insurance policies include:
- Fully comprehensive cover for the selected vehicle
- Accidental damage, fire and theft
- Legal liability for injury or damage to others
- Optional extras like breakdown cover, depending on provider
Some even offer driving abroad in Europe; though that varies, so always check.
What to Watch Out For
Sounds ideal, right? It might be. But short-term cover has a few quirks:
- Minimum age restrictions; Some insurers only cover drivers over 21, or even 25
- Vehicle exclusions; Not all makes and models are accepted
- No-claims protection not included; And claims on a temporary policy might still appear on your record
- Price per day might be higher; That’s the trade-off for flexibility
It’s a good idea to compare a few options side by side. One provider might specialise in under-25s, while another might offer longer duration or better extras.
Don’t Assume Your Existing Policy Covers Everything
A lot of people assume that if they’re already insured on their own car, they’re automatically covered to drive someone else’s. That’s often not true anymore; especially for newer policies.
“Driving other cars” cover is getting rarer, and when it is included, it’s usually third-party only. So if you borrow a car and crash it? The owner might be left sorting the damage. Not a fun conversation.
Temporary insurance removes that grey area. It’s your name on the policy, with your own terms. Cleaner, simpler; and potentially safer.
Is It Worth It?
That depends entirely on the situation. But if you're only planning to drive for a day or two; or don’t want to mess with an existing annual policy; it might be exactly what you need.
No awkward paperwork. No commitments. Just cover for that one journey, week, or month. And sometimes, that kind of flexibility is worth its weight in peace of mind.