AT A GLANCE
Category Motor
Application type Online application
Cover duration Varies by provider
Cover start date After acceptance
Typical decision Instant or review
Payment options Monthly or annual
WHAT IS SHORT-TERM CAR INSURANCE?
What is short-term car insurance?
Short-term car insurance, sometimes called temporary car insurance, is designed to provide motor cover for a limited period rather than a full annual policy. Depending on the provider, cover may be available for very short trips or for longer temporary needs, but exact durations, eligibility and policy features differ by insurer.
WHEN MIGHT IT BE USEFUL?
When might short-term insurance be useful?
✓ Borrowing a friend or family member’s car for a short period
✓ Sharing driving on a longer journey
✓ Test driving or collecting a vehicle
✓ Moving a car between addresses, garages or appointments
✓ Driving while arranging an annual policy
✓ Adding temporary cover without changing the vehicle owner’s annual policy
WHAT DOES IT COVER?
What does it cover?
Cover depends on the provider, policy wording and options selected. Benefits, duration and availability are not the same across every temporary car insurance policy.
✓ Comprehensive cover may be available for the selected temporary period
✓ Some policies may include accidental damage, fire and theft
✓ Third-party liability is typically part of motor insurance cover
✓ Digital documents or proof of insurance may be provided after acceptance
✓ Cover can often be arranged separately from the vehicle owner’s annual policy
✓ Optional extras, such as breakdown assistance, may be available depending on the provider
BENEFITS
✓ Useful for short journeys, borrowing or one-off driving needs
✓ Can help avoid making changes to an annual policy
✓ Some policies may protect the vehicle owner’s no-claims discount if a temporary driver claims
✓ Flexible start dates and durations may be available depending on the provider
✓ Online application and documents may be available after acceptance
WHAT ISN’T COVERED?
What isn’t covered?
• Vehicles outside the provider’s age, value, type or registration rules
• Drivers who do not meet licence, age, address or eligibility criteria
• Commercial use, hire or reward unless specifically accepted
• Pre-existing damage, mechanical faults or maintenance issues
• Use outside the territorial or mileage limits shown in the policy
• Claims, circumstances or incidents that happened before cover started
• Any use, driver or vehicle details not accurately declared during application
HOW DO I GET SHORT-TERM CAR INSURANCE?
How do I get short-term car insurance?
01 Choose the cover you need — Enter the vehicle details, intended use and the temporary period you want.
02 Add driver details — Provide the driver’s licence, address and eligibility information accurately.
03 Review the quote — Check the provider’s assumptions, exclusions, duration and any optional extras.
04 Confirm before driving — Only rely on cover once the application has been accepted and documents have been issued.
FAQS
How long can temporary car cover last?
Can I insure a car I do not own?
Does it affect the owner’s no-claims discount?
Can I extend short-term cover?
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