Temporary Car Insurance UK: Everything You Need to Know

Summary

• Cover from 1 hour to 28 days: Buy exactly the amount of cover you need. No more, no less.
• No effect on the owner's insurance: Your temporary policy is separate, so any claims don't affect the car owner's no-claims bonus.
• You must be 21+: Most providers require drivers to be at least 21. Some cover 18+. See our insurance types guide for more options.

Sometimes you only need car insurance for a few hours or days. Maybe you're test-driving a used car, borrowing a friend's vehicle, or helping someone move house.

Temporary car insurance is the answer. Here's how it works.

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When You Might Need Temporary Insurance

• Test driving a car: Before buying a used car, you need insurance to test it legally.
• Borrowing a friend's or family member's car: Their policy may not cover you as a driver.
• Moving house: Hiring a van or borrowing a car to make trips.
• Sharing driving on a road trip: Add a temporary driver for a long journey.
• Driving a recently purchased car home: Before your annual policy starts.
• Learner drivers: Practising in a parent's car without affecting their policy.

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How Temporary Insurance Works

1. Choose a provider and enter your details (age, licence, vehicle reg).
2. Select the duration — from 1 hour to 28 days.
3. Pay online. You're usually covered within minutes.
4. You'll receive proof of insurance digitally. Police can check your cover on the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

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How Much Does It Cost?

Duration	Typical Cost
1 hour	£10–£30
1 day	£15–£50
1 week	£40–£120
28 days	£80–£250

Prices depend on your age, driving history, and the car you're insuring. Younger drivers and high-performance cars cost more.

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Where to Buy Temporary Insurance

• Cuvva: App-based, from 1 hour. Popular with younger drivers.
• Tempcover: 1 hour to 28 days. Wide range of vehicles covered.
• Dayinsure: 1 to 28 days. Covers drivers aged 17+.
• Veygo (by Admiral): Short-term cover for learners and named drivers.

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What Does Temporary Insurance Cover?

Most temporary policies offer fully comprehensive cover. This includes:

• Damage to the car you're driving
• Damage to other vehicles and property
• Injury to other people
• Windscreen cover (sometimes)

It does NOT usually cover:

• Personal belongings in the car
• Breakdown cover
• Modifications to the vehicle

Temporary insurance is separate from the car owner's policy. If you make a claim, it won't affect their no-claims bonus.

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Important Points

• You must have a valid UK driving licence (full or provisional for some providers).
• The car must be taxed, MOT'd, and roadworthy.
• Driving without insurance is a serious offence. Penalties include points, fines, and having the car seized.

Check a car's MOT and tax status with our free MOT checker before driving it.

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