There are many situations where temporary car insurance could be useful:
To get temporary car insurance the car being insured must have up-to-date tax and MOT.
There are certain things that aren't included in a temporary car insurance policy. These include:
Driving other vehicles. You only have short-term cover for the car that’s listed under the policy. If you want to drive another car or van, consider a 12-month insurance policy.
Additional drivers. Cover is only for the person officially named on the temporary car insurance policy.
Claims that happen outside of the stated use for the car. You can only use the car for the purpose you listed in the policy details. If you didn’t include business use in your policy and go on to use your car for business, you aren't covered for any claims. A business car insurance or a temporary business car insurance policy would mean you're covered for this type of work.
Courtesy cars. Temporary car insurance doesn't automatically transfer to a vehicle supplied to you by a garage while your own car is being repaired or serviced (although it might be available as an add-on to the policy).
Each insurer has their own eligibility criteria and so policies may differ. Please check your policy details for a full list of what's covered and any exclusions.
To get a temporary car insurance quote you’ll need:
Bear in mind to get a quote and purchase a policy, there are some requirements for you and your car. Exact restrictions can vary between insurers.
Generally, to be a driver you must confirm that you:
You also need to confirm that the car:
The average prices for one day and one week are1
One day
£35
One week
£101
1Based on Confused.com data from Tempcover average policy purchase prices in December 2022.
Your own costs will depend on:
The easiest way to get an idea of how much it'll cost is to get a quote.
Yes, you can tax a vehicle with a temporary car insurance policy. You do it the same way as you would with a 12-month policy. Either online through the DVLA website or through your local Post Office.
Policies cover you to use your vehicle for social and domestic use, as well as commuting to and from a permanent place of work.
Some policies may include additional cover such as class 1 business use which can help when travelling to multiple places of work, such as for meetings or site visits. Once you get your quote, check the insurer's declaration to see what is and isn’t included, as exact cover varies depending on your insurance provider.
One of the most common uses for a temp policy is drive away insurance once you've bought a new car. Instead of committing to a 12-month policy while also deciding if it's the right car for you, getting a short-term policy for a few days means you can take your time to properly research your insurance options.
lets you prove you’re a safe driver, and save money on your policy, even if you’re inexperienced or seen as high risk.
offers cover for owners of classic cars. For insurance purposes, a classic car can be any car that’s older than 15 years.
covers you if you use your car for work, including travelling between offices or across the country.
Adding a named driver to your car insurance policy doesn’t need to be confusing.
Being able to drive other cars isn’t included on every policy. Find out more about the driving other cars policy clause.
Figuring out which level of cover suits you can be a headache. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common policy types and what they do.
Here's why your car needs valid insurance and how you go about checking if you're insured to drive.
Making sure you’re insured to drive doesn’t just protect you, it’s also a legal requirement.
With insurance costs on the rise, here's how you can keep your prices down.
cookie usage
We use cookies, some of which are essential to make our website work. For us to use our non-essential cookies, we need your consent. You can consent by accepting all or alternatively, manage your cookies at any time. For more information, read our cookie policy.
