A cover note is a handy document that acts as proof that you've paid for your car insurance. A cover note will make sure you're not left uninsured while you wait for your insurance certificate.
They're quick and easy to get, so there's no need to worry about being caught out in the meantime.
Here's everything you need to know about cover notes.
Key takeaways
- A cover note is temporary motor insurance documentation - interim proof of cover issued while you wait for your full Certificate of Motor Insurance
- Cover notes are less common than they used to be - faster digital processing means most insurers can issue a full certificate almost immediately
- They're still issued in some situations - for example, if there's a system delay or your policy is being processed by phone or post
- 'What is a cover note?' is a genuine DVSA theory test question that may appear on the multiple-choice section. This information can be found in the Documents category
- A cover note has the same legal standing as a full certificate while it's valid
What is a cover note?
A cover note is a temporary document which provides proof that you've paid for your car insurance.
You might get a cover note for a few reasons:
- Your insurer is having problems with their system.
- You've applied for your car insurance by phone or post.
- You've amended your policy, such as adding another driver.
- The underwriter wants to discuss any risks before insuring.
When do I need a cover note?
There are a few situations where you might need a cover note:
- When your policy is amended. You might need a cover note if you change your car or add a new driver to your policy.
- If you're stopped by the police. If the police stop you and ask for proof of insurance, you can show them your cover note. This is more likely to happen if your new policy isn't yet updated on the Motor Insurance Database (MID).
How do I get a cover note if I need one?
It's fairly simple to get hold of a cover note if you need one. You'll need to contact your insurance company, and they should offer you a cover note free of charge.
Your cover note should arrive by email within 24 hours of requesting it. If you've opted to receive it by post, it should reach you within 5 working days.
Most insurers will also let you download it for free from their company website or app.
When do cover notes expire?
Cover notes usually expire after 30 days, but this can vary depending on the insurer. 60 days is usually the maximum amount of time your cover note will last.
If your cover note expires before you get your insurance certificate, your insurer should give you a new one. This is fairly unlikely, but it's important to make sure you're not left uninsured.
What information is included on a cover note?
Cover notes show information about you, and the type of cover you've got. Here's what you should see on your cover letter:
-
Driver. The insured driver's name and address.
-
Vehicle. The make, model, and registration number of the vehicle.
-
Cover type. The type of cover you're getting. This might be comprehensive, third-party, fire and theft, or third-party only.
-
Excess. This is the amount the driver pays towards a claim.
-
Policy numbers. Policy numbers are used to identify you, the policyholder, and the insurance policy. You can find your policy numbers on the policy document you receive from your insurance provider when you buy it. If you're registered for online banking, you can also find your policy numbers there.
-
Expiry date. The date your policy ends.
-
Any special conditions. Any special conditions or terms and conditions on your policy. This could be any stated medical conditions, driving history, or if your car has modifications.
-
The classes of use. This means what you're using the vehicle for. For example, commuting, social, domestic, or all-inclusive.
Cover notes and the driving theory test
'What is a cover note?' is an actual DVSA theory test question and may pop up in the multiple-choice section as part of the Documents category. So knowing your stuff is important if you're preparing for your driving theory test.
Whilst a provisional driving licence allows you to begin learning to drive legally, a cover note is a temporary insurance document that can be issued before your full insurance certificate is available. Understanding cover note driving can help learners feel more prepared for their theory test and know exactly what a cover note includes should they need one.
In the official DVSA guidance, cover notes are defined as certificates of insurance and are temporary measures to show:
- Who is insured to drive the vehicle
- Which vehicle is covered
- The period of cover
- What the vehicle can and cannot be used for
- Whether there is cover to drive other vehicles
You can find more information about cover notes in the official DVSA guide to driving: the essential skills. It's worth remembering that cover note information won't be found in the Highway Code, as this covers general road rules. So if you're looking for specific insurance documents you'll find everything you need in the DVSA's driving guide.
What's the difference between my policy and a cover note?
The two documents are fairly similar, but the main difference is how detailed they are.
Your policy will be a lot more detailed than the cover note. This is because a cover note is only meant to be temporary. Your actual policy will contain all the details of your coverage, including the terms and conditions.
There could be a delay in getting your cover note if your insurer finds risks involved with insuring you. High risk insurance might mean you have previous claims, convictions, or a history of cancelled policies.
Your insurer has the right to cancel your cover straight away while you have a cover note. Usually you'd be given at least 7 days' notice.
Digital processing has slashed the time between applying and receiving a full certificate, so the gap a cover note used to fill isn't usually needed anymore. These days, cover notes are a legacy feature that still has its place. But they typically only make an appearance when there's a delay or a few final checks to complete.
What's next?
You should receive your permanent policy documents soon after your insurer has issued your cover note.
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your Certificate of Motor Insurance. You'll also get a policy booklet, and a summary of your cover outlining the terms and conditions.
"Cover notes exist because there's occasionally a genuine gap between agreeing cover and the paperwork catching up - but for most online applications today, that gap has essentially disappeared."
What our motor insurance expert says
cookie usage