Compare temporary car insurance

If you want to borrow a friend or family member’s car or you’re only looking to drive a car as a one-off, temporary car insurance can be a good option.

You might find temporary car insurance useful in the following situations: 

• you are learning to drive in a family member’s or friend’s car

• you are borrowing a parent’s car while home from university

• you are using a courtesy car and you want more than third party cover

• you are borrowing someone else’s car to help you move home 

• you’re borrowing a friend’s car while waiting for yours to be repaired

• you’re driving your new car home and haven’t yet arranged annual car insurance 

• you only drive occasionally, for example if you own a classic car which you don’t use all the time.

Most short-term car insurance policies will include fully comprehensive cover as standard. However, some insurers may be able to offer third party or third party, fire and theft cover.

Comprehensive cover will normally include:

• loss or damage caused by vandalism, theft or fire 

• damage to the car in an accident

• accident recovery and repair

• legal cover in case of death or injury to other people

• legal cover for damage to other people's cars or property

Fully comprehensive cover means you have cover for any damage and theft of the car you are driving as well as for any damage you cause to a third-party, their vehicle or their property. This can provide peace of mind, particularly if you don’t own the car you’re driving. 

You will need some form of insurance in order to legally to drive your car away from the point of purchase. A temporary car insurance policy can allow you to get insured for the day or two until you've had a chance to get a longer-term policy.

Temporary car insurance policies usually offer short-term cover from 1 to 28 days, but some policies will insure you for up to 90 days.

Insurers that offer short-term car insurance will usually offer cover to drivers between the ages of 17 and 75. However, some providers will exclude those under 25 so it’s important to shop around for temporary car insurance to ensure you find the right deal.

To compare temporary car insurance and buy a policy you will need permission from the car owner. You will also need the following information: 

• the car’s registration number or details of the make and model

• the owner’s details

• details of your licence and driving history

• personal details including your name and address.

Most temporary car insurance policies protect no claims discounts in the event of an accident, but this can vary so make sure you check before signing up.

If you don't want to sign up to a temporary car insurance policy, you could ask to be added as a named driver to a friend or family member's policy, which would allow you to use their car as and when needed.