*Based on premiums sold through the car insurance comparison service with Asda Money provided by Vast Visibility Limited for the period 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025.

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance, also known as short-term car insurance, is a type of cover that lasts for a shorter period than a traditional 12-month policy. It’s designed for situations where you only need to be insured for a limited time, whether that’s one day, a week, or up to 30 days, depending on the provider.

This kind of cover can be useful if you don’t drive regularly, or if you’re borrowing a car for a short period. With temporary insurance, you choose how long the policy lasts, giving you the flexibility to arrange daily car insurance, weekly car insurance, or even hourly cover, all without committing to a full year.

Unlike annual policies, temporary car insurance usually operates as a standalone cover. This means it won’t affect the existing insurance or No Claims Discount of the car’s owner, which can be helpful if you’re using someone else’s vehicle.

How does short-term car insurance work?

Short-term car insurance works like an annual policy, but it’s designed to only cover you for a much shorter period. You choose the exact start time and duration, whether that’s 1 hour, 1 day, a week, or up to 30 days, depending on the provider. Once active, it provides the legal minimum level of cover (or more, depending on the policy) to drive on UK roads.

Buying temporary car insurance in the UK is usually straightforward. You can arrange a policy online in just a few steps, often with instant or same-day cover. In many cases, it can be set up in as little as 15 minutes.

When your temporary insurance expires, your cover ends automatically. There’s no renewal, so if you still need to drive, you’ll need to take out a new policy or extend your existing one (if the provider allows it). Driving without insurance after your policy ends is illegal, so it’s important to make sure you’re covered before getting behind the wheel.

When might you need temporary car insurance?

Temporary or short-term car insurance can be a practical option for situations where you only need cover for a limited time.

Here are some common examples where short-term car insurance might be suitable:

• Borrowing someone else’s car if yours is being repaired and you don’t have a courtesy car
• Driving a friend or relative’s car for a weekend trip or special event
• Test driving a car before buying
• Getting cover while deciding on an annual policy
• Insuring a second car you use occasionally, such as a classic, kit, or sports car
• Learner drivers practising in a parent’s or friend’s car
• Moving house and using someone’s car or van for the day
• Emergencies where you need to drive a car you’re not regularly insured on

Remember, Asda Money doesn’t offer temporary or short-term car insurance comparisons at the moment, but we do make it easy to compare quotes for annual car insurance.

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What does temporary car insurance cover me for?

Temporary car insurance in the UK typically provides a similar level of protection as a standard annual policy, but for a shorter time. Many short-term policies offer either third party only or fully comprehensive cover, so you’ll need to make sure to check what type of cover you’re buying and that it suits your needs.

Third party only insurance is the legal minimum required by law. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or property, but it doesn’t cover any damage to your own car.

If you take out a fully comprehensive short-term car insurance policy, it will typically cover:

• Third-party liability – covers damage or injury caused to others, including their vehicles or property
• Fire damage- covers your car if it’s damaged or destroyed by fire
• Theft or attempted theft – including damage caused during a break-in
• Vandalism – accidental or intentional damage caused by others
• Damage to your own car - even if you’re at fault in an accident
• Medical expenses - for you and your passengers, depending on the policy

Depending on the provider, you may also be able to add some optional extras to your policy, such as:

• Windscreen repair or replacement
• Legal expenses cover
• Provision of a courtesy car, if needed
• Driving abroad - some policies offer temporary European car insurance, covering you in selected countries

How long can you have temporary car insurance for?

The length of temporary car insurance policies varies depending on the provider. Typically, you can get cover from as short as 1 hour up to 28 or 30 days, with some insurers also offering multi-month policies.

Many providers offer flexible options, such as:

Most short-term car insurance policies in the UK are non-renewable by default. This means once the policy expires, you’ll need to purchase a new one if you want to continue driving. However, many insurers allow you to extend or buy additional cover if needed.

If your driving needs change or you’re unsure about your policy duration, it’s best to check directly with your insurer to find the right option for your circumstances.

Check your eligibility for temporary car insurance

Before applying for temporary car insurance, it’s important to check whether you meet the typical eligibility criteria. Requirements can vary between providers, but most insurers have specific rules for both drivers and vehicles.