Jeffrey Wade
Temporary car insurance is a type of coverage that lasts less than six months. While major insurance companies don't typically offer temporary car insurance, there are still ways to get short-term coverage. For example, you can purchase a six-month policy and cancel it when you no longer need it. Alternatively, you can look into non-owner insurance, rental car insurance, or being added as a driver on someone else's insurance policy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary car insurance policies | Do not exist |
| Best way to get short-term coverage | Purchase a six-month policy, a non-owner policy, or a pay-per-mile policy and then cancel it when you no longer need the coverage |
| Minimum length of car insurance policies | 6 months |
| Rental car insurance | Covered by your own insurance policy, or purchased separately |
| Non-owner car insurance | Continuous coverage without owning a vehicle |
| Pay-per-mile insurance | For people who don't drive frequently |
| Permissive use | Occasional use of the insured vehicle by a licensed driver who is not named on the policy |
What You'll Learn
Non-owner car insurance
Temporary car insurance does not exist from major insurers, but there are options for those who only need to be covered for a short period of time. If you don't own a car but drive rented or borrowed cars, you can purchase a non-owner policy. This is a type of insurance that covers people who don't own a vehicle. It is generally cheaper than a standard insurance policy because it comes with less protection and the policy owner likely drives less frequently than someone with their own car.
A non-owner car insurance policy provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, meaning that it will cover you if you're liable for damages or injuries in an accident. It does not cover damage to the vehicle you're driving or your own injuries after an accident. Non-owner insurance can be helpful if the car owner's liability limits are too low to fully cover the incident, or if you're denied coverage under the owner's policy.
In addition to liability coverage, a non-owner insurance policy may also include medical payments and/or personal injury protection coverage, and uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage. Non-owner insurance is typically purchased in increments of six months or a year.
A non-owner car insurance policy may be a good option for you if:
- You borrow cars often
- You use a car-sharing or short-term rental service
- You rent cars often
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Rental car insurance
Most personal car insurance policies cover rental cars for personal use, but the coverage may not be sufficient if the rental car is stolen or damaged. You can usually buy additional coverage through the rental company, such as supplemental liability protection or a collision damage waiver. This pays to replace or repair the car if it is stolen or damaged during the rental period.
If you have your own car insurance, check with your insurer to see if your policy covers rental cars. Many credit cards also provide some form of rental car coverage if you use the card to pay for the rental.
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Pay-per-mile insurance
Temporary car insurance does not exist from major insurers, but there are a few options for those who only need coverage for a short period of time. One option is to purchase a six-month policy and cancel it when you no longer need it. Another option is to get pay-per-mile insurance, which is ideal for people who don't drive frequently.
Most pay-per-mile insurance companies track mileage using a device that plugs into the car's OBD port under the dashboard. Some companies, like Noblr, instead use a mobile app to track mileage and driving habits. Mileage caps are also common among pay-per-mile insurance companies, which specify the maximum number of miles policyholders will be charged for in one day.
If you're considering pay-per-mile insurance, it's important to shop around and compare rates and coverage options from multiple insurance companies. It's also a good idea to understand the tracking device or app that will be used to monitor your mileage and driving habits.
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Temporary insurance from an existing policy
If you need temporary auto insurance but don't own a vehicle, you can get added to someone else's policy. This is a good option if you're borrowing a friend or family member's car. Their auto insurance will protect you in the event of an accident, but be aware that their premium could increase if you get into an accident while driving their car.
You can also consider non-owner insurance, which is ideal if you don't own a car but drive one occasionally. Non-owner insurance can be purchased in six-month or yearly increments and is generally cheaper than standard car insurance. It typically includes liability coverage for injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. Some non-owner insurance plans also offer extra coverages like medical payments, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Another option is rental car insurance, which is offered by rental car companies. This option can be more expensive, but it has the perk of a very low or no deductible. If you have your own insurance policy, it may also extend to rental cars, so be sure to check with your insurer before purchasing additional coverage.
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Temporary insurance for international drivers
If you're an international driver visiting the UK, you will need car insurance to drive. This is a legal requirement, and you must have a valid insurance policy in place before getting behind the wheel.
There are several options for temporary car insurance for international drivers in the UK. Many insurers provide short-term car insurance to drivers with a valid non-UK licence.
Eligibility
To be eligible for temporary car insurance as an international driver in the UK, you must have a valid driving licence from your home country. Some insurers will only accept licences from certain countries, typically EU countries and Commonwealth nations. You must also be a temporary resident or visitor in the UK.
Requirements
In addition to a valid foreign driving licence, you will need to provide the following to get a quote for temporary car insurance:
- Your name, date of birth, and address in the UK
- The type of driving licence you have (Full EU, Full International, NI)
- Details of the car you want to insure, including its value
- When you want the cover to start and end
Duration of Cover
The duration of cover provided by temporary car insurance for international drivers varies depending on the insurer. Cover can range from one hour to three months.
Cost
Temporary car insurance for international drivers in the UK typically costs more than it does for UK licence holders due to the increased risk perceived by insurers.
Benefits
Temporary car insurance is a convenient option for international drivers visiting the UK in the short term, as it provides cover for the duration of their stay without unnecessary yearly fees. These policies can often be purchased immediately, and there is no long-term commitment.
How to Get Temporary Car Insurance as an International Driver
You can get temporary car insurance as an international driver in the UK by using comparison websites to view quotes from multiple insurers at once. You will need to provide relevant information, such as your licence details, where you will be staying, and vehicle information.
Examples of Insurers Offering Temporary Car Insurance for International Drivers
- Tempcover
- GoShorty
- InsureDaily
- Sterling
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Frequently asked questions
Temporary car insurance doesn't exist from major insurers, but there are options if you'll only be driving for a short period. If you own your vehicle, you can buy a six-month policy and cancel when you're done driving. You can also consider pay-per-mile auto insurance if you only drive occasionally. If you're driving a car you don't own, you can look into non-owner insurance, rental car insurance, or being added as a driver on someone else's car insurance temporarily.
No reputable car insurance company offers a policy shorter than six months. If you find an offer online for one-day or weekend car insurance coverage, it's probably not legitimate.
If you need temporary coverage but don't own a vehicle, you can purchase a non-owner policy or rental car insurance. You don't need your own insurance to borrow a friend's car, as most standard policies cover permissive use of the vehicle by other drivers.
Non-owner car insurance covers people who do not own a vehicle if they drive rented or borrowed cars. Since you're only covering yourself and not a specific vehicle, non-owner insurance costs less than a standard insurance policy.
Pay-per-mile insurance is a great option for people who don't drive frequently. Pay-per-mile insurers charge drivers a base rate for coverage, plus a small fee per mile driven.
