The benefits of short-term car insurance for unexpected trips

Life is full of unexpected moments. Living in the UK means that it is much easier to get around with your own car. But what happens when those unexpected moments hit when you don’t have your own car and insurance policy in place?

This is when short-term car insurance can be a lifesaver.

What is short-term car insurance?

Short-term car insurance is a policy offering temporary cover. This typically ranges from one hour to 28 days. These policies are ideal for situations where you need to borrow a friend’s car in an emergency or take a test drive before committing to a purchase.

Short-term insurance policies offer the same level of protection as an annual policy without the long-term commitment.

Cost-effectiveness of shorter policies

Often, short-term car insurance works out as more affordable than adjusting an existing annual policy, especially for shorter periods such as an hour or a full day.

For example, the average cost of a one-day policy was £40.73, which is much more budget-friendly for unexpected situations. Although it does depend on individual needs, opting for the cheapest temporary car insurance can usually give you everything you need and more.

Legal protection and peace of mind

Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK and can lead to a £300 fine, 6 points on your licence, and your car could be seized by the police. Having protection from a short-term insurance policy ensures that none of these things will happen, giving you peace of mind on your journey.

It is important to note that having insurance in place, even a one-hour policy, helps to protect the no-claims discount for the car owner if you are borrowing a car. This helps keep their insurance costs down in the future.

Growing popularity among UK drivers

As short-term insurance has become more available, more UK drivers are using it. There has been an uptick in ‘weekend policies’ – either 24- or 48-hour policies. It is possible this is due to commuters using public transport during the week, so not needing a personal vehicle insured at all times. For some, this may be the cheapest option.

Learner drivers are also taking advantage of short policies. Although you can still be added onto an established driver’s policy, having temporary insurance is helpful for extra lessons and the test itself. Cost is definitely a factor here, as driving lessons can be a significant cost in themselves.