Temporary car insurance offers short-term cover from one hour up to 28 days. With providers like Cuvva, Tempcover, Dayinsure, and Briefly, costs can vary widely depending on age, driving history, and the vehicle. This article compares published prices, eligibility rules, and common usage scenarios.
Whether you need to borrow a friend’s car for a day, take a test drive, or cover a gap before an annual policy starts, temporary insurance can be a practical solution. However, the cheapest option often comes with restrictions, such as narrow age limits or no cover for learner drivers.
Below we examine the key facts, provider comparisons, and eligibility requirements to help you make an informed choice.
What is the cheapest temporary car insurance in the UK?
Minimum Duration
1 hour
Maximum Duration
28 days
Typical Cost (1 day)
£9.30 – £25
Minimum Age
17 (most providers)
Key insights
- Temporary insurance is often cheaper per day than adding a driver to an annual policy for a short period.
- The cheapest 1-day cover can be as low as £9.30 from Briefly, but prices vary by age, car, and driving history.
- Cuvva offers short-term cover from 1 hour, ideal for borrowing a car for a quick trip.
- Most providers require the policyholder to be the main driver of the vehicle, even for short periods.
- You cannot use temporary insurance to build a no-claims discount; it is purely a short-term solution.
Temporary Car Insurance – Quick Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length of cover | 1 hour to 28 days |
| Average price (1 day) | £10 – £30 |
| Top providers | Tempcover, Dayinsure, Cuvva, Briefly |
| Eligible vehicles | Cars, vans, learner cars, motorbikes (some providers) |
| Licence required | Full UK or EU licence (some accept international) |
| Black box | Usually not required |
| Cancellation | Most allow free cancellation within 14 days (cooling‑off) |
Based on published headline prices, Briefly shows the lowest 1‑day cover at £7.55, while Cuvva lists a 1‑day rate from £18.14. Always enter your details for a personalised quote, as actual costs depend on factors like age, driving record, and vehicle.
Who offers temporary car insurance for 1 hour, 1 day, or 28 days?
What is the minimum duration for short term insurance?
Most providers offer cover from as little as one hour. Cuvva and Tempcover both advertise hourly policies, while Dayinsure and Briefly start from 1 day. The minimum duration typically depends on the insurer’s product structure.
Can I get 28 day temporary cover?
Yes, temporary insurance can be purchased for up to 28 or 30 days. Dayinsure offers cover up to 30 days, while Cuvva, Tempcover, and Briefly cap at 28 days. The cost for 28 days is higher than shorter periods; GoCompare’s market examples show 15–28 day cover averaging £112.58.
Does Cuvva offer hourly cover?
Cuvva explicitly offers hourly learner insurance and general temporary cover from one hour. Their hourly policies are designed for quick trips, such as borrowing a car for a short errand.
How does Cuvva compare to Tempcover, Dayinsure, and Briefly?
Can I compare temporary insurance on GoCompare?
GoCompare includes temporary insurance in its comparison tool, but not all providers appear in the results. For example, Briefly is listed on GoCompare, and the service provides market examples: less than 24 hours at £14.55 and 15–28 days at £112.58.
Is Briefly cheaper than Cuvva?
Yes, based on published starting prices. Briefly advertises 1 day from £7.55 and 4 weeks from £55.15, while Cuvva shows 1 day from £18.14 and a weekly average of £43.97. However, Briefly’s age range is 26 to 78, whereas Cuvva accepts drivers aged 19 to 65 (according to MoneySavingExpert).
What does Confused.com offer for temporary insurance?
Confused.com is another comparison site that includes temporary car insurance. The specific products and prices available through Confused.com were not detailed in the research, but the site generally allows users to compare policies from multiple insurers.
Tempcover and Dayinsure typically cover a broader age range (17–78 and 18–75 respectively) than Cuvva (19–65) and Briefly (26–78). If you are younger or older, check the provider’s age limits before applying.
Can I get temporary car insurance for a borrowed car or test drive?
Is temporary insurance valid for driving other cars?
Yes, many temporary policies are designed for driving someone else’s car. Cuvva states its hourly policies are perfect for borrowing a car, and Zixty requires the owner’s permission. Aviva explicitly mentions test drives, day trips, and weekends away as eligible uses.
Can I use temporary insurance for a test drive?
Aviva specifically lists test drives as a valid use for its short-term cover. Other providers, like Cuvva and Zixty, also permit driving a car you don’t own, as long as you have the owner’s permission. Most policies require the car to be UK-registered and not used for hire or rental.
Does temporary cover include breakdown assistance?
Breakdown assistance is not automatically included in standard temporary insurance policies. Some providers may offer it as an optional add-on, but the research did not specify which ones. It’s advisable to check the policy wording before purchasing.
Not all temporary policies cover “driving other cars” as standard. Always read the terms to confirm the policy covers your intended use, such as test drives or borrowing a friend’s vehicle. Some policies may exclude certain vehicle types or require the owner to have their own insurance.
When do people typically use temporary car insurance?
- 1–2 hours: Test driving a used car from a private seller.
- 1 day: Borrowing a friend’s car for a day trip.
- 3–7 days: Waiting for an annual policy to start or covering your own car during repairs.
- 14–28 days: Short-term car hire replacement or holiday rental.
What is known and what remains unclear about temporary car insurance?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Temporary insurance is legal and regulated by the FCA. | The exact cheapest provider changes regularly due to pricing algorithms. |
| You can buy cover for as little as 1 hour. | Some providers may refuse cover for high‑risk drivers (young, convictions). |
| Prices vary significantly between providers. | Not all policies cover “driving other cars” – check terms. |
| Most providers offer instant online quotes. | Cancellation fees and refund policies differ. |
What is the background of the temporary car insurance market in the UK?
The market has grown due to flexibility and app‑based providers like Cuvva. Traditional insurers such as AA and Admiral also offer temporary cover, often through partnerships. Comparison sites like GoCompare, Confused.com, and MoneySuperMarket include temporary insurance, though not all providers are listed. Daily rates for temporary cover are typically higher than the equivalent daily rate of an annual policy, but can be lower than rental car insurance. Regulatory changes, including GDPR and FCA rules, have increased transparency in pricing.
Where can I find reliable information on temporary car insurance?
Industry sources include FCA guidelines on short‑term insurance and price examples directly from provider websites. Trustpilot reviews offer user experiences for Tempcover, Dayinsure, and Cuvva. Comparison data from GoCompare and Confused.com helps illustrate typical costs. For authoritative guidance, the Financial Conduct Authority provides consumer advice on temporary car insurance.
MoneySavingExpert also publishes tips on finding the best deals, and the UK government outlines general vehicle insurance requirements.
What should I consider next when looking for temporary car insurance?
Monitor new entrants like Zego or By Miles that offer pay‑per‑mile alternatives. Real‑time insurance via telematics may become cheaper than fixed‑term temporary cover in the future. Potential regulation may require all temporary insurers to offer a 14‑day cooling‑off period. For now, the cheapest option often comes with age or usage restrictions, so always compare policies based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is temporary car insurance more expensive than annual insurance?
Per day, temporary insurance is typically more expensive, but for short periods it can be cheaper than adding a named driver to an annual policy or renting a car.
Can I use temporary insurance to insure my own car?
Yes, many temporary policies allow you to insure a car you own if you need cover quickly.
Do I need a black box for temporary insurance?
No, temporary insurance providers rarely require a black box.
Does temporary insurance affect my no-claims discount?
No, temporary insurance operates independently; it does not build or affect your no-claims bonus.
What happens if I have an accident on temporary cover?
You should claim as normal through the temporary insurer; your excess and policy terms apply.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Communities Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering community stories, arts, culture, festivals, local events and heritage.