Have you heard of temporary car insurance? If you have access to someone else’s car and don’t need to drive regularly it is a cheap way to get insured. Whether you’re just learning to drive, have just passed your test, or only need to drive a car for a short period of time, it can be a sensible choice. We’ve put together this guide to help you to decide if it’s the right choice for you.
How much does standard car insurance cost?
The average standard car insurance premium now stands at £485 or over £40 a month. Of course, that’s just the average cost, and for many drivers, premiums will be much higher. This is especially the case for anyone learning to drive, who is newly qualified or younger drivers under aged 25 years old. If you’re aged 18-21 it’s likely you’ll be paying out on average £973 a year according to The Association of British Insurers.
Cheap car insurance for newly qualified and learner drivers
So how can younger drivers and learner drivers get a better insurance deal? One option is to consider temporary insurance, especially if you’re only planning on driving for a short period of time, for example when you’re home during university holidays.
What is temporary car insurance?
Temporary car insurance works a little bit like pay per view TV – except it’s pay per drive! Policies can be for as little as one day or up to 30 consecutive days. And you can take out your temporary car insurance quickly and easily when you need it, even at very short notice.
Why choose temporary car insurance?
In almost every case, temporary car insurance will cost you less than if you take out an annual policy. Insurance is calculated on risk. It follows that the more often you are driving on the road, the more likely you are to have an accident. As temporary car insurance is only valid for driving on limited periods of time it costs less than a policy that allows you to drive every day for a year.
But remember, the amount of days you can drive are limited with temporary car insurance.
Who can take out temporary car insurance?
Anyone can take out temporary car insurance. Whether you’re learning to drive, a newly qualified driver, under 21 years old, or any age, you will be eligible for temporary car insurance.
Temporary car insurance for learner drivers
If you’re learning to drive, every moment on the road increases your experience. Any chance you can get to practise driving will increase your chance of passing your practical exam. If you have access to another car, for example your parents’ car, you can practise between lessons. But you must be accompanied by another driver who is at least 21 years old and has held an EU driving licence for at least three years. You must also take out insurance to practise driving. One option is to be added as a named driver onto the main drivers’ policy. But if you’re only practicing for a limited amount of time, temporary car insurance could be a cheaper deal.
Temporary car insurance for young or newly qualified drivers
Newly qualified drivers have not had chance to build up a record to show insurers that they are safe drivers. That means annual car insurance premiums can be high. Temporary car insurance can again be a good value way to enjoy the freedom of driving as long as you don’t need to drive regularly or frequently over the year.
Temporary car insurance for students
If you’re a student you may be planning on going back home during the long holidays. But, if you don’t have your own car, you might need to borrow your parents’ car either to get around for fun or for that summer job! If you’re not already included as a named driver on the main policy, you’ll need to be added. Temporary car insurance, that covers you just for the short period of time that you’re back home from uni, can be a great value alternative to being included as a named driver on a policy.
Is temporary car insurance right for me?
Temporary car insurance is perfect for:
- Letting you drive a car for a short period of time. For example, to share driving duties on a long road trip to visit family and friends.
- If you only want to drive for short periods of time in a year. For example, you’re a student back home from university for the holidays and want to drive the family car.
- If you only need to drive a car as a one off. For example to move home or if you’re planning a longer road trip and want to share the driving. Another common reason for taking out temporary car insurance is when your car is in the garage undergoing repairs and you need to borrow a car to get to work or do the shopping.
- Emergency situations when you need to drive someone else’s car. For example, a friend or relative has an accident or illness and cannot drive and need you to drive them to appointments for them
Temporary car insurance is not suitable if:
- You own the car you want to insure.
Leaving your car uninsured when you don’t use it
Remember, you cannot leave a vehicle without insurance, even if it is parked in a private driveway or garage, unless it is registered as off-the-road (SORN).
If you own a car but only drive it infrequently, you can’t just take out temporary insurance. Instead, look for regular car insurance. But get a better price by opting for a limited mileage policy in line with your limited use.
Get in touch for a great deal on temporary car insurance
Our team at Park Insurance can help you to decide if temporary car insurance is the right choice for you. We’re independent brokers with 30 years experience. They can talk you through all your options and find you the best price deal. Call our helpful team on 0117 955 6835 or get a free quote.