When you only need to drive for a day, paying for an annual policy feels wasteful. Temporary car insurance in the UK is designed for exactly this scenario: short-term cover that can be bought for as little as one hour or as long as several weeks, depending on the provider.
Whether you are borrowing a friend’s car, taking a vehicle for a test drive, or need a quick solution while your own car is in the garage, day insurance offers a flexible alternative to a full-year policy. The key question for most people is how much it costs and where to find the cheapest option.
This guide breaks down the prices, providers, and practical details you need to know before buying car insurance for a day.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a day?
The cheapest one-day car insurance in the UK starts from £7.55 with Briefly, based on current pricing data. Other major providers show higher starting prices: Cuvva lists cover from £18.14 for one day, while Tempcover shows an average price of £26.31 on its one-day page. Dayinsure offers one-day cover but does not display a specific starting price on its website.
Short-term cover from 1 hour to 28 days (up to 60 days with some providers).
From £7.55/day (Briefly) up to £30+, depending on car, driver, and provider.
Anyone with a valid UK driving licence, including drivers borrowing a car they do not own.
Fully comprehensive cover is standard, usually with an excess of £250 or more.
Key insights about cost
- The cheapest one-day insurance is often offered by smaller providers like Briefly, starting at £7.55 per day, but prices vary by age, driving history, and car value.
- Major insurers like Aviva and Dayinsure also offer competitive rates for short periods, but may require a minimum of 1 day (not hourly).
- Temporary insurance is ideal for borrowers (driving a friend’s car), test drives, or if your own car is off the road.
- Most policies are fully comprehensive, but always check for exclusions (e.g., driving abroad, business use).
- Comparing multiple quotes using an aggregator can save up to 40% versus going direct.
- MoneySavingExpert advises that there is no single cheapest provider and recommends getting quotes from multiple short-term insurers.
Snapshot of key facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration | 1 hour (Veygo) / 1 day (most others) |
| Maximum duration | 60 days (Veygo) / 28 days (Aviva, Comparethemarket) |
| Cheapest starting price | £7.55/day (Briefly) |
| Typical excess | £250 – £500 |
| Cover type | Fully comprehensive (generally) |
| Eligibility | UK driving licence holder, age 17+ (some providers 19+) |
| Providers mentioned | Briefly, Cuvva, Tempcover, Dayinsure, Veygo, Aviva |
How long can you get temporary car insurance for?
Temporary car insurance is not limited to a single day. Depending on the insurer, you can buy cover for periods ranging from one hour up to 90 days, though common limits are 1 to 28 days.
Can I get 1 hour car insurance?
Yes. Veygo is one of the providers that offers cover from as little as one hour. This is particularly useful for a quick test drive or taking a borrowed car for a short errand. Most other insurers set their minimum at one day.
Is it possible to insure a car for a weekend or 7 days?
Absolutely. Many providers offer flexible durations that cover weekends, a full week, or any custom period in between. For example, Dayinsure and Cuvva allow you to select the exact number of days you need, making it easy to cover a weekend trip or a week-long hire.
What is the maximum duration for temporary cover?
Veygo offers cover for up to 60 days, while Aviva and Comparethemarket list a maximum of 28 days for short-term policies. The MoneySuperMarket website notes that temporary insurance is available from 1 hour to 90 days, though this may depend on the specific provider and underwriting rules.
If you need cover for more than a month, it may be worth comparing the cost of a short-term policy against a cheap annual policy. MoneySavingExpert notes that an annual policy can sometimes work out cheaper overall, even if you only plan to drive for a few weeks.
Can I get temporary car insurance for someone else’s car?
Yes. One of the most common uses for day insurance is to cover a driver who does not own the vehicle. This is perfectly legal and widely offered by specialist providers.
Do I need to own the car to buy day insurance?
No. You can buy a temporary policy for a car you do not own, as long as you have the owner’s permission. The policy is taken out in your name and covers you to drive that specific vehicle.
Can I insure a borrowed car for a day?
Yes. This is a common scenario when borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car. The temporary policy sits on top of the owner’s existing insurance and, according to Zixty, does not affect the owner’s No Claims Discount.
It is important to note that temporary cover is separate from any “drive other cars” extension on an annual policy. If your own annual policy includes the right to drive other vehicles, that may be the cheaper option. However, this extension is not always comprehensive and often applies only to cars owned by a spouse or partner.
What does temporary car insurance cover?
Most temporary car insurance policies provide fully comprehensive cover. This means you are protected for damage to the vehicle you are driving, damage to other vehicles, and personal injury.
Is temporary car insurance fully comprehensive?
Yes, for the majority of providers. Cuvva and Zixty, for example, offer fully comprehensive cover as standard. However, it is essential to check the policy wording because some insurers may offer third-party cover only, especially for higher-risk drivers.
Does it include breakdown cover or legal protection?
Not automatically. Basic temporary policies usually cover the essentials: accidental damage, fire, and theft. Breakdown cover, legal protection, and windscreen repair are often optional add-ons that come at an extra cost. You should verify what is included before purchasing.
Are there any exclusions?
Common exclusions include driving abroad (though some providers include EU cover), business use, and certain high-performance or modified vehicles. Always read the policy document to confirm exactly what is and is not covered for your specific situation.
How to compare temporary car insurance providers
Comparing temporary insurance is not as straightforward as comparing annual policies. Temporary cover is rarely listed on standard comparison sites, so you may need to get quotes directly from several providers.
Which providers offer one day car insurance?
The market includes a mix of specialist digital providers and well-known insurers. Key names include Veygo, Dayinsure, Tempcover, Cuvva, Briefly, and SafelyInsured. Larger insurers like Aviva also offer short-term products.
How do they compare on price?
| Provider | One-day price shown in results | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Briefly | from £7.55 | Lowest explicit 1-day starting price in the results. |
| Cuvva | from £18.14 | Fully comprehensive; price is personalised. |
| Tempcover | £26.31 average | Average price shown on its one-day cover page. |
| Dayinsure | Not specified | One-day cover available; price depends on car and driver. |
Should I use a comparison site?
Comparethemarket lists some temporary policies, but not all niche providers are featured. MoneySavingExpert recommends getting quotes directly from multiple short-term insurers. It also advises comparing a short-term policy against an annual policy if the vehicle is yours, because annual cover can sometimes be cheaper overall.
Even if a provider like Briefly shows a starting price of £7.55, your actual quote may be higher depending on your age, driving history, and the car you want to insure. Always get a live quote before making a decision.
The evolution of temporary car insurance in the UK
Temporary car insurance has developed significantly over the past two decades, moving from a niche product to a mainstream option.
- Early 2000s: Limited short-term cover offered by traditional insurers, usually with a minimum duration of one week.
- 2010s: Specialist digital providers like Dayinsure and Veygo launched, offering cover from one day with a fully online purchase process.
- 2015 onwards: Aggregators started comparing temporary policies, and mobile apps enabled instant cover from a smartphone.
- 2020: Veygo introduced 1-hour cover, heavily marketed for borrowing cars and test drives.
- 2025: The market is mature. Prices start under £10 per day, and most major insurers now offer short-term add-ons or standalone products.
What is certain and what remains unclear about day insurance?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| You can buy temporary insurance online in minutes without a long-term contract. | Actual price depends on driver age, car model, and location – you must get a quote. |
| Most policies are fully comprehensive. | Not all providers cover multiple drivers or business use – check the terms. |
| The cheapest options are from specialists like Briefly and Veygo. | Excess amounts vary – some policies have a compulsory excess of £500 or more. |
| Cover is valid for driving in the UK only (some include EU driving). | Young or inexperienced drivers may face much higher premiums or be refused cover. |
Why temporary car insurance is gaining popularity
Several factors explain the rising demand for short-term car insurance. The growth of car-sharing and occasional driving means more people need flexible cover rather than a full annual policy. Young drivers borrowing a parent’s car, individuals test-driving a potential purchase, and those whose own vehicle is off the road all find day insurance a practical solution.
Comparison sites have helped by providing transparency, though not all niche providers are listed. Regulatory oversight from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that policies meet minimum standards, but consumers are responsible for providing accurate information when getting a quote, as required by the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure) Act.
Looking ahead, pay-as-you-go insurance may expand further, with daily or weekly subscriptions becoming more common across the industry.
Sources and authoritative guidance
Several trusted organisations provide information on temporary car insurance. The FCA consumer insurance guidance explains that temporary cover is a legal way to insure a car for a short period, provided you have a valid licence and the owner’s permission. The ABI motor insurance information offers industry-level guidance on how short-term policies work.
MoneySavingExpert car insurance guide regularly updates its advice on finding the cheapest temporary cover. GOV.UK – driving other cars provides official information about insurance requirements when using a vehicle you do not own. Consumer reviews and comparisons from Which? temporary car insurance reviews help users choose between providers.
“Temporary car insurance is a perfectly legal way to cover a car for a short period – just ensure you have a valid licence and the owner’s permission.” – FCA consumer guidance (paraphrased)
“Always read the policy document – cover may be more limited than an annual policy.” – Which? (paraphrased)
Summary: what to do next
If you need car insurance for a day, the cheapest starting price in the current market is £7.55 with Briefly. However, because prices vary significantly by driver and vehicle, the best approach is to get live quotes from multiple providers. Compare short-term policies against an annual policy if the car is yours, and always read the terms to confirm what is covered. For more detail, read our guide on Temporary car insurance in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a temporary car insurance policy?
Yes, most providers allow cancellation within 14 days (cooling-off period) for a refund, but check individual terms.
Do I need a separate policy to insure a van for a day?
Dayinsure and some other providers offer van-specific temporary cover. Check when getting a quote.
Will temporary car insurance affect my no claims discount?
No. Temporary policies do not earn or affect your no claims bonus.
Can I get temporary car insurance if I have penalty points?
It depends on the provider and number of points. Most accept up to 6 points, but may increase the premium.
Is there a minimum age for temporary car insurance?
Usually 17 or 18, but some providers set a minimum age of 19 or 21 for certain cars.
Can I drive abroad with temporary car insurance?
Some providers include EU cover, but many exclude driving abroad. Check the policy document before travelling.
Does temporary insurance cover test drives?
Yes. Many policies specifically allow test drives, but you should confirm this with the provider when getting a quote.
What happens if I need to extend my cover?
Most providers allow you to extend a policy online or via an app, subject to additional payment.
Can I get temporary insurance if my licence is less than a year old?
Yes, but some providers may charge higher premiums or impose restrictions for newly qualified drivers.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.