Can I get car insurance for one day?
Table of Contents
Yes, you can get car insurance for one day. This type of cover is known as temporary car insurance, and many providers offer one-day policies designed for short-term use. It’s flexible, convenient and usually fast to arrange online.
If you only need to drive for a single day, like borrowing a friend’s car or taking a test drive, one-day insurance can be a cost-effective choice. For more about this type of cover, head over to our main daily car insurance page.
In this guide, you’ll find out when one-day cover makes sense, how it works, and what to watch out for before you buy.
Key points
One-day car insurance is a short-term policy that gives you legal cover for 24 hours. Here are the key things to know.
- You must be legally eligible to drive in the UK, with a valid driving licence
- Cover typically starts the moment you buy, or at your chosen start time
- It works for both borrowed cars and cars you own
- Insurance is fully standalone, so it won’t affect the owner’s no-claims bonus
- Daily cover is often comprehensive (covers theft, fire, and damage) but this varies
- Ideal for test drives, short trips, moving house or emergencies
- You’ll need to give your personal and car details to get a quote
- Prices can vary depending on age, vehicle type, and driving history
Daily cover can be a handy alternative to long-term insurance—especially when you only need it for a few hours or a day.
Who can get one-day car insurance?
One-day car insurance is usually available to drivers aged between 18 and 75, though age limits vary by provider. You’ll need to hold a full UK driving licence, although some companies accept EU and international licences. Most insurers will also look at your driving history, including claims and penalty points.
It’s important to check if your age, licence type and the purpose of your journey meet the provider’s rules before buying.
What documents do I need to get one-day insurance?
To get a quote and take out cover, you’ll generally need:
- Your name and address
- Your driving licence number
- Your date of birth
- The registration number of the car you’ll be driving
- Your past claims and convictions (if applicable)
Most providers operate online, so once you’ve entered this information, you can get your documents instantly if you go ahead with the policy.
Can I insure someone else’s car for a day?
Yes, you can take out one-day cover to drive a friend or family member’s vehicle. This is common for moving house, sharing long drives or borrowing a car while yours is in the garage.
As long as the car is insured and has a valid MOT, you can usually legally drive it with your own temporary policy. You won’t affect the owner’s insurance, since your policy is entirely separate.
What types of cars can I cover with daily car insurance?
Temporary car insurance usually covers standard cars and vans up to a certain value—typically around £40,000. Sports cars, modified vehicles and high-performance models might not be eligible, or may be more expensive to insure for a day.
Make sure the vehicle is:
- Registered and kept in the UK
- Taxed and has a valid MOT (if required)
- Not already declared off-road (SORN)
If you’re not sure, check with the insurer before getting a quote.
How much does one-day car insurance cost?
Prices vary, but one-day cover typically costs between £20 and £50 depending on your details and the vehicle. Factors include:
-
- Your age and driving experience
- Your postcode and where the car is stored
- The car’s value, make and insurance group
Although it may seem higher than a daily rate on yearly insurance, it’s far cheaper than risking driving uninsured—or paying for a full policy you don’t need.
Can I extend my temporary cover if I need the car longer?
Yes, some providers let you buy another one-day policy right after the previous one ends, or switch to a longer short-term policy like 3, 5 or 7 days. It’s usually cheaper to buy a single multiday policy than stacking one-day policies, so it’s worth thinking ahead if there’s a chance you’ll need more time.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange the next cover before the current one expires—there’s no grace period.
Do I still need car tax if I have one-day insurance?
Yes, the vehicle must be taxed to drive it legally—even with a temporary policy. Your one-day insurance gives you legal cover to drive, but it doesn’t replace vehicle tax or MOT requirements.
You can check if a vehicle is taxed using the free GOV.UK tool, and if you’re the owner, you can pay for a single month’s tax online. This is often useful for short-term use.
What happens if I get caught without proper insurance?
Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK. If caught, you could face penalties including:
- A fixed fine of £300
- Six penalty points on your licence
- A possible court appearance, leading to a larger fine or disqualification
Temporary cover helps you avoid these risks when you only need to drive for a short time. Be sure your policy is active before driving.
In Summary
You can get car insurance for one day through a temporary policy. It’s flexible, fast to arrange and perfect for occasional use. Just make sure you’re eligible, provide the required information, and check what’s included before buying.
If one-day insurance sounds right for your plans, you can compare daily car insurance options online to see what’s available for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Get car insurance for one day!
Don't have your registration number? No problem, click here
Our recommended guides
max_posts: 4
posts_per_page in Query: 4
Posts found (paged query): 9
Posts found (all): 9
WP_Query args:
Array ( [post_type] => guide [posts_per_page] => 4 [post_status] => publish [tax_query] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => guide_category [field] => term_id [terms] => Array ( [0] => 3509 ) [operator] => IN ) ) )
