Temporary car insurance isn’t a new product but it is one that is commonly forgotten about when car drivers are looking to insure a vehicle for a short period of time. Short term car insurance is usually quick and can be more cost effective than adding a named driver to an existing insurance policy.
What is Short Term Car Insurance?
Short term or temporary car insurance does pretty much what its title suggests. It is car insurance that covers a driver for a short period of time usually between one and twenty eight days although this will vary between brokers and the terms of the policy.
Temporary car insurance works in very much the same as long term car insurance. Ordinary car insurance cover usually lasts for a 12 month period. As motor insurance is compulsory by law in the UK all drivers must be covered before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
Why use Short Term Car Insurance?
There are many reasons why drivers might want to take out a short term policy of insurance on a motor vehicle. Borrowing a vehicle from a friend or family member is a common reason. Some fully comprehensive motor insurance policies will allow the policy holder to drive somebody else’s car with that person’s permission, however, the terms of these policies often say that the person borrowing the vehicle will only receive third party, fire and theft cover. Temporary cover offers more protection for the driver.
Relatives or friends visiting from overseas may want to have access to a motor vehicle during their stay in the UK and so, temporary car insurance is ideal for this purpose. Some insurance companies require the driver to hold a UK driving licence or be resident in the UK so details should always be checked before the policy is taken out.
As temporary cover can usually be arranged quickly over the telephone and the policy can start instantly, it makes it ideal for car buyers. In many cases when a person is buying a new motor vehicle (whether the vehicle is brand new or used) it can take a number of days to organise for a full insurance policy to cover that vehicle. Temporary cover which is often provided on an immediate basis as soon as payment has been made, is a great choice to cover the driver as they wait for their new policy to start
Issues to Bear in Mind
As with all insurance policies, the person taking out the car insurance should always check the terms and conditions of the policy. Many companies put restrictions on their cover such as age of the driver or the type of car being insured.
Some insurance firms also state that vehicles may only be insured for a maximum of twenty eight days in any twelve month period. If the vehicle is going to be used by a particular driver on a more regular basis than this, a short term policy would not be suitable.
David Myerscough - David, a Business Studies graduate from the UK began his professional writing career in early 2010. Currently, David writes for online ...
