What is One Day Car Insurance
What is One Day Car Insurance?
One day car insurance is a standalone policy that provides comprehensive cover for exactly 24 hours. One day car insurance UK options are ideal if you need car insurance for one day to borrow a vehicle, test-drive a car, or drive a newly purchased car home.
Temporary car insurance policies can often start within minutes, giving you immediate, legal cover without committing to an annual plan.
Unlike being added as a named driver or relying on a “driving other cars” extension, this is a separate policy in the temporary driver’s name. This means any claim won’t affect the driver’s no claims discount, making it a flexible short-term solution.
MotorEasy offers flexible car insurance options. To find out more, get a quote today.
What makes One Day Car Insurance different from annual cover?
It's a standalone policy, not an extension
Car insurance one day policies are separate from the vehicle owner’s annual cover. This means if a claim is made, it typically won’t affect the car owner’s No Claims Discount (NCD).
It provides full comprehensive cover
Most one day insurance car policies offer fully comprehensive protection. This usually includes cover for damage to the insured vehicle as well as third-party vehicles, property, and injury - giving a similar level of protection to many annual policies, but without the long-term commitment.
It lasts exactly 24 hours
Car insurance one day cover runs for a fixed 24-hour period and then automatically expires. There’s no auto-renewal and no ongoing payments, making it a flexible option when you only need short-term protection.
How does One Day Car Insurance work?
One day car insurance works the same as everyday insurance, it's just not active at all times. Like standard motor insurance, you are the named driver on the policy able to drive as long as it's active. However instead of renewal reminders, your policy will automatically end after the 24 hour window closes.
How is it arranged?
One day car insurance works the same as everyday insurance in terms of set up. You apply online by providing your details and the vehicle information, choose when you want the cover to start, and if approved the policy can begin immediately.
What One Day Car Insruance typically covers:
Most one day car insurance policies provide high levels of cover, typically including:
- Comprehensive cover (covers damage to the vehicle, be that repair or replacement)
- Third party liability (covers you in the case of injury to another person or damage to their vehicle)
- Fire and theft (cover if the vehicle is stolen or damaged due to fire)
The exact level of cover and what’s included can always be found in your insurance terms and conditions.
What One Day Car Insurance doesn't cover:
Just like any policy, there are always exclusions. One day policies don’t usually cover:
- Long term/ regular driving - short term policies are typically there to cover you for the short term, there may be exclusions around taking multiple policies.
- Ongoing commuting - short term insurance policies are not designed for everyday drives, there are in place for immediate cover.
- Gradual wear and tear - one day insurance is not designed to cover wear and tear because insurance is designed to protect against sudden, unforeseen events - not ongoing deterioration.
When should you use One Day Car Insurance?
One day car insurance is designed specifically for temporary needs rather than everyday use. Some examples include:
- Borrowing a car from friends or family (perhaps you want to share the driving load)
- Test driving a vehicle before purchase (it can be scary to test drive a new vehicle, if you want to protect your standard insurance – one day policies may be useful)
- Collecting a newly purchased car (if you’ve just bought a new car, you may not want to sit in the forecourt on money supermarket comparing annual car insurance quotes. One day policies can help you get it home)
- Moving house using a borrowed vehicle (if you’re unsure about which vehicles you can drive on your standard insurance, one day insurance can help)
- Emergency situations where immediate cover is required (possibly in the event of a breakdown or having to use someone else’s vehicle)
| Situation | Without One Day Insurance | With One Day Insurance |
| Borrowed car accident | Owner's NCD potentially affected | Separate standalone policy responds |
| Test drive collision | Financial liability risk | Comprehensive cover active |
| Emergency short-term use | Illegal to drive uninsured | Legal 24-hour protection |
How much is One Day Insurance?
If you’re wondering how much is one day car insurance, the price can vary depending on several risk factors. The one day car insurance UK cost is typically higher per day than the equivalent daily rate of an annual policy, as you’re paying for short-term flexibility and immediate cover.
Pricing usually depends on:
- Driver age and experience
- Driving history and claims record
- Vehicle type and value
- Location
Although the daily rate is higher, one day insurance can still be more cost-effective than adjusting, cancelling, or temporarily upgrading an annual policy when you only need cover for a short period.
Who can get One Day Insurance?
Driver eligibility
To qualify for one day car insurance, drivers must usually meet certain criteria set by the insurer. This often includes meeting minimum age requirements, holding a full UK driving licence, and having a relatively clean driving record with limited motoring convictions or recent claims. Specific requirements can vary between providers.
Vehicle eligibility
There are also restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be insured. Insurers commonly apply vehicle value limits and may exclude heavily modified, imported, or high-performance cars. The vehicle must typically be roadworthy, taxed, and have a valid MOT if required.
When One Day Insurance may not be suitable:
While insurance car one day policies are useful for short-term situations, they are not designed to replace annual cover. If you drive the same vehicle regularly or use it every day, an annual policy will usually be more appropriate and cost-effective.
Similarly, insurance on a car for one day UK is intended for occasional or temporary use - such as borrowing a vehicle or driving a car home - rather than providing ongoing protection. For daily commuting or long-term use, a standard annual insurance policy is the better option.
If you'd like to explore MotorEasy's One Day Car Insurance options, get a quote today.
FAQS
Is one day car insurance fully comprehensive?
Often yes. Most policies provide comprehensive cover, including damage to the insured vehicle and third-party claims, but cover levels depend on the insurer.
Does one day insurance affect the car owner’s no claims bonus?
Usually not. As it’s a separate policy in the temporary driver’s name, a claim shouldn’t impact the owner’s No Claims Discount (NCD).
Can I get one day car insurance instantly online?
In many cases, yes. You can apply online and, if approved, cover can often start within minutes.
Can I insure someone else’s car for one day?
Yes. One day cover is commonly used to insure a car you don’t own, provided you and the vehicle meet the insurer’s requirements.
