Insurance is a legal requirement for drivers on public roads in the UK. But in some cases, paying for a year of cover in advance is not cost-effective. It might be that you need cover for just a short period of time. In these instances, short-term cover can be advantageous.
What Are Short-Term Driving Needs?
So, exactly what kinds of situations are we talking about? It might be that you’re going on a long road trip with friends, and you need to share the driving duties among people who aren’t insured for the vehicle in question.
You might be looking to buy a car from a private seller, in which case you’d need cover for any test driving you’re doing. Or, it might be that you need to borrow a car from a friend or family member for a specific purpose at a specific time.
Benefits of Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary car insurance is more expensive on a per-day basis. But since you’re not paying for insurance that you’re not actually going to use, this form of insurance tends to be enormously cost-effective. It’s also flexible – you can adapt your insurance to suit your plans.
How to Compare and Choose the Right Policy
Different policy providers will offer different levels of coverage and flexibility, at different prices. In most cases, the insurance you get will be fully comprehensive – but it’s worth reading the small print to determine exactly what level of coverage you’ll enjoy.
Quick Steps to Get Insured for Temporary Use
The major virtue of temporary insurance is that you can secure it at short notice. However, to do so, you’ll need several key pieces of information. You’ll need the registration number for the vehicle being insured, as well as your license number. The insurer will also demand contact details for the insured driver, as well as billing and personal information, like your date of birth.
The exact process will vary depending on which insurer you choose, but the principles remain the same. Make sure that the information you provide is entirely accurate. If you don’t, you run the risk of being refused a payout when you need to make a claim. In some cases, inaccuracies can be interpreted as fraud.
Staying Safe While Driving Temporarily
If you’re driving for a short time, then you might be unfamiliar with the vehicle you’re driving, and the roads you’re driving on. Make sure that the vehicle is roadworthy, paying particular attention to the tyres and lights. Then make sure that you’re familiar with the controls from the driver’s position.
For the first few miles, it’s worth erring on the side of caution. Limit your speed, and drive cautiously, until you have a feel for the vehicle.
