Temporary Car Insurance

Our temporary car insurance offering is all about providing you with flexible insurance options, so you can get behind the wheel whenever you need to. We have short-term car insurance options to suit everyone

What is Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance gives you comprehensive cover on a car you own or someone else’s, without changing their policy or affecting their No Claims Discount.You might need it for a day out, a shared drive, a private test drive, or to borrow a car in a pinch. Whatever the reason, you’ll be sorted in minutes.

Key features

✅ Comprehensive cover
🗓️ Flexible durations: 1 hour to 28 days
🚘 Drivers aged 19 to 75
💎 Car value up to £65,000
🚫 Protects the car owner’s No Claims Discount

MID Reporting: We submit all temporary policies to the Motor Insurance Database (MID) four times a day, 365 days a year. We still recommend keeping a copy of your insurance certificate with you; we always email this directly to you.

Popular Uses

Short-term car insurance can save you money and time. Here’s how our customers typically use it.
🏎️ Buying a New Car – Insure it instantly to drive it home.
🛣️ Sharing the Drive – Take turns behind the wheel on a road trip.
🚨 Emergencies – Quick cover for any last-minute driving needs.
💼 Business Travel – All temporary cover includes Business Class 1 use
🚐 Borrowing a Car or Van – Stay legal without affecting someone else’s policy.
🔑 Test Drives – Get instant cover to drive a car you’re considering buying.

What's covered

What’s covered may vary slightly between providers, but when purchasing a short-term car insurance policy from us, you can generally expect the following (Excludes Impound Vehicles):
⏱️ Flexible Duration – Choose your exact cover length. Need another day? You can buy a new policy in 30 seconds via the GMG Buying journey.
🛡️ Third-Party Damage – Covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property.
🚗 Own Vehicle Damage – Protection against accidental and malicious damage.
🕵️ Theft – Covers theft or attempted theft.
🔥 Fire – Includes fire-related damage.
🇪🇺 EU Travel – Some policies include third-party EU cover (journey must start and end in the UK).
👔 Business Class 1 Use – Includes cover for meetings or business travel beyond commuting.

Optional Extras (Excludes Impounded Vehicles)

Want extra protection? You can add:
🛠️ Breakdown Cover – From £1.49, includes recovery, roadside assistance, and transport costs.
💰 Excess Protection – Covers up to £500 of your compulsory excess in the event of a claim.
⚖️ Legal Cover – Helps recover costs if you’re involved in a non-fault accident.

Eligibility Criteria

🚘 Vehicle Specs & Value

Vehicle Type: Cars (up to 3.5 tonnes)
Seating: No more than 7 seats (no more than 5 for commercial use)
Minimum Value: £500 (subject to age restrictions)
Maximum Value: £65,000

🛠️ Condition & Modifications

Modifications: Must not be modified except for factory-fitted extras, modifications for disabled drivers/passengers, or LPG conversions
Imports: Must not be imported or left-hand drive
MOT Status: Must have a valid MOT or be driving to a pre-booked MOT (Note: Insurance is invalid if the vehicle fails the MOT)
SORN (Off-road): Can only be insured if driving to a pre-booked MOT

🌍 Usage & Travel

Permitted Use: Social, Domestic & Pleasure (SDP) OR SDP + Commercial (restricted to commuting and personal business use only)
Foreign Travel: Not permitted unless driving in the EU and the journey starts/ends in the UK
Prohibited Activities: No motor racing, pacemaking, track days, motor trade usage, or hire and reward
Hazardous Goods: Not for carrying hazardous goods or use at hazardous locations

🚫 Exclusions & Ownership

Rental/Hire: Must not be a rental or hire vehicle
Impounded Vehicles: Not covered (unless specified as impound release cover)
Claims/Credit Hire: No cover for vehicles owned, operated, or hired from Claims, Credit Hire, or Accident Management Companies

👤 Driver Eligibility

Age: Private Car – driver aged 19 to 75
Residency: Must have a current permanent address as stated in the application (proof may be required for claims)
Licence: Must hold a UK licence (DVLA or DVA) or an EU/EEA driver’s licence
Insurance History: Has never been refused insurance, had a policy cancelled, or voided
Criminal History: No convictions for any criminal offence or pending prosecutions
More Info: Further details in the GoShorty Assumptions & Eligibility documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Temporary Cover Abroad?

Yes, temporary car insurance is valid in the EU as long as your journey starts and ends in the UK. However, the level of cover while abroad is likely to be third-party only, so check your policy details to confirm exactly what’s included.

Can You Tax Your Car With Temporary Car Insurance?

Yes, you can use temporary insurance to tax your vehicle, provided you also have a valid MOT. Just ensure your temporary cover lasts long enough to stay insured after taxing, as your car must remain insured at all times unless it’s declared SORN.

Is Temporary Car Insurance Illegal?

No, temporary car insurance from a legitimate, FCA-authorised provider like us is completely legal. It’s an easy way to ensure you have comprehensive cover whenever you need it.

Can You Extend a Short-Term Insurance Policy?

Yes, you can extend a short-term car insurance policy by purchasing a new one for your required duration. We’ll send reminders when your current policy is about to expire, and you can easily buy a new policy in under 30 seconds through the GMG Insurance buying journey.

Lets Get Started

Take control of your coverage with confidence.

Our team is responsive, knowledgeable, and ready to guide you—just reach out and let us know how we can support your query.