How Does Temporary Car Insurance Work?

Covrly Team · June 1, 2026 · 4 min read

Temporary car insurance is a flexible way to get fully comprehensive cover for a short period—from as little as 1 hour up to 30 days. It runs parallel to any existing annual insurance on the car without affecting it.

Why choose temporary insurance?

1. Borrowing a friend or family member's car: If you only need to drive someone else's car for a weekend trip, getting temporary cover is often cheaper and easier than adjusting their annual policy.
2. Sharing a long drive: If you're going on a road trip and want to share the driving duties, temporary cover makes sure you're legally insured to drive.
3. Buying a new car: Need to drive a newly purchased car home before setting up an annual policy? A 1-day or 1-hour policy is the perfect solution.

Does it affect No Claims Discount (NCD)?

One of the biggest advantages of temporary car insurance is that it acts as a completely separate policy. If you have an accident while driving a borrowed car on a temporary policy, the car owner's No Claims Discount will remain completely intact.

What is required?

Most providers require:

• You must hold a valid UK driving licence (or provisional for learner policies).
• You must be aged between 17 and 78.
• The vehicle must be registered in the UK.

With Covrly, the process takes less than 3 minutes, and you get your documents emailed to you instantly!