Our guide explains all you need to know about temporary car insurance, why you might need it and how you can take out a short-term policy.

Temporary car insurance explained

You’ve likely heard about temporary car insurance but, until you come to need a short-term policy, you might not know much about it. Essentially, it’s a type of short-term cover that can be taken out for the period of time that you need it. You can choose how long your policy lasts and companies often offer temporary insurance for up to one month, or sometimes longer.

Like regular car insurance policies, temporary cover usually provides fully comprehensive insurance for the duration of your agreement. You’ll often be able to add extras onto your policy such as cover for driving in Europe or breakdown cover.

Is temporary car insurance cheaper than an annual policy?

With annual car insurance premiums rising, choosing to take out temporary cover on a borrowed car could work out as a better option for many drivers who only need a short-term policy.

To get an idea of how much temporary car insurance might cost, at Dayinsure we offer daily car insurance from £19.

If, however, you know you’ll need to use a vehicle for a longer period of time, it might be a better option for you to add cover to your existing policy or take out annual cover for the vehicle.

To find out more about the cost of annual policies, take a look at our guide to why car insurance premiums are increasing. You can also find out more about the differences between an annual policy and short-term cover.

Who can get temporary car insurance?

Whether you can get temporary car insurance depends on a few factors but, in general, most drivers can take out a policy on their chosen vehicle.

The majority of providers, including Dayinsure, insure drivers aged between 18 and 75, though some terms and conditions may vary depending on policies.

We also offer temporary car insurance for young drivers so, if you’re under 21 and have held your driving licence for at least six months, you can usually get cover.

If you’re learning to drive, there is also the option of taking out temporary car insurance for learner drivers, which provides cover on a friend or family member’s car (or your own),  enabling you to gain some experience outside of your formal lessons. See our guide to learner driver insurance to discover more.

If you want to learn more about who qualifies for short-term cover, take a look at our guide to temporary car insurance eligibility.

How long does temporary car insurance last?

The beauty of temporary car insurance is that it can last for as long or as little as you need. Many providers offer short-term policies to cover a set time period of between one and 30 days. At Dayinsure, we offer temporary cover that can last between one hour and 30 days, so you only pay for exactly what you need, when you need it. The most common time periods are one day, one week or one month.

You can usually get cover to start the same day, often in as little as 15 minutes . This makes it a good option for those emergency situations.

Some policies allow you to extend your cover if you find you need a longer policy. At Dayinsure, we allow up to three extensions and can provide cover for up to 30 days from the original date.

For more information, check out our temporary car insurance.

Reasons for taking out temporary car insurance

There are multiple reasons why you might wish to take out a temporary car insurance policy:

• Sharing the driving on a road trip
• Borrowing a friend’s car while yours is in the garage
• Borrowing a bigger vehicle for a family break
• Borrowing a larger car to move house
• Taking a car for a test drive
• Driving a family member’s car in a medical emergency as they’re unable to drive.

Our guides to the different uses of temporary car insurance and the benefits of short-term car insurance highlight even more advantages of taking out temporary cover.

While it’s often legal for a driver with a main policy to drive other vehicles under their insurance terms, it’s important to be aware that this is usually only on a third-party basis. This means that, should an accident happen, you might not be covered if you were at fault. A temporary car insurance policy offers fully comprehensive insurance, so you don’t need to worry about your level of cover.

Temporary policies can provide cover for a range of situations, making it a versatile option for those unexpected occurrences. Take a look at our guide to driving another car in an emergency for essential tips and information.

What does temporary car insurance cover?

Policies vary depending on the provider’s terms and conditions and the underwriter. If you’re taking out cover, it’s important to read your motor insurance certificate and any documents to make sure you fully understand what your policy covers you for.

Depending on the policy, you’ll normally get fully comprehensive cover for aspects such as:

• Damage to other people’s property and compensation for injury to others
• Loss of or damage to the vehicle
• Vehicle recovery
• Legal costs.

Other factors such as personal belongings and glass repair are also often covered as part of a temporary car insurance policy. It’s important that the vehicle is used only for the stated purpose to ensure that any insurance remains valid.

Breakdown cover and roadside assistance are sometimes offered as optional extras that can be added to a policy. If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll be covered third-party when driving in the EU. However, temporary fully comprehensive European car insurance can also be added to increase your level of cover when travelling on holiday in the EU.

See our detailed guide to what temporary car insurance covers.

Short-term policies and business driving

At Dayinsure, you’re covered for most day-to-day journeys within Great Britain. These might include the school run, taking a short break, visiting friends and family and running errands.

Temporary car insurance can also be used for test drives but you might also need cover for business use. Unlike some other providers, we include business use as standard, so you can commute, car share with a colleague and attend meetings knowing you’re fully covered.

What can’t temporary car insurance be used for?

All policies are likely to vary but you’ll normally find details of anything for which you’re not covered for in the Insurance Product Information Document or Policy Wording document.

Our temporary car insurance won’t cover you for things such as driving a vehicle as a learner driver or a motorhome. However, you can take out temporary learner driver cover or temporary motorhome insurance to cover these situations.

It’s unlikely that a temporary car insurance policy will cover you for driving in another country outside of the EU and, if you’re travelling to Europe, it’s worth checking the details before you set off.

Is it easy to take out a temporary car insurance policy?

Most providers allow you to apply for short-term car insurance online by filling in a few details. You’ll need some information to hand including your name, address, date of birth, occupation and contact details. You’ll also need the registration number of the vehicle you’re insuring and your British driving licence number.

You can normally get cover on the same day you apply, and even in as little as 15 minutes  in some cases. This makes it a quick option to get covered on another vehicle without having to update your original annual policy.

What about tax and MOT?

You can use one of our Aviva policies to take a vehicle without an MOT to a pre-booked MOT appointment. You cannot use a Mulsanne policy for this purpose. If the vehicle runs out of tax or is overdue for its MOT while you’re driving it, your cover may become invalid (check your policy).

It’s also worth noting that the registered keeper of a vehicle can be fined for failing to have a valid MOT or failing to tax the car.

Want to know more about whether you can take out temporary car insurance with no MOT? Our in-depth guide has more information.

Can I have more than one policy?

A temporary car insurance policy is attached to the driver and vehicle, so you’re only covered for that specific car. However, it is possible to have two vehicles covered at the same time. This is often the case for drivers who already have an annual policy for their main car but wish to make use of another vehicle for a short period of time.

It’s also worth remembering that any additional drivers will need their own policies to make sure they’re fully covered to drive the vehicle.

Some people choose to be added as a named driver on a policy instead of taking out temporary cover. While this can provide valid insurance, it can put any no-claims discount at risk and can cost more in the long run.

Take a look at our guide: Temporary car insurance, do I need an underlying policy?

How does temporary car insurance affect no claims discount?

Because temporary car insurance is a separate policy, any claim you make while driving the borrowed vehicle won’t affect the owner’s policy or their no-claims discount. Similarly, if a friend has an accident while using your vehicle then, as long as they have their own policy, your insurance won’t be affected.

Taking out short-term cover therefore can be a good way to give you and the other person peace of mind that their main cover won’t be affected, even in the event of an accident.

What is the best temporary car insurance?

There are many providers of temporary car insurance, all offering slightly different variations of cover, so it’s impossible to say which is the best as it depends on your particular needs.

When looking for the right cover for you, make sure you choose a policy that covers your requirements, whether that’s driving for work, going abroad, taking a test drive or simply ferrying the children. Not all policies are the same and, sometimes, your needs might require specialist cover such as temporary motorhome insurance or learner driver cover.

You’ll also need to make sure that you can take out cover for the length of time that you need it, whether that’s hours, days or even a few weeks. It’s wise to check that your insurance provider is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) so you can be sure you’re getting a regulated product.

Take a look at our detailed guide on comparing temporary car insurance cover before choosing your policy.

Temporary car insurance from Dayinsure

At Dayinsure, we offer temporary car insurance that covers a range of situations, including business use. You can choose the length of cover, from one hour up to 30 days, making it one of the most flexible options on the market.

It’s easy to get a quote and you could be covered on the car of your choice in as little time as 15 minutes.

Why not check out our variety of guides and news in our dedicated help and support page, featuring essential driving tips, learner driver information and all things insurance?

The post What is temporary car insurance? appeared first on Dayinsure.

Can I get temporary car insurance?

You might want to take out a temporary car insurance policy if you’re borrowing a car for a trip, sharing the driving with a friend or if yours is in the garage. In fact, there are a variety of situations where you might need temporary cover for a set period of time.

Our uses of temporary car insurance guide features a list of the reasons why you might choose to take out short-term cover.

But how do you know if you’re eligible to take out temporary insurance? Most providers have a list of acceptance criteria which tells you whether you’ll be eligible for a policy. These include factors such as:

• Your age: most companies offer temporary car insurance for those aged between 18 and 75
• Your driving licence: you’ll usually need a full GB driver’s licence. In many cases, you’ll need to have held this for a minimum of six months. At Dayinsure, if you’re over 25 you’ll only need a minimum of three months as a fully qualified driver
• Address: you’ll need to have a permanent UK address
• Penalty points: many providers require that you have a maximum number of penalty points, which can vary depending on their terms.

Criminal convictions: companies often require that temporary car insurance customers have do not have any unspent criminal convictions (except motor offences). Read our guide to temporary car insurance for convicted drivers to find out more. Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll need permission from the vehicle owner to drive their car.

Check out our other guides to for some essential tips and advice.

Can I get temporary car insurance on any vehicle?

Usually, most cars can be covered with a temporary insurance policy. Dayinsure’s criteria state that the vehicle:

• Must be registered in Great Britain (Aviva policies extend to NI and Isle of Mann)
• Has a current market value of under £75,000
• Must be less than 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW)
• Is not a HGV
• Has an engine size of 3999cc or less
• Has no engine modifications or body kits (excluding manufacturer extras or those fitted for mobility assistance)
• Has no more than eight seats (seven, if we offer you a Mulsanne policy)
• Is not a hire or rental vehicle
• Has not been imported from another country
• Is not seized or in a police compound.

Other providers’ vehicle criteria might vary so it’s important to check the details before insuring a car with temporary cover.

Can I get temporary car insurance on a friend’s car?

As long as you and your vehicle meets the acceptance and underwriting criteria, and you’ve been given permission to borrow the car, then you should be able to take out temporary car insurance on a friend or family member’s car. It’s important to check that the car you’re looking to insure is taxed and has a valid MOT certificate.

Take a look at our guide to borrowing a car from friends and family in Great Britain.

Can I get temporary car insurance without main insurance?

While you do not need an annual, or main, insurance policy to take out temporary car insurance, any vehicle needs to be insured, or registered as SORN, at all times.

Temporary car insurance can be an ideal form of cover if you’re between policies or know you’ll only have use of a vehicle for a short period of time. Most policies provide fully comprehensive insurance, so you’ll get the same level of cover as that of an annual policy.

You don’t need main insurance to take out temporary cover but the owner of the vehicle must ensure that the car is insured at all times, regardless of who’s borrowing it.

Can I get temporary car insurance at 18?

The minimum age for taking out temporary cover can vary depending on the provider but most, including Dayinsure, insure drivers aged from 18.

Eligibility criteria are often different for vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and campervans. Learner driver insurance is usually available for learner drivers aged 17 and over. At Dayinsure, we provide temporary learner cover for those aged between 17 and 50 so, if you’re learning to drive and want some experience in a family member’s car (or your own),  our short-term learner cover is ideal.

Can I get temporary car insurance if I’ve just passed my test?

This depends on the company’s terms and eligibility criteria. Many providers will want you to have had your full licence for a minimum of three to six months, often depending on your age.

While temporary learner driver insurance is a great way to get cover when learning to drive, it’s important to remember that, once you pass your test, your policy is no longer valid. If you’re planning on driving the vehicle once you have your full licence, it’s vital that you take out the right insurance to cover this.

I’ve been refused temporary car insurance, why is this?

If you’re wondering why you can’t get temporary car insurance, it could be due to one of a few reasons relating to eligibility or the vehicle itself.

It’s important to ensure you meet the insurance provider’s criteria and the vehicle fits the requirements. Some of the main reasons for not meeting the eligibility include:

• Being a new driver
• Your age
• Your occupation
• Having driving convictions
• Vehicle modifications
• A vehicle worth over £75,000
• Having been refused car insurance previously.

There might also be other reasons for being refused short-term cover. In most cases, it’s up to the underwriter to decide on terms and conditions so the temporary car insurance company might not be able to give you any more information.

For more information, take a look at our guide: Uses of temporary car insurance.

How to check your eligibility

Most temporary car insurers include a list of criteria on their website which will help you work out if you’re eligible to take out short-term cover. Dayinsure’s Aviva and Mulsanne acceptance criteria can be used  to assess your eligibility for car, van and motorhome cover.

Fully comprehensive, temporary cover for most drivers

Our temporary car insurance covers most drivers and the majority of vehicles and can be taken out for a set period of time, from one hour up to 30 days. You can take out a policy alongside annual cover or as a standalone policy if you’re borrowing a car from someone else.

It’s easy to get a quote online and you could be covered in minutes.

To discover more tips on taking out temporary cover, essential driving advice and helpful guides, head to our Help and Support page .

The post Guide to temporary car insurance eligibility appeared first on Dayinsure.

From ‘approved repairer’ to ‘no claims discount’, we’ve translated some of the most important vehicle insurance terms to help get you on the road as quickly as possible!

Car insurance terms explained:

ABI group

The Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK’s insurance trade association, categorises all cars, makes and models into a list from 1 to 50, 1 being the lowest and cheapest to insure and 50 the highest and most expensive. The number reflects the risk they represent, i.e., high value, fast acceleration, more likely to be stolen /crashed etc.

Act of God

A disaster resulting from a natural cause, where no driver is to blame and the event could not have been prevented such as a flood or other natural disaster. Your policy documents will explain in more detail what type of events are not covered (see “Exclusions”).

Algorithm

A set of rules used to calculate insurance premiums using information about the driver, their vehicle and other relevant information. These are usually very complex and performed by a computer.

Amendment

A change to your original insurance policy. Also known as Mid Term Adjustment.

Approved repairer

A company, usually a garage, approved by the insurer for the damage assessment, repair and/or storage of the car. Using an approved repairer to fix damage to your vehicle usually means your insurer will cover the full costs of repair under your policy, as these have been agreed between the insurer and approved repairer in advance.

Betterment charge

This is a charge made when a policyholder decides to replace a lost or damaged item with something that is ‘better’. The policyholder is responsible for the difference between the original vehicle’s value and the cost of the new vehicle.

Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover is an add-on product you can choose to include which offers vehicle assistance in the event of a breakdown that leaves the driver and/or passengers stranded. For further information please read the Breakdown IPID.

Broker

An independent insurance company or “intermediary”, that arranges and sells insurance on behalf of different insurance companies. They are separate from your insurer, but often provide services in relation to your policy.

Business use

For non-personal driving at work, you must have business cover. This applies if you run an errand for your boss, regularly use your car to commute or undertake more formal business travelling. Driving on social, domestic & pleasure (SD&P) at work for any work-related duties means you are not covered on your insurance.

Cancellation

Ending your insurance policy. This can be done before the policy starts or during the policy. Further information is shown in your policy documents.

Certificate of insurance

A document provided by your insurer as proof you have motor insurance in place. Without a certificate of insurance in place, it is illegal to use your vehicle on a road.

Claim

A formal request by a policyholder to an insurance company to inform them loss or damage has occurred, and request coverage under their policy.

Class of use

Car insurance classes of use describe how you use your car. For example:

• Social, Domestic and Pleasure with Commuting (SDP+C) to and from a permanent place of work.
• Social Domestic and Pleasure with Business (SDP+B) this will enable you to drive a vehicle as part of your job or to drive to more than one site for work.

You need to accurately describe how you use your car to ensure you are insured for the driving you are doing.

Comprehensive coverage

The most complete level of car insurance cover, which usually covers you for:

•  Injuries to other people.
• Damage to other people’s property.
• The use of a trailer, while attached to your car.
• Fire damage and/or theft.
• Damage to your own car.
• Medical expenses, up to a stated limit.
• Loss of or damage to personal effects in the car, up to a stated limit.

Policy features vary between insurers, so always check them before you buy.

Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE)

This is a government rule that requires you to have car insurance for your vehicle at all times if you use it on roads or in public places – you’re only exempt if the vehicle is kept off-road and declared as SORN to the DVLA. Click here for more information.

Conviction Codes

Motoring conviction codes are defined by the DVLA (e.g. SP30). If you commit a driving offence you can be fined and/or given penalty points on your licence. The more offences you commit the more points will be applied. For more information refer to the DVLA here.

Convictions (Spent & Unspent)

Criminal convictions lapse after a period of time, known as the rehabilitation period, which results in them being removed from a person’s criminal record. At this point convictions transform from “unspent” to “spent”. The rehabilitation period varies depending on the age of the offender and the sentence they were given.

Further information and also how to check if you need to tell someone about your criminal record can be found on www.gov.uk.

Cooling Off period

A cooling off period is a term of an insurance policy that provides the ability for you to cancel a policy within 14 days of the date of purchase, if you decide you no longer require the cover. However this term does not cover insurance policies of under 31 days, which do not have a cooling off period.

Driving Licences

Is a permit that is requested from the DVLA to enable a person to learn to drive (Provisional licence) or for a person who has passed a driving test to drive certain vehicles (Full Licence)
There are different classes of driving licences, click here to find out more information.

Dual Insurance

Dual or double car insurance is when the same person or car has the same cover on more than one policy at a time.

Duty of Disclosure

You have a duty to tell your insurer if there are any changes that may affect the terms of your policy, such as if you move address, change your name or replace your vehicle. If you don’t, your policy could be rendered invalid.

DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) is a government agency that is responsible for maintaining a database of drivers in Great Britain and a database of vehicles for the whole UK. For more information click here.

Endorsement

A change made to an existing insurance policy during the term of cover that adds to or restricts the original cover terms e.g. change of vehicle.

Excess

The amount of every claim which must be paid by the policyholder. This is usually deducted from a final claim settlement. You agree to the amount when you take out your car insurance policy.

Exclusions

These are the things that your insurer won’t cover. It is important you understand what is excluded, as your insurer will not pay out claims for a type of loss or damage which is excluded by your policy. You should check your policy documents for more information.

Fault claim

Damage or loss where you are considered to be to blame, or where the insurer can’t recover costs from someone else. Note: if your vehicle is damaged while parked, by someone who can’t be identified, this will usually count as a fault claim.

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The Financial Conduct Authority is a UK regulatory organisation, independent of the UK government. It’s role is to make sure the financial services sector (including insurers) runs well and customers are protected from unfair, unclear and misleading treatment. Important rules that insurance companies must follow, likes complaint handling rules, are set by the FCA.

Force Majeure

See “Act of God”

Green Card

A green card is a document which is required for driving in some countries outside the EU/EEA. It is provided by your insurer and proves that your motor insurance provides cover for the country you are driving in.

Immobiliser

An electronic security device to prevent thieves from stealing a car even if they gain entry. The immobiliser forms part of the engine control unit (ECU), and prevents the car from being started unless it recognises the key.

Import / Imported Vehicle

Vehicles which have been brought into the UK, after being made to be sold in a country outside the UK.

Indemnity

Indemnity is when an insurer promises to cover you for a loss. Forms of indemnity include cash payments, repairs, replacement, and reinstatement. When indemnified, you should end up in the same position after a claim is resolved as you were before it, minus any excess you needed to pay.

Insurance Policy

The legal agreement between an insurer and a customer (or “policyholder”), which agrees a level of insurance, to be provided by the insurer to the policyholder in the event of loss or damage.

Insurance premium Tax (IPT)

Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a tax paid on all types of insurance policies. This tax will be included in the price of your car insurance premium, and will be identified in the payment breakdown when you purchase a policy. www.gov.uk

Insurer

A company that insures something or someone against loss or damage.

Knock-for-knock

An agreement between motor insurers to pay losses incurred by their respective policyholders, regardless of which driver is to blame.

Loss adjuster

A loss adjuster is an insurance industry expert who works on behalf of an insurer to investigate the cause of an incident, check the claim is valid and evaluate and agree the claim amount to fix the damage.

Main Driver

The person shown on the car insurance policy as the person who regularly drives the vehicle the most. Failing to be honest about the main driver on the policy is a form of insurance fraud.

Material fact

Any information that may influence either an insurer’s decision to offer you cover, or the premium they charge for it. If you leave out information which may influence a decision to offer cover, your policy may be invalidated.

Motor Insurer Database (MID)

The database holding all car insurance policies that the police and other insurers check against to see if there is a policy of insurance for a vehicle.

Named Driver

A named driver is a person who is added onto a car insurance policy so that they are included in the insurance cover.

No Claims Discount (NCD)

For every year that you don’t make a claim on your annual car insurance, you may be entitled to a No Claims Discount or bonus. The worth of this amount varies from insurer to insurer and is used to reduce the cost of the insurance premium.

No-fault claim

The opposite of a fault claim where you are not to blame for the accident.

Non Disclosure

A reduction in the cost of a person’s premium to reflect a claim-free period of driving. No claims discounts are common, but insurers are not obliged to offer them. (Also know as no claims bonus).

Period of Insurance

The period of insurance is how long the insurance policy lasts. You will find this information on your policy documents.

Policyholder

A policyholder is an individual who makes a legal agreement with an insurer for cover in the event of loss or damage. The policyholder usually pays the insurer for this cover. This payment is known as an insurance premium.

Pro-rata Refund

Pro-rata refund is an approach to refund calculation, that takes the total number of days cover you requested and divides it by the number of days of cover you originally purchased to give a daily amount. You are then refunded the number of days remaining multiplied by the daily amount.

Proportional Refund

Proportional refund is an approach to refund calculation, that will accurately calculate how much you would have been charged for the actual period for which you held cover (from policy start until the day of cancellation). You will then be refunded the difference between what you originally paid and this amount.

Premium

This is the amount you will pay for an insurance policy.

Registered keeper

The person who drives the vehicle and generally has the vehicle in their possession and uses it day to day. The registered keeper is responsible for taxing it, making sure it has a valid MOT and insuring it. They will also be the first point of contact for any speeding tickets, parking fines or police enquiries related to the vehicle.

Note: This is not always the person who appears on the vehicle’s V5C logbook which is why it states ‘This document is not proof of ownership’.

Settlement

The amount your insurer pays out for a claim.

Social, Domestic & Pleasure (SD&P)

Cover for social, domestic and pleasure uses of a vehicle. It does not cover driving for work purposes (known as business cover). Our SD&P cover includes commuting to a single place of work.

Underwriter

An underwriter is an insurance company. They decide whether to accept or decline you when you apply for insurance. If you are accepted, they will then calculate the price at which they are willing to offer you an insurance policy.

Uninsured losses

Any losses not covered by your insurance policy, e.g. your excess, a loss of earnings, or compensation for an injury suffered in an accident.

How to get temporary car insurance

Now that you are more familiar with the terms involved with car insurance, you can start thinking about securing some for your vehicle! If you are planning a one-off trip or only need car insurance for a short period of time, picking up some temporary car insurance or one day car insurance will be a shrewd move indeed.

How do you get temporary car cover? It’s simple! Just follow these three simple steps:

• fill in our quote form with your name, GB driving licence number, UK address, date of birth, occupation, and the registration number of your vehicle
• we will give you a price depending on the duration you need to be covered for and when you want the policy to begin
• buy your insurance! All you will need is your credit or debit card details.

It really is that simple. Then you are ready to hit the road with complete peace of mind.

READ ALSO: What do you need to insure a car?

The post Temporary car insurance glossary and jargon buster appeared first on Dayinsure.

A cover note, in regards to car insurance, is a temporary document issued that proves that you have insurance in place. A cover note is a temporary document and will usually only last for 30 days, being replaced by your insurance certificate when that is issued. It’s effectively a stopgap making sure you have proof of cover immediately. It will become void when you receive your insurance documentation (namely your Certificate of Insurance).

READ MORE: Car Insurance Glossary and Jargon Buster

What information is in a car insurance cover note?

The information in a car insurance cover note is the same that can be found on your Certificate of Motor Insurance and includes:

• the name of the insured driver and their address
• the vehicle make and model, including registration
• the type of cover (e.g., social use)
• the level of cover (e.g., comprehensive)
• the expiry date of the cover
• policy numbers
• any other special conditions and terms and conditions your policy may have.

When you receive your temporary insurance cover note from your insurer, you should check the information they’ve listed is all correct, as if not, you may not be eligible to make a claim and your insurance might be invalid. If something is incorrect, you should contact your insurance company immediately.

READ MORE: What do you need to insure a car?

When do I need my cover note?

Cover note insurance documents are used as proof of insurance until your Insurance Certificate is issued, meaning the only time you should need to use a cover note (other than checking it to confirm the details on your insurance policy are correct) is if you are proving your cover.

The instance this is most likely to happen is if you are stopped by the police and asked to provide proof of insurance. One reason this may happen is if your new policy isn’t yet updated on the Motor Insurance Database (MID). This is something your insurer should do within 7 days of your policy starting, so the chances are if you are pulled over due to not being found on the MID, it will be in the first week of your new policy and your cover note will be suitable for the job.

READ MORE: How to use the Motor Insurance Database

When will I receive my cover note?

For many insurers, your cover note will be sent as soon as your policy is started so you can hit the road right away. This is usually then replaced by your Insurance Certificate within the first month of cover starting. However, some insurers choose not to issue a temporary cover note and prefer to simply send your Certificate of Insurance once your policy begins.

At Dayinsure, we will aim to send you your Insurance Certificate within half an hour of your taking out a temporary car insurance policy with us, meaning you won’t need to rely on a cover note.

You should ensure you have either a cover note or your Insurance Certificate before driving after taking out a new car insurance policy as proof of cover.

What happens if my insurance certificate doesn’t come?

For those who have taken out motor insurance with a company that uses cover notes, but your insurance certificate hasn’t arrived before your cover note expires (usually 30 days), you should contact your insurance provider immediately. It may mean they have the incorrect address or contact details for you, but it could also mean your policy didn’t go through properly.

In the rare event that a cover note expires before an insurance certificate is sent, some insurance companies may choose to send an extension to your cover note. If this happens, you should ensure that the cover note extension dates line up and there is no gap in your cover.

Cover notes are simple stopgaps that can help you should you need to prove your proof of insurance. You should always keep your cover note in a memorable location in case you should need it until you receive your full insurance documentation.

For more guides and insurance advice, make sure to visit our help and support page.

The post What is a cover note for car insurance? appeared first on Dayinsure.

At Dayinsure, we can not only provide you with cheap and quick temporary car insurance, but we also want to answer any questions you might have about the process of insuring your car short term.

A question some have when it comes to temp cover for their car is, ‘do they need an underlying policy’. Let’s dive in and clear up a few things about temporary car insurance, policies, and what it means to be insured.

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance is just like regular car insurance except it only last for a temporary period. Unlike annual car insurance which covers your vehicle for the whole year, short term car insurance is flexible, allowing you to get insured for the exact amount of time you will be using your car. So, if you are borrowing a friend’s car for the weekend, for example, or are using a relative’s vehicle during your one month visit, temporary car insurance is a great option.

READ ALSO: What are the uses of temporary car insurance?

What is an underlying policy?

An underlying policy is the main policy that your car is insured under. When you first insure your car, that is your underlying policy. This is the policy that will pay out if you should make a claim. You might decide to buy additional insurance for extra protection later but that would only come into effect if the cost of damage isn’t covered by your underlying policy.

What this means is you can’t insure the same car twice in the hope to get two pay-outs for the same claim.

Do I need to have an underlying policy?

Yes, you do need to have an underlying policy because all cars must be insured legally. The first time you buy car insurance for your vehicle, this becomes your underlying policy. You can’t buy a car and not insure it, even if you decide not to drive it.

Do I need car insurance if I am not driving?

The only way a person is able to own a car without it being insured is by registering your vehicle as being “off the road”. This can be done by getting a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN). So, you don’t need to have car insurance if your vehicle is not being used but if you choose not to insure your car, make sure it has a SORN in place of an underlying policy.

Does temporary insurance count as an underlying policy?

You do not need to have an underlying policy before getting temporary car insurance, but a car must be insured at all times unless it has a SORN.

Does an uninsured car need to be SORN?

All cars must be insured unless your vehicle has a SORN which means it isn’t in use. Temporary car insurance can be used to drive an insured car, but it would be illegal if the car wasn’t insured while you weren’t driving it.

So, for example, if you buy a vehicle and don’t use it very often, you can’t just buy day insurance or temporary car insurance for a weekend and then leave it uninsured. However, you can keep renewing your temporary car insurance for the flexibility it provides or get a SORN for those periods when you are not driving.

Am I fully covered with temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance covers you as fully as an annual policy. For the period that you are covered, whether that be one hour, a weekend, or two weeks, you will be fully covered to drive on UK roads. At Dayinsure, all of our policies provide comprehensive cover.

If you are planning to borrow a car for a road trip this weekend or just need to get insured on your partner’s car for the commute this week, you can relax in knowing that you are fully covered when opting for short term car insurance with Dayinsure.

READ ALSO: What are the benefits of temporary car insurance?

Can I drive an uninsured car with my insurance?

If you are looking to drive a car without an underlying policy (driving without insurance), you must get covered. If you purchase temporary car insurance for that vehicle, you can now drive that car for the length of your policy because the vehicle is no longer uninsured.

As a result, if you are between annual policies, temporary car insurance from Dayinsure will make sure you are covered. Or you can renew your Dayinsure monthly insurance each month and use that as your regular cover.

How do I get temporary car insurance?

It’s a quick and simple process to get your vehicle temporarily insured. All you need are a few bits of personal information to get started.

At Dayinsure, we have an easy form to fill in to get your quote. Just fill in your personal information, tell us how long you want to be covered for and we will provide you with a price. Fill in your payment details and then you can be on the road in minutes!

READ ALSO: What do you need to insure a car?

Help with temporary car insurance

If you think temporary car insurance is right for you but need some more help, please consider taking a look at our Help and Support page.

Need help filling in your application? Want to know about making a claim? Do you have policy queries or need help understanding car insurance jargon? On our Help and Support page, you will find a host of informative guides and FAQs for all things temporary car insurance and about our insurance company.

The post Temporary car insurance: do I need an underlying policy? appeared first on Dayinsure.

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance is a fast, efficient way to insure your car for a short period of time, such as when you borrow a car, go on holiday or need to purchase temporary business car insurance for work. An annual insurance policy might be unnecessary if you will only be using your car for short period or on a temporary basis. This is where temp car insurance comes in as a flexible and convenient solution.

Considering what an attractive option temp cover can be, it’s no surprise that many are looking to compare short term car insurance in the UK to find the best deals and policy for them.

What to look for when you compare temporary car insurance

Whenever looking at different policies for temporary car insurance, compare both their common and more unique elements to get a good understanding of what they cover and how effective they might be for your individual requirements. Be sure to check:

• who the insurance is aimed at (some policies are for learner drivers, for example)
• minimum and maximum period the policy can be taken out for (e.g. day insurance to monthly car insurance)
• eligibility (what conditions must be met to be eligible for the policy)
• which type of vehicle the cover is aimed at (e.g. car or van insurance).

These are all in addition to comparing the prices of different policies, so when you are looking at the various types of short-term car insurance, compare every aspect to be sure you find the right one for you.

What extras can I get with a temporary car insurance policy?

Another thing to keep an eye on is the optional extras that can come with your temporary cover. When comparing insurance providers and their policies, look for a page or section that details these extras. For example, here at Dayinsure, we offer a range of optional extras such as comprehensive European cover and daily breakdown cover. Extras like this can really help decide which insurance policy is right for you.

How long can short term car insurance last?

The flexibility of temporary car insurance is its winning attribute. Your short-term cover can last for as long as you need it, starting from as little as one hour or up to 30 days. Of course, you can renew your policy too, giving you room to manoeuvre for as long as you need it. So, no matter if only need day car insurance or something for the whole month, your cover can adapt to meet your requirements.

How can I get cheaper short term car insurance?

Of course, when looking to compare temporary insurance, a big part of your decision will come down to the cost. After all, we are all looking to get cheaper insurance. In order to get the cheapest quote possible on your short-term car insurance policy, there are a number of things you can try.

For example, you can increase your voluntary excess – demonstrating to insurers that you won’t be making small claims on your insurance. You can also save money by not choosing extras you probably won’t need – for example, if you have no intention of driving in Europe, you won’t need the cover.

Of course, by being safe on the road, driving sensibly, and therefore doing what you can to keep your no claims discount intact, you can also reduce your quote.

Discover more ways that you can make your car insurance cheaper.

Do I need short term car insurance?

Before you start comparing insurance options, it’s a good idea to think about if you need temporary car insurance. Think about your situation and what you will be using your car for and how often you will be using it.

You can certainly benefit from a short-term car insurance policy if you are:

• using your personal car for business use
• getting cover for driving holidays
• going on a test drive
• driving a new vehicle purchase home
• borrowing a larger car or van to move house
• learning to drive
• needing cover for a last-minute emergency.

Read more about the uses of temporary car insurance.

Why choose Dayinsure?

At Dayinsure, we provide the most effective, comprehensive temporary car insurance on the market, at cost-effective prices. You can be sure that we’ll provide you with the best deal, no matter who you compare our temp car insurance policies with.

With us, it only takes a few minutes to sort out your policy. You simply fill in the necessary details and you could be fully covered within 15 minutes.

So, for straightforward, accessible temporary car insurance, choose Dayinsure.

If you have any questions, make sure to check out our policy queries FAQs.

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