One Hour Car Insurance
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Why Compare One Hour Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Comparing one hour car insurance at simplyquote.co.uk gives you instant access to short-term, legally compliant cover — ideal for test drives, emergencies, or borrowing a car for just an hour.
Powered by our partnership with GoShorty, you’ll see real-time quotes from trusted insurers in under five minutes.
Sometimes, a full day of cover is more than you need. Whether you’re test driving a used car, sharing the drive home with someone, or covering a one-off trip, 1 hour car insurance is the smart, legal solution. It gives you full protection for the precise time you’ll be behind the wheel — no more, no less.
Using SimplyQuote means no back-and-forth with multiple providers. Just one set of details, one fast quote, and clear options from GoShorty’s panel. You can compare different levels of cover, optional extras like breakdown assistance, and set your policy to begin immediately.
Unlike annual or multi-day policies, hourly car insurance lets you pay for exactly what you need — making it one of the most efficient forms of temporary cover available. If you’re only driving for a short period, this is the quickest, safest way to get insured and stay legal.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a one hour car insurance quote, you’ll need just a few key details: your personal information, driving licence, the car you want to drive, and when you need cover to start.
It’s designed to be fast — most people complete it in under two minutes.
Hourly car insurance is all about simplicity. You don’t need to adjust your main policy or call your existing insurer. Instead, you’re getting a self-contained, short-term policy that starts when you say so and ends automatically when your chosen hour is up.
Here’s what you’ll be asked for:
- Personal details – full name, age, address, and contact info
- Driving licence – full UK licence and how long you’ve held it
- Vehicle information – registration number, make, model, and whether you own or are borrowing the car
- Cover start time – select the exact hour you need the policy to begin
- Driving purpose – social use, commuting, or another approved purpose
- Claims or conviction history – from the last five years, if applicable
You won’t need to upload documents or wait for callbacks. Simply enter your information once, and SimplyQuote will return live quotes from GoShorty’s panel — tailored to your specific hour of driving.
Why Do I Need One Hour Car Insurance Cover?
One hour car insurance is perfect when you need to drive legally and safely for just a short period — without committing to a full-day or annual policy.
It’s flexible, immediate, and ideal for those last-minute, one-off journeys.
Maybe you’re test driving a car from a private seller. Perhaps a friend needs you to drive their vehicle home. Or you’ve broken down and borrowed a relative’s car to get somewhere quickly. In all of these cases, 1 hour cover is the fast, legal alternative to driving uninsured or fiddling with someone else’s long-term policy.
Other common use cases include:
- Sharing the drive on a long journey when you’re not already covered
- Borrowing a car to run an errand or attend an appointment
- Returning a leased vehicle or dropping off a sold car
- Helping someone move when using their car or van briefly
- Test driving a second-hand vehicle without the dealer’s insurance
Unlike day-based temporary policies, hourly car insurance lets you pay for the time you actually need — no waste, no admin fees, no overspending. If your journey only lasts 45 minutes, why pay for 24 hours?
Looking for 1 hour car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Hourly Car Insurance Cover Include?
Hourly car insurance typically includes comprehensive protection — covering third-party liability, fire, theft, and accidental damage.
Despite its short duration, the cover is often as robust as an annual policy, just tailored to the hour you’re on the road.
The best hourly policies mirror what you’d expect from longer-term insurance, offering complete peace of mind for your one-off journey. Whether you’re borrowing a car or taking a test drive, you’re not settling for barebones cover — you’re legally protected and financially safeguarded.
Here’s what most 1 hour car insurance policies include:
- Third-party liability – Covers damage or injury to other people or property
- Accidental damage – Protects the vehicle you’re driving, even if you’re at fault
- Fire and theft – Covers repair or replacement if the car is stolen or damaged by fire
- Windscreen cover – Often included as standard in comprehensive hourly policies
- Legal cover – May assist with legal fees or claims, depending on the provider
- Optional extras – Breakdown cover, excess protection, or European use may be available
Because this is standalone cover, it doesn’t impact the owner’s no-claims bonus or require you to be added to their policy. You’re insured to drive that car — legally, comprehensively, and on your terms.
What’s Not Included With One Hour Car Insurance?
One hour car insurance doesn’t cover commercial driving, unroadworthy vehicles, or anyone without a full UK licence.
While the cover is comprehensive for personal use, it comes with clearly defined limits.
Because hourly car insurance is designed for short, legitimate use — not shortcuts or loopholes — insurers enforce strict eligibility rules. These aren’t hidden clauses; they’re standard terms to protect both you and the provider.
Here’s what’s typically excluded:
- Hire and reward driving – You can’t use it for food delivery, taxi work, or courier jobs
- Unlicensed drivers – Most policies require a full, valid UK licence (not provisional or international unless explicitly allowed)
- Driving outside the policy window – You’re only covered during the exact hour selected
- Pre-existing damage – Any damage to the vehicle before the policy starts won’t be covered
- Non-roadworthy or untaxed vehicles – The car must have a valid MOT, tax, and be legal to drive
- Driving other cars – Cover applies only to the specific vehicle listed on the policy
If in doubt — especially if you’re borrowing a car for something unconventional — it’s always worth checking the eligibility list during the quote process. Hourly car insurance is designed to protect quick, everyday use — not cover risky or commercial activity.
How Much Does 1 Hour Car Insurance Cost?
1 hour car insurance typically costs between £11.90 and £16.98, depending on your age, driving history, car type, and location.
While not the cheapest form of cover per minute, it’s the most efficient for ultra-short-term use.
You’re paying for flexibility and immediacy — not just the time. And because it’s a standalone policy, you’re not impacting someone else’s no-claims bonus or adjusting an existing policy, which would often involve admin fees or renewal issues.
Factors that influence hourly car insurance cost include:
| Factor | How it affects cost |
|---|---|
| Age | Younger drivers (under 25) usually face higher premiums |
| Vehicle type | High-performance or modified cars typically increase your quote |
| Postcode | Insurers assess local risk (e.g. theft rates or accident hotspots) |
| Driving record | Recent claims or points may raise the cost significantly |
| Cover level | Comprehensive costs more than third-party only |
| Add-ons | Extras like breakdown cover or legal protection will increase the premium |
How Can I Save Money On Hourly Car Insurance?
To save money on hourly car insurance, choose a lower-risk vehicle, avoid unnecessary extras, and compare multiple quotes before buying.
Even for a one-hour policy, there are smart ways to keep costs down without cutting corners.
Start with the car. If you’re borrowing a vehicle, opt for something standard — unmodified, modest engine size, and low in the insurance group rankings. Sports models, imports, or heavily modified vehicles often trigger much higher premiums or make you ineligible altogether.
Next, be selective about extras. You might not need breakdown cover or legal protection for a short trip, especially if the car is reliable and you’re driving locally. Choose what’s essential and leave the rest — it all adds up, even on an hourly quote.
Other ways to reduce your 1 hour car insurance cost:
- Increase your voluntary excess – If you’re willing to pay more in the event of a claim, your upfront premium could drop
- Avoid insuring during peak periods – Late nights, weekends, or holidays may slightly inflate quotes
- Only insure for the time you need – Don’t round up “just in case” — pick the exact hour required
- Use SimplyQuote to compare quotes instantly – Don’t go direct and overpay by default
Hourly car insurance is already a low-cost option — but a few careful choices can make it even more efficient.
How To Compare One Hour Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
To compare one hour car insurance at simplyquote.co.uk, just enter your details once and instantly view tailored quotes from trusted UK insurers via our partner GoShorty.
It’s fast, accurate, and designed for time-sensitive needs.
Here’s how the process works:
- Enter your personal and licence details
Add your name, age, postcode, and full UK driving licence info. - Provide vehicle details
Input the registration number or choose the make and model manually. Specify whether the car is yours or borrowed. - Set your policy time and date
Select the exact hour and minute you want the policy to begin. You can start cover immediately or schedule it for later the same day. - Review your quotes
SimplyQuote pulls live results from GoShorty’s insurer panel — showing prices, cover levels, and optional add-ons side by side. - Choose and buy your policy
Once you’ve found the best fit, checkout securely and get your documents by email. You’ll be legally insured for the time you selected — nothing more, nothing less.
There’s no paperwork, no phone calls, and no impact on other insurance. Just the right cover, at the right time — within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it can take up to 48 hours to appear. Always keep your digital or printed policy on hand while driving, especially immediately after purchase.
Most hourly car insurance policies require a full UK licence. However, a few providers offer cover for learners with supervision — check eligibility carefully.
Usually, no. One hour policies are fixed-term. If you need more time, you’ll need to take out a new policy for the additional duration.
No. These policies are standalone and won’t impact or contribute to any existing no-claims discount.
Yes, provided you have permission and the vehicle meets insurer requirements (taxed, MOT’d, roadworthy). You don’t need to be the registered keeper.
It can be. Hourly insurance avoids admin fees or policy changes, making it ideal for quick, one-off use.
Only if the insurer offers European cover as an add-on — and not all do. Always check the terms before travelling outside the UK.
Yes. Many one hour policies can start immediately, often within minutes of completing your quote and payment.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 22nd of May 2025 by Chris Richards