One Day Car Insurance
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Why Compare One Day Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Comparing one day car insurance at simplyquote.co.uk helps you find fast, legally-compliant cover at competitive rates — all in minutes.
Through our trusted partnership with GoShorty, we provide access to flexible, fully comprehensive short-term policies tailored to your needs.
If you’re borrowing a friend’s car, collecting a new vehicle, or simply need temporary cover for the day, SimplyQuote makes the process simple. Instead of hunting down individual insurers — many of whom don’t openly advertise one day policies — you’ll see real-time quotes from top UK providers, all in one place.
Because we work with GoShorty, you can be confident the cover meets legal requirements and is underwritten by established insurers. You’ll get clear terms, optional extras like breakdown cover, and the ability to insure everything from hatchbacks to high-performance cars.
And crucially, it’s not just about speed — it’s about control. You avoid being tied into a long contract, you don’t have to alter your existing policy, and you only pay for the time you actually need. If you’re looking for reliable short-term insurance, this is a smarter, stress-free way to get on the road.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a one day car insurance quote, you’ll need to provide basic personal details, information about the car, and the date you want cover to start.
The form is quick to complete and doesn’t require anything unusual or time-consuming.
The whole idea behind one day insurance is convenience. But insurers still need just enough information to assess your risk profile. If you’ve got your details on hand, you can typically complete the quote in under two minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your personal details – name, age, address, and contact info
- Driving licence information – including licence number and how long you’ve held it
- Vehicle registration number – or the make and model if the reg isn’t available
- Start time and date for cover – most policies can begin instantly
- Reason for needing insurance – e.g. borrowing a friend’s car, test drive, temporary use
- Claims or convictions – if you’ve had any recent issues, these may affect the quote
You won’t need to contact your existing insurer or make any changes to another policy. One day cover is completely standalone, meaning it won’t interfere with no-claims bonuses or other ongoing arrangements.
Why Do I Need One Day Car Insurance Cover?
You need one day car insurance if you’re driving a vehicle temporarily and don’t want to commit to a full annual policy.
It’s a legal requirement to have insurance when driving on UK roads — even if it’s just for a single journey.
This type of short-term cover is ideal for situations where flexibility matters more than duration. It gives you legal protection for just the time you need, without having to modify an existing policy or risk being uninsured. Unlike adding yourself as a named driver or taking out a long-term plan, one day cover is designed for immediate, no-strings-attached use.
Typical real-world examples include:
- Borrowing a friend or family member’s car for a day out or emergency
- Test driving a car before buying it from a private seller
- Driving home a newly purchased vehicle before arranging long-term cover
- Covering a car for temporary business use, especially if you’re self-employed
- Helping someone move house or transporting goods in a private car
- Using a different car while yours is in for repair or in storage
In each case, the common thread is that you don’t own the car, or don’t need ongoing cover. One day insurance fills that gap — quickly, affordably, and legally.
Looking for 1 day car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does One Day Car Insurance Cover Include?
Most one day car insurance policies provide comprehensive cover, protecting you against damage to your vehicle, third-party claims, fire, theft, and more.
It offers the same core benefits as a standard annual policy — just condensed into a single day.
When you take out a one day policy, you’re not settling for watered-down protection. In fact, many temporary policies mirror the protection you’d get with a fully comprehensive annual plan. This makes it especially useful for unexpected driving needs or high-value vehicles.
Here’s what’s typically included:
- Third-party liability – Covers damage or injury you cause to other people or property
- Damage to the insured vehicle – Accidental damage, vandalism, and collision-related claims
- Fire and theft – Protection if the car is stolen or damaged by fire
- Legal cover – Often included to help with claims or disputes after an accident
- European cover – Some insurers offer limited European driving within the same policy
- Replacement car hire or recovery – Occasionally offered as an optional extra
Each provider has its own terms, so it’s worth reading the policy wording carefully — especially if you’re relying on specific inclusions, like driving abroad or insuring a high-value car. But generally, one day cover gives you far more than just legal minimum protection.
What’s Not Included?
One day car insurance doesn’t cover business use, unroadworthy vehicles, or driving outside the agreed time frame.
It’s designed for private, temporary use only — with strict limits that are clearly defined in the policy.
Temporary insurance is a straightforward product, but it’s not without boundaries. It’s important to understand these limits upfront, especially if you’re relying on the cover for something specific. The goal isn’t to trip you up — it’s to make sure the insurer’s risk is manageable and your expectations are aligned.
Here are some of the most common exclusions:
- Hire and reward use – You can’t use the vehicle for deliveries or paid transport (e.g. Uber or courier work)
- Track days and racing – No cover for motorsport, off-road use, or driving on a racetrack
- Driving outside the policy window – You’re only insured for the exact start and end time you selected
- Unlicensed or disqualified drivers – If you don’t hold a valid UK licence, you won’t be eligible
- Unroadworthy vehicles – The car must be taxed, MOT’d, and road-legal at the time of cover
- Pre-existing damage – Any issues the car already had before the policy starts won’t be covered
In other words, this isn’t a workaround for insuring risky driving behaviour or vehicles that shouldn’t be on the road. Stick to the basics — private, short-term driving — and you’ll be fine.
How Much Does One Day Car Insurance Cost?
One day car insurance typically costs between £20 and £40, depending on your age, driving history, vehicle type, and location.
It’s priced to reflect the convenience and risk of short-term use — and it’s often cheaper than altering an existing policy.
Unlike annual insurance, which spreads risk and cost over twelve months, one day cover condenses that into just 24 hours. That means insurers assess your risk just as seriously, even if the policy only lasts a day. Younger drivers, performance cars, and urban postcodes will all push the price up. That said, many drivers can still find policies at the lower end of the range with minimal effort.
Here’s what influences the cost:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Age of driver | Under 25s often pay more due to higher risk |
| Type of car | Sports or modified vehicles increase premiums |
| Location | Urban and high-theft areas tend to cost more |
| Licence length | New drivers may be charged a higher rate |
| Claims history | Recent claims or points will raise your premium |
| Level of cover | Comprehensive costs more than third-party only |
How Can I Save Money On One Day Car Insurance?
To save money on one day car insurance, choose a standard vehicle, avoid peak periods, and compare multiple quotes before buying.
Even though it’s short-term cover, there are still ways to avoid unnecessary expense.
One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is to insure a car that’s lower-risk — think modest hatchbacks rather than performance saloons. The lower the insurer’s risk, the lower your premium. Avoid modifying the car, too; cosmetic or engine mods can trigger a hike in price or render you ineligible altogether.
Timing also matters. If you’re flexible, try not to start your policy during a weekend, bank holiday, or busy travel period, when insurers may automatically adjust prices to reflect higher demand.
Here are a few additional strategies that can help:
- Be honest and accurate with all the information you provide — errors can lead to invalid quotes or cancellations
- Only buy what you need — skip optional add-ons like breakdown or legal cover if you’re confident you won’t need them
- Stick to personal use only — using the car for work or delivery driving can disqualify you from temporary cover or result in much higher rates
- Use a comparison platform like simplyquote.co.uk — this avoids overpaying by giving you multiple options instantly
Remember, just because it’s a one-day policy doesn’t mean you should rush the decision. A few small adjustments could easily save you £10–£15 on a single quote — and possibly more if you’re a higher-risk driver.
How To Compare On Day Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing one day car insurance quotes at simplyquote.co.uk is fast, flexible, and built for drivers who only need short-term cover.
You won’t need to contact multiple insurers or fill in long forms — just a few quick details and you’ll see real-time results from trusted providers.
Here’s how it works:
- Provide your basic details
Enter your name, age, postcode, and driving history. These are used to tailor quotes to your risk profile. - Add vehicle information
Include the registration number or vehicle make and model. You’ll also be asked where the car will be kept and whether you’re borrowing or insuring your own. - Choose the length of cover
Select how long you need insurance for — from one hour up to 28 days. For this page, it’s just 1 day. - Customise your cover
Decide whether you want optional extras like breakdown assistance or European use. You can filter by what matters to you. - Compare and select
Instantly view your tailored quote from GoShorty. Review the price, cover level, excess, and any add-ons. Once you’re ready, you’ll be redirected to GoShorty’s secure site to finalise your purchase — quick, simple, and hassle-free.
Because SimplyQuote works in partnership with GoShorty, you get access to flexible, specialist temporary car insurance built around real-life needs — not just a one-size-fits-all price. The whole process usually takes under five minutes, from quote to cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many providers offer immediate cover with policies starting within minutes of approval. As long as you meet eligibility requirements, there’s no waiting period — just input your details and select a start time.
Yes, but not always immediately. MID updates can take up to 24–48 hours, so it’s best to keep proof of insurance on hand if you’re driving shortly after purchase.
No, most one day car insurance policies require a full, valid UK driving licence. Provisional or international licences are typically not accepted.
In most cases, no. Because of the short duration, once the policy is active, refunds aren’t usually offered — even if you cancel early.
Yes, but only if you have permission to use the vehicle and meet the lender’s insurance requirements. Always check with the leasing company first.
Yes, one day cover is ideal for driving a newly purchased car home. Just make sure the vehicle is taxed, roadworthy, and has a valid MOT.
Yes, you can take out multiple one day policies as needed. Just be sure there’s no overlap or attempt to use them continuously as a substitute for annual cover.
Usually not. Most temporary policies exclude towing unless explicitly stated — and even then, only for small domestic trailers. Check the policy wording.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 22nd of May 2025 by Chris Richards