One Day Car Insurance
One Day Temporary Car Insurance Quotes
Get specialist one day car insurance online in minutes, with instant access to your insurance documents and no long-term commitment.
Compare Quotes From Leading One Day Car Insurance Providers
What Is One Day Car Insurance?
One day car insurance is a short-term policy that provides temporary cover to drive a car for a single 24-hour period. It allows you to insure a vehicle quickly without committing to an annual policy.
This type of cover is commonly used when borrowing a car, collecting a newly purchased vehicle, or arranging insurance for a specific journey.
Unlike being added as a named driver on someone else’s policy, temporary cover usually works as standalone insurance, meaning it won’t affect the vehicle owner’s no claims bonus. Once the policy is approved, documents are normally issued instantly so you can drive legally as soon as cover begins.
When Would You Need One Day Car Insurance?
One day car insurance is designed for situations where you only need to drive a vehicle temporarily and don’t want to take out a full annual policy.
Common reasons drivers choose 24-hour cover include:
Borrowing a friend or family member’s car for the day
Get temporary insurance without needing to be added to the vehicle owner’s annual policy.
Collecting a new or used vehicle
Arrange short-term cover so you can drive the car home legally after buying it.
Test driving a car before buying
Temporary insurance can cover you while test driving a privately sold vehicle.
Sharing driving on a long journey
Useful if you plan to take turns driving during a longer trip.
Driving in an unexpected situation
Stay insured if you need to drive a car at short notice.
Using a car you don’t drive regularly
Ideal if you only need occasional cover rather than a full annual policy.
Cover is subject to eligibility, licence type, and insurer terms.
How To Get One Day Car Insurance
Getting one day car insurance is quick and can usually be arranged online in just a few minutes. At SimplyQuote, drivers can compare temporary insurance options through our partnership with GoShorty, helping them find suitable cover from specialist providers.
1. Enter your vehicle details
Start by providing your vehicle registration number and a few basic details about the driver. This allows insurers to generate quotes based on the car and your driving profile.
2. Compare one day cover options
You’ll then see available temporary insurance policies from UK providers. Compare prices, cover levels, and policy terms to find the option that best fits your needs.
3. Buy cover and get your documents instantly
Once you choose a policy, you’ll be redirected to the provider to complete the purchase securely. After confirmation, your insurance certificate is usually issued immediately so you can drive as soon as cover begins.
What Does One Day Car Insurance Cover?
One day car insurance provides temporary cover for driving a car legally for a short period, usually 24 hours.
The exact level of protection depends on the insurer and the policy you choose.
What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Legal cover to drive the vehicle for 24 hours | Long-term or ongoing driving beyond the policy period |
| Fully comprehensive options available with many providers | Commercial use, unless specifically stated |
| Third party injury and property damage protection | Driving without a valid licence or outside eligibility rules |
| Instant access to insurance documents once cover is in place | Cover for every driver or vehicle type, as restrictions apply |
| Flexible start times, including same-day cover | Guaranteed acceptance, as terms vary between insurers |
How Much Does One Day Car Insurance Cost?
One day car insurance prices vary depending on the driver, the vehicle, and when you want cover to begin. Temporary policies are priced based on short-term risk, so insurers assess several factors before calculating a quote.
Most 24-hour policies typically cost between £20 and £70, although prices can be higher for younger drivers, high-performance cars, or drivers with recent claims or penalty points.
Your price is usually influenced by:
- Your age and driving history
- The type and value of the car being insured
- Where the vehicle is kept overnight
- The level of cover and policy excess you choose
Comparing quotes from multiple providers is the quickest way to see the exact cost of one day car insurance for your situation.
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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