Temporary Student Car Insurance Quotes
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Why Compare Temporary Student Car Insurance At SimplyQuote?
Because student life is unpredictable—and SimplyQuote helps you get flexible cover that fits around it.
Whether you’re borrowing a car to head home for the weekend, using a mate’s vehicle during reading week, or sharing the drive on a uni road trip, a full annual policy rarely makes financial sense. That’s where temporary student insurance becomes the smart option.
SimplyQuote partners with trusted names like GoShorty to bring you quotes from insurers that understand short-term needs. Policies are designed around how students actually use cars—occasionally, affordably, and often at short notice. You can choose cover lengths from a few hours up to several weeks, depending on what you need.
And there’s no risk to anyone’s no-claims bonus. If you’re driving someone else’s car, this keeps their policy untouched—and keeps you legally and financially protected.
The process is fast, the quotes are tailored, and the cover is clear. No long-term commitments, no hidden catches—just insurance that makes sense for student life.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
You’ll need a few basic details: your personal info, licence details, the car’s registration, and how long you want the policy to last. That’s it.
Getting a temporary student insurance quote through SimplyQuote is quick—and you won’t need to dig through piles of paperwork. Here’s what to have ready:
- Your full name, age, and address
- Driving licence details, including how long you’ve held it and any points or claims
- Vehicle registration number (you don’t need to own the car, but you do need permission to drive it)
- The dates and times you need cover for—from just an hour to several weeks
- Intended use—such as social trips, weekends home, or occasional errands
Let’s say you’re borrowing your housemate’s car to head home for the bank holiday weekend. As long as you’ve got their permission and enter the right details, you can get a quote and be covered in minutes—often with documents sent instantly to your inbox.
Accuracy matters. Entering the correct information helps match you with valid quotes and ensures your policy will be accepted by the insurer if anything goes wrong.
Why Do I Need Short-Term Student Car Insurance?
Because full-time cover doesn’t always make sense when you only drive occasionally—and short-term insurance gives you the flexibility to stay covered without overpaying.
Most students don’t drive every day. Maybe you left your car at home during term time, or perhaps you don’t own one at all but occasionally borrow one from family or friends. In these cases, an annual policy would be a waste of money—and potentially a logistical headache.
That’s where temporary car insurance comes in. It’s designed for situations like:
- Borrowing a parent’s car during university holidays
- Helping with a house move across town or back home
- Driving on a weekend trip with mates
- Occasional commutes to a part-time job or internship
And since it’s completely separate from any existing policy on the car, you’re not interfering with someone else’s no-claims bonus. If you’re borrowing someone’s vehicle, this gives peace of mind to both of you.
It also works well if you’re only in the UK for part of the academic year or returning home for breaks. You get the cover only when you need it—nothing more, nothing less.
Looking for temporary student car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat’s Included In Temporary Student Car Insurance?
Most short-term student policies offer comprehensive cover—protecting against damage to your vehicle and others’, as well as fire, theft, and third-party liability.
Temporary student insurance doesn’t mean bare-bones cover. In fact, most policies are surprisingly robust. The key difference is flexibility—you’re only paying for the days (or hours) you actually need.
Typical cover includes:
| Cover Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Cover | Covers damage to your car, other vehicles, and property—even if you’re at fault |
| Third-Party Liability | Required by law—covers damage or injury caused to others |
| Fire & Theft | Protects the vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire |
| Windscreen Cover | Sometimes included, depending on provider |
| Legal Expenses | Optional add-on to help cover legal costs in the event of a claim or dispute |
| Breakdown Assistance | Often offered as an extra for added peace of mind |
For example, if you borrow your brother’s car to drive to a summer job interview and accidentally scratch it against a post, a comprehensive short-term policy would cover the damage. You’re protected—without needing to be added to his annual policy.
Providers like GoShorty (available through SimplyQuote) clearly list what’s included and what’s optional, so you can tailor your cover before committing.
What’s Not Included?
Temporary student car insurance isn’t a free pass. It won’t cover commercial driving, unauthorised use, or anything that falls outside the agreed terms.
This type of policy is built for occasional, responsible use—but there are clear limits.
Here’s what’s typically excluded:
- Delivery driving or courier work – You’ll need Hire and Reward insurance for that.
- Use outside the stated dates/times – If you drive before or after your policy window, you won’t be covered.
- Unlisted drivers – You can’t lend the car to someone else unless they’re named on the policy.
- Driving under the influence – Any claims made under drink or drug influence will be invalid.
- Damage from reckless driving – Policies may not pay out if you’re found to be driving dangerously or illegally.
Say you borrow a car to visit home for the weekend and decide to take on some food delivery shifts to earn extra cash—your student policy won’t cover it. That would require a different type of insurance altogether.
Exclusions aren’t meant to catch you out. They’re there to define what the policy is actually for. If you stick to the intended use, you’ll be fine—but it’s worth checking the small print before you hit the road.
How Much Does Temporary Student Car Insurance Cost?
Prices usually start from around £10 to £20 per day—but what you pay depends on your age, experience, the car, and how long you need cover for.
Student insurance is a bit of a balancing act. You’re often in a higher-risk bracket due to age and limited driving history, which can push prices up. But the short-term nature of these policies means you only pay for the days—or even hours—you need.
Here are some common cost factors:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Age & Driving History | Younger or newly qualified drivers usually pay more |
| Car Type & Value | Sporty or high-value cars cost more to insure |
| Location | Urban postcodes may carry higher risk premiums |
| Length of Cover | Longer policies reduce the per-day cost, but the total cost is still higher |
| Time of Year | Prices can fluctuate during peak travel seasons or holidays |
For example, a 21-year-old borrowing a family hatchback to drive home for four days might pay £45–£60 for a temporary policy. That’s significantly less than tweaking an annual plan—or taking one out from scratch.
And with SimplyQuote, you can instantly compare live prices from providers like GoShorty, so you’re not stuck guessing. It’s quick, transparent, and tailored to what you actually need.
How Can I Save Money On Temporary Student Car Insurance?
Be accurate, be selective, and compare everything. The key to saving is only paying for what you actually need.
Start with the obvious: don’t overestimate how long you need cover for. If you’re driving on Friday afternoon and back Sunday evening, insure that window—not the whole week. Every extra hour adds cost.
A few smart ways to cut costs:
- Choose the right car – If you’ve got access to more than one vehicle, pick the one with the lowest insurance group. A Ford Fiesta costs less to insure than a VW Golf GTI.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons – Breakdown cover and legal protection are helpful, but not always essential for short-term use. Don’t pay for extras you won’t use.
- Stick to one driver – Policies are usually priced for solo use. Adding another driver, especially someone younger or with points, can bump up the premium.
- Check your timing – Booking in advance often gives you more options. Last-minute policies are still available but may be slightly more expensive.
Let’s say you’re borrowing a car to drive to a uni open day. If you know the exact journey time and need no extras, you might pay half what someone else pays who insures a whole weekend with bolt-ons they’ll never use.
SimplyQuote’s comparison tool does the heavy lifting—so all you have to do is make smart choices based on your actual plans.
How To Compare Temp Student Car Insurance At SimplyQuote?
It’s fast, simple, and designed to give you control. You enter your details once—then compare quotes from top UK insurers in seconds.
No paperwork. No hassle. No chasing different providers around the internet.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter your details – Personal info, licence history, and car registration. You don’t need to own the vehicle—just have permission to drive it.
- Choose your cover duration – Set your start and end date to the hour. Whether you need a few hours, a weekend, or a couple of weeks, you’re in control.
- Select your usage – Most students choose social or commuting use, but make sure the insurer understands how you plan to drive.
- View your quotes – We work with providers like GoShorty to bring you tailored quotes instantly. You’ll see clear comparisons of price, cover type, and any included extras.
- Buy online – Once you’re happy, you can pay and be insured within minutes. Policy docs are sent straight to your inbox.
You’re not locked in. If plans change, you can compare again or adjust your policy length before purchasing. It’s all about flexibility—because student life rarely runs to a fixed schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many insurers cover newly qualified drivers—but expect to pay more due to limited experience.
No. You can get temporary cover on a friend or family member’s car—as long as you have permission to drive it.
If your policy includes commuting or business use, yes. Always check the usage type selected during the quote process.
No. It’s a separate policy, so the car owner’s existing no-claims discount remains untouched.
You can—but it usually takes longer and may increase their premium. Temporary insurance is often simpler and cheaper.
Not by default. Some providers include it as an optional extra—check before you buy.
You can usually extend your cover or buy another short-term policy. However, if you’re driving regularly, a full annual policy might make more sense.
Most temporary student policies are UK-only. If you plan to drive in Europe, look for a provider offering European cover as an add-on.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 1st June 2025 by Chris Richards