Temporary Test Drive Car Insurance
Compare Test Drive Insurance Quotes
- Complete one short form
- Quickly compare quotes
- Find a great deal today
Compare insurance quotes from the UK’s leading temporary car insurance providers including:
Why Compare Test Drive Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Comparing test drive car insurance at SimplyQuote helps you find quick, affordable, and fully legal short-term cover before getting behind the wheel.
It’s the simplest way to arrange protection for a few hours or a day, making sure you’re insured when test driving a car from a dealer or private seller.
We work with GoShorty, a trusted UK provider of temporary insurance, to make finding short-term cover fast and straightforward. Within minutes, you can compare prices from FCA-regulated insurers and choose a policy that fits your needs.
Rather than spending time contacting multiple providers, SimplyQuote shows you a clear view of your options in one place. Each quote is tailored to your situation, helping you find flexible and affordable cover for your test drive.
Short-term test drive insurance is designed for convenience. It allows you to drive legally without committing to a long-term policy, giving you the freedom to focus on the car itself rather than the paperwork.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a test drive car insurance quote, you’ll need to share a few accurate details about yourself and the car you plan to drive.
It only takes a few minutes, but accuracy matters if you want an instant quote that reflects your real circumstances.
Unlike an annual policy, short-term test drive cover is calculated around specific risk factors such as your age, driving history, and the type of car you’ll be testing. Here’s what you’ll usually need to provide when comparing quotes:
- Your personal details: Full name, age, UK address, and licence type (usually a full UK licence, though some insurers may accept EU or international licences).
- Licence history: The date you passed your test and whether you’ve had any claims or driving convictions within the past five years.
- Vehicle information: Make, model, registration, and year of manufacture. You’ll also need to confirm the vehicle is UK-registered, roadworthy, and not already insured under a hire agreement.
- Cover duration: The start and end times of the policy — from as little as one hour up to 30 days.
- Usage type: Indicate that the policy is for a test drive, as this ensures the correct type of temporary cover is applied.
- Where the car will be kept: The overnight location can still affect pricing. Parking on a driveway or in a garage is often cheaper than leaving it on the road.
You don’t need to upload any documents during the quote process, and most drivers can get a quote using only basic details. Mileage estimates are fine, but every other detail should be precise. Temporary policies don’t offer flexibility once purchased, so it’s important to make sure the information you enter is correct before you buy.
Why Do I Need Test Drive Car Insurance Cover?
You need test drive car insurance because it’s illegal to drive any vehicle on UK roads without valid insurance, even for a short test drive.
Temporary cover ensures you’re legally protected and financially secure while deciding whether a car is right for you.
When you test drive a car from a dealership, they may have their own insurance policy that extends temporary cover to potential buyers. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and you’re unlikely to be covered for private sales. In those cases, you’ll need your own short-term insurance before getting behind the wheel.
Test drive insurance protects both you and the car’s owner. If you cause damage or are involved in an accident, the policy covers repair costs, third-party claims, and liability — preventing potentially expensive disputes or uninsured losses. It also means you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re fully compliant with UK law.
For private sellers, it adds peace of mind too. They can allow a buyer to take the car out safely, knowing both parties are protected if something goes wrong. For buyers, it’s often the only way to get a true feel for how a car performs on the road.
In practice, a short-term policy is ideal if you’re viewing multiple cars on the same day or visiting dealerships in different locations. Instead of relying on uncertain dealer policies or temporary add-ons, a test drive policy arranged through SimplyQuote gives you full control and clarity from the start.
Looking for test drive car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Test Drive Car Insurance Cover Include?
Test drive car insurance offers comprehensive protection for both the driver and the vehicle, giving you the same level of cover as a standard policy but for a shorter, flexible period.
It ensures you can legally and confidently take a car out on the road before deciding whether to buy.
Most test drive insurance policies include:
- Comprehensive cover: Protects you, the car, and other vehicles involved if there’s an accident during the test drive.
- Third-party liability: Covers damage or injury caused to another person, vehicle, or property.
- Fire and theft: Pays out if the car is stolen or damaged by attempted theft or fire.
- Accidental damage: Covers repair or replacement costs if you accidentally damage the car while test driving.
- Uninsured driver protection (optional): Some policies include cover if you’re hit by a driver without insurance.
- Legal compliance: Ensures full adherence to the Road Traffic Act, meaning you’re driving legally for the duration of the policy.
Temporary test drive policies are often arranged for as little as one hour, but they provide complete legal and financial protection for that period. They’re ideal for test driving cars from private sellers, viewing multiple vehicles in one day, or visiting a dealership without committing to a full policy.
When you compare through SimplyQuote, you’ll see which insurers include optional extras such as breakdown cover or legal protection. This allows you to choose a policy that matches your exact needs — with clear pricing and full transparency.
What’s Not Included?
Test drive car insurance doesn’t cover every situation, and it’s important to understand the exclusions before you buy.
This prevents unexpected costs if you ever need to make a claim. While each insurer has its own terms, most short-term policies follow the same core rules around driver eligibility, vehicle condition, and permitted use.
You won’t be covered for:
- Business or paid work: Temporary test drive cover doesn’t apply to any paid driving activity such as food delivery, courier services, or taxi driving.
- Unroadworthy or unregistered vehicles: The car must be taxed, MOT-certified, and registered in the UK. Driving an unroadworthy or untaxed vehicle invalidates the policy.
- Undeclared modifications: Claims can be refused if the car has performance or cosmetic modifications not declared to the insurer.
- Driving outside permitted use: Policies are limited to social or private test drives, not business or hire purposes.
- Mechanical failure or wear and tear: Insurance won’t pay for issues caused by neglect, poor maintenance, or existing mechanical problems.
- Unauthorised drivers: Only the named driver listed on the policy is insured. Other drivers aren’t automatically covered.
These exclusions are there to keep temporary insurance affordable and legally compliant. They also protect both you and the insurer by preventing misuse or gaps in cover.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, SimplyQuote makes it easy to compare policies side by side and check exclusions before purchasing. That way, you know exactly what’s included — and what isn’t — before getting behind the wheel.
How Much Does Test Drive Car Insurance Cost?
The average cost of test drive car insurance in the UK starts from around £15 for one hour of cover, rising to between £25 and £40 for a full day, depending on your age, driving record, and the car you’re testing.
Insurers calculate the price based on risk, so two drivers insuring the same car could receive different quotes.
Younger drivers and those with recent claims usually pay more, while experienced motorists often benefit from lower short-term premiums. High-value, modified, or performance vehicles also attract higher rates, as they carry a greater risk of theft or damage.
Typical test drive insurance costs in the UK
| Scenario | Driver Age | Vehicle Type | Cover Duration | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local dealership test drive | 30 | Hatchback | 2 hours | £15–£25 |
| Private seller test drive | 24 | Family car | 1 day | £25–£35 |
| Multiple test drives in one day | 21 | Small SUV | 1 day | £28–£40 |
| Luxury car test drive | 35 | Sports car | 1 day | £40–£65 |
When you compare through SimplyQuote, you’ll see real-time prices from trusted providers, including GoShorty. This ensures you find the right policy for your needs without overspending on unnecessary extras.
Temporary test drive insurance is paid as a one-off fee with no ongoing commitment. Once the policy expires, there’s nothing to cancel or renew. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to stay legal and protected while taking a car for a spin.
If you’re test driving more than one vehicle in a day, you can often extend your cover or buy consecutive policies in just a few clicks — a practical option if you’re comparing cars across multiple sellers.
How Can I Save Money On Test Drive Car Insurance?
You can save money on test drive car insurance by comparing quotes, choosing a standard vehicle, and only paying for the exact time you need cover.
Because short-term policies are calculated by the hour or day, you have far more control over how much you spend than with a traditional annual policy.
Premiums are based on familiar factors such as your age, driving record, postcode, and the car you plan to test drive. However, since you can adjust how long the cover lasts, even small changes can lead to meaningful savings.
Here are some of the best ways to cut costs:
- Compare multiple quotes: Prices differ between insurers, so always use SimplyQuote to view live options side by side and secure the best value.
- Keep cover short: If you only need an hour to test drive a car, don’t pay for a full-day policy. Shorter durations mean smaller premiums.
- Select a lower-risk vehicle: Cars with modest engine sizes, standard safety features, and no modifications are cheaper to insure.
- Maintain a clean record: Drivers with no recent claims or convictions typically receive lower prices.
- Provide accurate details: Typos or outdated licence information can push up costs or affect eligibility.
- Avoid unnecessary extras: Optional add-ons like breakdown cover or European use can increase your premium unnecessarily.
Saving money on test drive insurance is about balance rather than compromise. The goal isn’t just to find the cheapest policy but to choose one that provides solid protection for the time you actually need it. By comparing through SimplyQuote, you can find that middle ground easily — reliable, affordable cover without paying for what you don’t use.
How To Compare Test Drive Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing test drive car insurance quotes at SimplyQuote.co.uk is quick, straightforward, and built for drivers who need short-term cover before buying a car.
There’s no need to contact multiple insurers or complete endless forms — just enter your details once to see live quotes from trusted UK providers.
Here’s how it works:
- Provide your basic details
Enter your name, age, postcode, and driving history. This allows SimplyQuote to display test drive policies tailored to your experience, location, and risk profile. - Add vehicle information
Input the registration number, make, and model of the car you plan to test drive. If you’re viewing a vehicle from a private seller, confirm it’s registered, taxed, and insured in the UK. - Choose your cover duration
Select how long you’ll need insurance for — from one hour up to a full day. You can set exact start and end times to match your viewing or dealership appointment. - Customise your cover
Filter by what matters to you, such as fire and theft protection, breakdown assistance, or excess reduction. The comparison tool lets you see clear differences in price, level of protection, and optional extras. - Compare and select your policy
Instantly view real-time quotes powered by GoShorty, showing transparent pricing, excess details, and coverage summaries. Once you’ve chosen the right policy, you’ll be directed to GoShorty’s secure site to finalise your purchase and receive your documents instantly.
Because SimplyQuote works directly with GoShorty, you’ll get access to specialist temporary cover designed for real-world driving — flexible, fast, and perfect for short test drives.
The entire process takes less than five minutes from start to finish. There’s no obligation to buy, and you’ll see exactly what’s included before confirming your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It’s illegal to drive any vehicle on public roads without valid insurance, even for a short test drive. Temporary test drive cover ensures you’re protected and compliant with UK law.
Some dealerships include test drive insurance, but not all. Always check before driving. If not covered, you can arrange your own temporary test drive insurance through SimplyQuote in minutes.
Yes. Most policies arranged through SimplyQuote and GoShorty provide instant cover. Once payment is complete, your digital policy documents are sent straight to your inbox.
Yes. Temporary test drive insurance is ideal for private sales, as you’re rarely covered under the seller’s policy. It provides full protection while viewing or test driving the car.
No. Most short-term test drive policies only insure the named driver on the policy. Each driver must take out separate cover if more than one person wants to test the car.
Temporary test drive insurance is non-refundable once active, as cover begins immediately. To avoid waste, only purchase when you’re certain of the time and date of your test drive.
No. Temporary policies are standalone, so any claims made under test drive insurance won’t affect your annual no-claims discount.
You can switch to a longer temporary or annual policy once you decide to buy. SimplyQuote makes it easy to compare new quotes for full ownership cover immediately after your test drive.
