Three Day Insurance
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Why Compare Three-Day Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Three-day car insurance lets you stay fully covered for 72 hours without the cost or commitment of an annual policy, and comparing quotes ensures you get the best value and protection for your needs.
At SimplyQuote, we’ve partnered with GoShorty to make comparing short-term insurance fast, accurate, and stress-free.
Not all temporary policies are created equal. Some exclude drivers under 25, others have higher excesses, and a few limit the types of vehicles they’ll cover. That’s why comparing is so important. It helps you find a policy that matches your driving experience, your car, and your plans.
Using SimplyQuote, you can review quotes from leading UK insurers in one place, filter by cover level, and select the duration that suits you. You’ll see real-time prices from GoShorty’s trusted network, giving you the freedom to drive legally and confidently without hidden surprises.
Three-day car insurance is ideal when you only need a car for a short window, whether that’s collecting a purchase, borrowing a friend’s car, or covering a brief trip. By comparing before you buy, you’ll avoid overpaying for unnecessary extras and ensure the policy you choose fits perfectly around your plans.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a three-day car insurance quote, you’ll need to provide a few basic details about yourself, your driving history, and the vehicle you plan to use.
Having accurate information ready helps generate an instant quote that reflects your circumstances.
Temporary insurers use similar data to annual policies but assess risk differently because of the short duration. The more accurate your details, the more reliable your quote will be.
You’ll usually need:
- Personal details: Full name, age, UK address, and driving licence type (full UK, EU, or international).
- Driving history: The date you passed your test and any claims or convictions from the past five years.
- Vehicle details: Registration number, make and model, year of manufacture, and where the car will be kept overnight.
- Cover duration: Confirm that you need exactly 72 hours of cover, including the start and end times.
- Intended use: Whether it’s for social driving, commuting, or a one-off need like collecting a new car.
Most drivers won’t need to upload any documents, and quotes can be generated within minutes. To qualify, you’ll generally need to be at least 19 years old, hold a valid UK licence for six months or more, and use a vehicle that’s registered and insured in the UK.
Why Do I Need Three-Day Insurance Cover?
You need three-day car insurance if you plan to drive a vehicle that isn’t already insured in your name, even for a short period.
It gives you fully legal protection for 72 hours, avoiding the risk of fines, penalty points, or having the vehicle seized for being uninsured.
Three-day cover is ideal when you only need a car temporarily. It’s often used when you’re borrowing a friend’s car, test-driving before buying, or collecting a new vehicle from a dealership. It can also be useful if your own car is in the garage and you need short-term use of another.
Even a short, uninsured journey can lead to a £300 fine, six penalty points, and potential vehicle impoundment. A three-day policy removes that risk while giving you the same protection as a standard annual policy, including cover for theft, damage, and third-party liability.
It’s also a practical choice for drivers who don’t own a car full-time but occasionally need one. Instead of paying for a policy that sits unused for most of the year, you can activate short-term cover on demand and only pay for the days you need to drive.
Looking for 3 day car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Three-Day Car Insurance Cover Include?
Three-day car insurance includes the same level of protection as a standard comprehensive policy, just for a shorter period.
It’s designed to give you full legal cover while driving in the UK for 72 hours, protecting both you and other road users.
A typical policy will include:
- Comprehensive cover: Pays for damage to your vehicle and others in an accident.
- Third-party liability: Covers injuries or property damage caused to other people.
- Fire and theft: Protects you if the car is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Accidental damage: Covers repairs to your car caused by collisions, bumps, or scrapes.
- Legal compliance: Ensures you’re fully insured to drive on UK roads during the 72-hour period.
- Optional EU cover: Some insurers include or offer add-ons for short-term European travel.
Because it’s comprehensive by default, three-day insurance offers convenience without compromise. You’ll have the same core protection as an annual policyholder, with the freedom to start and stop cover whenever you need it.
When comparing through SimplyQuote, you can see which insurers include optional extras like breakdown cover, excess protection, or European driving, so you can tailor the policy to your exact journey.
What’s Not Included?
Three-day car insurance won’t cover every situation, so it’s important to know the common exclusions before you buy.
These policies are designed for private, short-term use, not for business or paid work, and certain circumstances fall outside standard protection.
Most three-day policies exclude:
- Hire and reward use: You can’t use the vehicle for paid work, including food delivery or taxi driving.
- Unroadworthy vehicles: The car must be taxed, MOT-certified, and registered in the UK.
- Undeclared modifications: If the vehicle has performance or cosmetic upgrades not declared during the quote process, cover may be invalid.
- Non-agreed use: Policies generally cover social, domestic, and pleasure use only — not commuting or business driving.
- Mechanical faults or wear and tear: Standard temporary cover doesn’t include breakdowns or mechanical failures.
- Unauthorised drivers: Only the named driver on the policy is insured.
These exclusions help keep short-term cover simple, fast, and affordable. Before purchasing, review the policy summary shown in your SimplyQuote results to confirm what’s covered and whether optional add-ons, such as breakdown assistance, are available for your journey.
How Much Does Three-Day Car Insurance Cost?
Three-day car insurance usually costs between £30 and £90, depending on your age, driving experience, vehicle type, and where you live.
Because it lasts for just 72 hours, you only pay for the cover you actually need, not a full year’s policy.
Insurers calculate the cost using similar factors to annual policies, such as age, driving history, vehicle group, and postcode, but adjusted for the short duration. Generally, drivers with clean records, mid-range vehicles, and secure parking tend to pay less.
Here’s a realistic example of how costs can vary:
| Driver Profile | Vehicle Type | Duration | Estimated Cost (Fully Comp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year-old, no claims | Ford Fiesta 1.2 | 3 days | £35–£50 |
| 25-year-old, 3 years’ experience | Vauxhall Astra 1.4 | 3 days | £45–£65 |
| 21-year-old, newly qualified | VW Polo 1.2 | 3 days | £60–£90 |
| 45-year-old, no convictions | Nissan Qashqai | 3 days | £35–£55 |
| 55-year-old, experienced driver | Toyota Yaris | 3 days | £30–£45 |
The cheapest quotes are usually available for standard hatchbacks and saloon cars. High-performance or modified vehicles cost more because insurers classify them as higher risk for theft or repair costs.
To find the most accurate price, compare live quotes through SimplyQuote. Our platform checks real-time rates from GoShorty’s trusted insurer network, helping you secure the right three-day policy without paying more than necessary.
How Can I Save Money On Three-Day Car Insurance?
You can save money on three-day car insurance by comparing quotes, driving a lower-risk car, and paying only for the 72 hours you need cover.
A few smart adjustments can make short-term policies significantly cheaper without reducing your level of protection.
Insurers calculate three-day premiums using the same risk factors as annual policies, but because cover is temporary, you have more control over what you pay. For example, using a car with a smaller engine or parking in a secure location can lower your premium instantly.
Here are some effective ways to save:
- Compare quotes before buying. Prices vary widely between providers. SimplyQuote lets you see multiple offers side by side and choose the most competitive.
- Adjust the length of cover. Only pay for three days if you genuinely need that duration. If your plans change, you can always arrange another short-term policy later.
- Choose a standard vehicle. Avoid high-performance or modified cars, which are more expensive to insure.
- Avoid unnecessary extras. Optional add-ons like European cover or breakdown assistance can increase your total cost.
- Maintain a clean driving record. A history free from claims or convictions keeps premiums lower.
Because SimplyQuote partners with GoShorty, you can easily compare trusted short-term policies that balance cost and protection. It’s quick, flexible, and designed to help you spend less while staying fully covered.
How To Compare Three-Day Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing three-day car insurance quotes at SimplyQuote.co.uk takes just a few minutes and gives you access to real-time prices from trusted UK insurers.
You won’t need to make multiple calls or fill out long forms. Simply enter your details once and get tailored quotes instantly.
Here’s how to do it:
- Enter your personal details
Provide your name, age, postcode, and driving history. This information allows insurers to calculate a price that reflects your experience and risk level. - Add vehicle information
Include the registration number or the make and model, along with where the car will be kept overnight. Make sure the vehicle is taxed and MOT-certified. - Choose your cover duration
Select three days (72 hours) as your policy length and set the start and end times to fit your schedule. - Customise your policy
Decide which extras you’d like to include, such as breakdown assistance or European cover. SimplyQuote lets you filter by the features that matter most. - Compare and choose your quote
You’ll see tailored options powered by GoShorty, with clear details on price, excess, and cover level. Once you’ve selected your policy, you’ll be redirected to GoShorty’s secure website to complete the purchase.
The process is fast, transparent, and built for drivers who need cover right away. From quote to confirmation, it typically takes less than five minutes to get fully insured and ready to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Once your three-day cover expires, you can buy a new short-term policy instantly through SimplyQuote. It only takes a few minutes to arrange.
Yes, as long as you’re named on the policy and have permission from the owner. The vehicle must also be roadworthy, taxed, and registered in the UK.
Yes. You can select your start date during the quote process, ideal if you know exactly when you’ll need to drive.
Some insurers offer it, but availability varies. Learner driver policies often have higher prices and stricter vehicle restrictions.
Not always. Some insurers include it as an optional add-on. Check your policy summary when comparing quotes at SimplyQuote.
Usually not. Short-term policies are separate from annual insurance, so claims made under them typically don’t affect your existing no-claims discount.
Some policies include limited European cover. Always check your policy details before travelling outside the UK.
No. Rental cars usually require the hire company’s insurance or a separate excess policy.
