Weekend Car Insurance
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Compare insurance quotes from the UK’s leading temporary car insurance providers including:
Why Compare Weekend Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Comparing weekend car insurance at SimplyQuote.co.uk helps you find short-term cover that’s flexible, affordable, and fully compliant with UK law.
It’s the fastest way to compare genuine weekend policies from trusted insurers, so you can drive legally without committing to a full annual plan.
At SimplyQuote, we work with GoShorty to bring you reliable weekend insurance options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re borrowing a car for a trip, test-driving a vehicle, or driving a friend’s car while yours is in the garage, short-term cover provides a simple and cost-effective solution.
Not all temporary policies are the same. Some limit the driver’s age, vehicle type, or mileage, while others exclude certain uses altogether. That’s why comparing quotes side by side is essential. With SimplyQuote, you can filter by cover duration, driver details, and vehicle type, helping you find the right policy in just a few clicks.
Weekend car insurance should be quick, clear, and dependable. Our comparison tool brings together top UK insurers in one place, saving you time and ensuring you’re covered from the moment your plans begin.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a weekend car insurance quote, you’ll need a few key details about yourself, the car, and how long you need cover for.
It’s a quick process, usually taking less than two minutes, but accuracy matters if you want an instant quote that reflects your real circumstances.
Weekend insurance is short-term, so insurers assess your risk based on concise information. You won’t need to upload documents or provide extensive paperwork, but you should have the following to hand:
- Personal details: Your full name, date of birth, UK address, and driving licence type (full UK, EU, or international).
- Licence history: When you passed your test and whether you’ve had any accidents, claims, or convictions in the last five years.
- Vehicle information: The registration number, make, model, and year of manufacture. If you’re borrowing a vehicle, it must already be insured and registered in the UK.
- Cover duration: Start and end times for your policy — many drivers choose from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, but any 1–3 day period is fine.
- Purpose of use: Whether it’s for social driving, visiting family, a short trip, or test-driving a new car.
- Parking location: Where the car will be kept overnight, as off-street parking may reduce your quote.
Once these details are entered, SimplyQuote compares verified weekend policies from trusted UK insurers, showing clear prices and coverage options in seconds. There’s no obligation to buy, and you’ll see exactly what each policy includes before you make a choice.
Why Do I Need Weekend Car Insurance Cover?
You need weekend car insurance if you’re driving a vehicle you’re not already insured on, even for a short period.
It provides legal, short-term protection for borrowing a car, test driving, or using another vehicle while yours is unavailable.
Weekend cover is ideal when an annual policy doesn’t make sense. You might be visiting family and need to borrow a car, or perhaps you’ve bought a new vehicle and want to drive it home before arranging permanent insurance. Temporary cover gives you immediate protection for these short-term needs, usually ranging from one to three days.
Driving without valid insurance, even for a short trip, can result in fines, penalty points, or having the vehicle seized. Weekend insurance ensures you remain fully compliant with UK law while giving you flexibility to drive when you need to.
Unlike being added to someone’s annual policy, weekend cover can be arranged instantly and cancelled automatically once your chosen duration ends. It’s the simplest way to stay protected without altering someone else’s policy or risking invalid cover.
If you’re an occasional driver or only need a car from time to time, weekend car insurance offers a practical and affordable alternative to long-term policies. It’s insurance that fits around your life, not the other way round.
Looking for weekend car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Weekend Car Insurance Cover Include?
Weekend car insurance typically includes the same level of protection as a comprehensive annual policy, but for a shorter period.
It covers you to drive legally on UK roads and protects against damage, theft, and third-party liability for the time you’re insured.
Most weekend insurance policies include:
- Comprehensive cover: Protection for you, your passengers, and other vehicles in the event of an accident.
- Third-party liability: Covers injury or damage caused to other people, vehicles, or property.
- Fire and theft: Covers the vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by attempted theft or fire.
- Accidental damage: Repairs or compensation if you damage the car during your insured period.
- EU driving (optional): Some policies include limited European cover, which is useful if you’re taking a short trip abroad.
- Legal compliance: Full adherence to the Road Traffic Act, ensuring you’re legally covered for the time you’re driving.
Weekend insurance is often arranged for 1–3 days, but it offers full legal and financial protection during that period. It’s perfect for test drives, short getaways, or using a friend’s car while yours is in the garage.
When you compare with SimplyQuote, you’ll see which policies include optional extras like breakdown cover, personal accident protection, or excess reduction, so you can tailor your weekend policy to match your plans.
What’s Not Included?
Weekend car insurance doesn’t cover everything, and understanding the exclusions helps you avoid unexpected costs if you need to make a claim.
While each policy differs slightly, most temporary insurers apply similar rules around vehicle use, driver eligibility, and high-risk scenarios.
Common exclusions include:
- Hire and reward use: Weekend cover won’t insure you for paid work such as food delivery, taxi driving, or courier services.
- Unroadworthy or unregistered vehicles: The car must be taxed, MOT-certified, and registered in the UK.
- Non-disclosed modifications: If the vehicle has performance or aesthetic changes not declared to the insurer, claims may be refused.
- Driving outside agreed use: Cover only applies to the purposes listed on your policy — typically social, domestic, and pleasure use.
- Mechanical breakdowns or wear and tear: Insurance won’t pay for repairs due to poor maintenance or pre-existing faults.
- Unauthorised drivers: Only the named driver is insured; others aren’t automatically covered.
These exclusions exist to protect both the driver and the insurer by keeping weekend policies affordable and compliant with UK regulations.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, SimplyQuote makes it easy to compare policies side by side and review the exclusions before purchasing. This ensures you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not before getting on the road.
How Much Does Weekend Car Insurance Cost?
Weekend car insurance typically costs between £25 and £70 for a two-day policy, depending on your age, driving history, and vehicle type.
Insurers calculate prices using many of the same factors as annual policies, but you only pay for the specific days you need cover.
Because the policy duration is short, costs are proportional to time on cover. A safe, experienced driver in their thirties might pay around £30 for two days, while a 21-year-old with limited experience could see quotes closer to £60–£80 for the same period. Vehicles with higher values or performance ratings, such as sports cars, will attract a higher premium due to potential repair and replacement costs.
The table below shows a typical range of weekend car insurance prices:
| Driver Profile | Vehicle Type | Duration | Estimated Cost (Fully Comp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year-old, clean record | Ford Focus 1.6 | 2 days | £30–£45 |
| 25-year-old, 3 years’ experience | Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 | 2 days | £40–£60 |
| 21-year-old, newly qualified | VW Polo 1.2 | 2 days | £55–£80 |
| 45-year-old, no claims | Nissan Qashqai | 3 days | £35–£50 |
| 55-year-old, experienced driver | Toyota Yaris | 2 days | £25–£40 |
Prices fluctuate slightly between insurers, but weekend cover remains one of the most affordable ways to get short-term protection.
To get the most accurate figure, compare quotes through SimplyQuote. Our partnership with leading UK insurers provides instant prices for weekend car insurance, helping you secure the best deal for your trip, errand, or test drive.
How Can I Save Money On Weekend Car Insurance?
You can save money on weekend car insurance by comparing multiple quotes, choosing a lower-risk vehicle, and only paying for the exact hours or days you need cover.
Small adjustments to your details and choices can significantly reduce the cost of short-term insurance.
Premiums for weekend cover are based on the same risk factors as annual policies — your age, driving history, car type, and postcode — but because the duration is shorter, you have more control over cost. To help reduce your premium, consider the following:
- Compare quotes: Prices vary between insurers, so always use a comparison platform like SimplyQuote to view real-time options side by side.
- Limit your cover duration: Choose the shortest realistic policy period. If you only need two days, don’t pay for three.
- Select a lower-risk vehicle: Premiums are lower for standard cars with modest engine sizes and no modifications.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Drivers without points, accidents, or recent claims typically receive cheaper quotes.
- Choose off-street parking: Cars kept in a private driveway or garage are usually cheaper to insure than those parked on the road.
- Avoid unnecessary extras: If you don’t need add-ons like European cover or breakdown protection, leave them unticked to keep the price down.
Saving on weekend insurance is about finding balance. The cheapest policy isn’t always the best, but by comparing options carefully, you can secure quality cover at a fair price without paying for what you don’t use.
How To Compare Weekend Car Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing weekend car insurance quotes at SimplyQuote.co.uk is fast, simple, and designed for drivers who only need cover for a few days.
You won’t have to call around or complete multiple forms — just enter your details once to see real-time quotes from trusted UK insurers.
Here’s how it works:
- Provide your basic details
Enter your name, age, postcode, and driving history. This allows SimplyQuote to find weekend policies tailored to your experience and risk profile. - Add vehicle information
Input the registration number or make and model of the car, along with where it will be kept. If you’re borrowing a vehicle, confirm it’s registered and insured in the UK. - Choose the duration of cover
Select how long you need insurance for — typically one, two, or three days. You can even set the exact start and end times to match your weekend plans. - Customise your cover
Choose from available options such as breakdown protection, fire and theft, or European use. The comparison tool lets you filter by what’s important, so you only pay for the features you need. - Compare and select your policy
Instantly view tailored quotes powered by GoShorty, showing clear details of price, excess, and coverage. Once you’ve chosen the right policy, you’ll be directed to GoShorty’s secure site to complete your purchase and get covered immediately.
Because SimplyQuote works directly with GoShorty, you’ll get access to specialist short-term cover designed for real-world driving — flexible, fast, and built around your weekend, not an annual schedule.
The entire process usually takes less than five minutes from quote to confirmation. There’s no obligation to buy, and you’ll see exactly what’s included before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can buy one-day weekend cover if you only need to drive for a single day, such as Saturday or Sunday. SimplyQuote lets you choose exact start and end times when comparing quotes.
Yes, as long as you’re named on the policy and have the owner’s permission. The vehicle must already be insured by its main owner and registered in the UK.
Yes. Weekend policies are ideal for test drives. They provide comprehensive, short-term protection that allows you to legally drive a car before deciding whether to buy it.
No. Weekend policies are typically for social, domestic, and pleasure driving only. If you need to drive for work, you’ll need a commercial or business-use policy.
Yes, many insurers let you take out another short-term policy once the first expires. You can arrange additional cover instantly through SimplyQuote if you need extra days.
Usually not. Short-term policies are separate from annual insurance, so claims made on a weekend policy won’t normally impact your main no-claims discount.
Yes, but prices are higher for drivers under 25. Eligibility varies, so comparing quotes through SimplyQuote helps find insurers willing to cover younger motorists.
Some weekend policies include limited European cover. Always check your quote details before travelling, as not all insurers offer EU driving within standard short-term plans.
