A car insurance cover note is a temporary document that is sometimes issued by the provider as proof that a vehicle is covered.
Although the digitalisation of the insurance industry means that these notes are no longer necessary in most cases, some smaller providers may still use them.
In this insurance guide, we look at what a cover note means for drivers, how to get one, and how long it lasts.
^ 10% of new customers paid £166 or less for RAC Online Car Insurance from rac.co.uk between 01/07/25 to the 30/06/26. Annual base premium: excludes optional extras and finance.
Car insurance cover note
A cover note is a temporary digital (rarely physical) certificate that provides details that you are fully covered before your full policy documents are issued.
It is a document to prove you can legally drive in the UK.
The document itself provides the key summary of details regarding the driver’s information, type of cover, and the start date.
This is normally issued to give the insurer more time to finish its checks and provide more detailed information on the coverage.
A cover note has the same legal standing as the actual certificate of insurance during the period it’s valid.
How to get a cover note for car insurance?
Most insurers issue a full insurance certificate almost instantly nowadays, meaning the cover note is becoming an outdated process.
However, if you have just purchased and confirmed your car insurance policy, then it is most likely that you have been directly issued a cover note.
To get a cover note for proof of car insurance, the policy holder can login to their account, access the document – or even use the company’s app (if they have one). In most cases, it will be emailed directly to them.
Alternatively, you can contact the provider (through email or phone call), and request they send the document over.
This will either be through email or in the post. If it is being delivered by post, then it could take up to five working days.
The cover note usually lasts up to 30 days, giving you the necessary legal coverage until the official insurance policy arrives.
It is important to remember that in most cases a cover note is not needed, and you will be issued the documents almost immediately.
^ 10% of new customers paid £166 or less for RAC Online Car Insurance from rac.co.uk between 01/07/25 to the 30/06/26. Annual base premium: excludes optional extras and finance.
What information is on a cover note for car insurance?
A cover note provides evidence that an insurer has accepted your application and coverage is in place. It shows that your vehicle is insured for the specified period in the policy agreement.
However, it should always include the following information:
- Name of policy holder
- Named drivers
- Address of policy holder
- Make and model of vehicle
- Registration number
- Type of car insurance cover
- Start and end date of policy
- Policy number
A cover note may also include the terms and conditions of the policy, as well as any other conditions included in the agreement with the insurer.
Can I use a cover note as proof of car insurance?
Yes, a cover note is proof that you have a valid car insurance agreement, and that it can be used as an official document until the full policy is delivered.
How long does a car insurance cover note last for?
The car insurance cover note usually lasts for 30 days, giving you the necessary legal coverage.
However, most modern, larger insurance providers will be able automatically issue cover digitally, hence the cover note is no longer required (or issued) in most cases.
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