One day car insurance: what is it and is it right for you?

There are many different types of coverage available to drivers and one of them is one day car insurance.

In this guide, we look at what one day car insurance is, how to get it, and how to cancel the policy.

What is one day car insurance?

One‑day car insurance is short‑term cover that provides legal but temporary protection for a driver for up to a 24‑hour period.

It is often used when someone needs to borrow a car, share driving on a long journey, or take a vehicle for a test drive without affecting the owner’s existing policy.

This type of insurance offers protection comparable to a standard policy but only for a limited time, making it flexible and convenient.

You may find this type of premium useful in situations where arranging an annual policy would be unnecessary or too expensive for such a brief period.

How much is one day car insurance?

There isn’t a fixed price for one day car insurance, but the average cost to drivers ranges from £20 to £60.

However, the price can vary due to a wide range of factors, including age of the driver, type of vehicle, previous claims and history, and location.

You should compare prices where possible to get the best deal.

How to get one day car insurance

In order to get one day or temporary car insurance, you should visit a provider or comparison website and enter in your details.

To receive coverage, you need to provide:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Driving licence details, as well
• Any details on previous claims or driving convictions

You will also need to provide details on the vehicle, including registration number, make, model, age and any other relevant information.

After selecting the type of coverage needed, you will then need to pay for it.

Once approved, you will receive email confirmation of your one-day car insurance policy.

• Is my car insured?
• What is comprehensive car insurance?
• What is third party car insurance?

Can I get two-day car insurance?

Yes, it is possible to get a two-day car insurance policy – however, it is more commonly known as temporary insurance.

Most providers will offer flexibility on time periods you can have for car insurance.

Two-day coverage is common for road trips or if someone is borrowing a vehicle for a weekend.

The application process is similar to the one needed to get one-day coverage.

How to cancel one day insurance

Although it is possible to cancel one day insurance policies, it is different to standard car insurance.

This is because one day insurance is designed for immediate use for a very short-term policy.

You may need to call your provider to cancel – however, it is unlikely you’ll get a refund once the cover has started.

This form of temporary insurance is meant to be used and completed rather than cancelled shortly after agreeing to it.

Is one day car insurance the same as pay as you go insurance?

No, one day coverage is a form of temporary insurance that fully covers you for a 24-hour period – and pay as you go insurance is an ongoing policy.

Pay as you go insurance is usually based on how much or how safely you drive.

This type of policy often uses telematics or mileage tracking and is designed for long‑term use, rather than short-term periods.