What is one day temporary car insurance?
One day car insurance is a type of temporary car insurance that gives you flexible, fully comprehensive cover for a short period, from 1 day up to 30 days. It’s designed for drivers who only need insurance for a limited time, whether that’s borrowing a car, taking a short trip, or driving a newly purchased vehicle home.
Unlike annual car insurance policies, daily car insurance lets you pay only for the time you need. Your cover is separate from the car owner’s policy, so their No Claims Discount won’t be affected.
We’ve partnered with Dayinsure, specialists in short-term car cover, to give you comprehensive cover that offers peace of mind for as long as you need it.
What is one day car insurance for?
Flexible cover for life’s short-term plans, whether it’s weekend trip, a new purchase, or sharing the driving, one day insurance gives you the freedom to get behind the wheel when you need to.
Share the driving on a long trip
Add yourself as a driver temporarily without affecting the main policy.
Weekend car insurance
Perfect for two-day getaways, short breaks or spontaneous trips.
Collect or move a car
Just bought a car or relocating one? Get short-term cover quickly.
Borrow a friend or family member’s car
Stay covered without risking the owner’s No Claims Discount.*
Cover for new drivers
Short-term insurance can help build confidence without long commitments.
Why choose RAC Daily Temporary Car Insurance?
Flexible – Need cover for a day or two? Choose what works for you and extend anytime.2
Complete protection – Enjoy comprehensive cover for everyday trips or business use.
Quick to get started – Get on-demand cover or book your policy in advance.
Worry-free claims – Claims won’t impact the owner’s No Claims Discount.*
How much does one day car insurance cost?
Prices vary depending on your age, vehicle, and driving history – but you only pay for the days you need.
Prices from^
Daily car insurance
1 day – £23.99
2 days – £31.99
3 days – £38.99
4 days – £44.99
Prices from^
Hourly car insurance
1 hour – £14.99
2 hour – £16.99
3 hour – £18.99
4 hour – £20.99
Prices from^
Weekly car insurance
1 week – £56.99
2 weeks – £81.99
3 weeks – £100.99
4 weeks – £141.99
^10% of customers purchasing an RAC Temporary Car Insurance policy direct from dayinsure.com between 01/01/26 and 30/06/26, paid the above prices for the corresponding durations. This is based on new customer's base premium when buying cover and excludes optional extras. Premium depends on individual circumstances and the level of cover chosen.
Need insurance for longer? Extend your coverage by purchasing extra cover by the hour or choose a day or week of insurance cover.
Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
We partner with Dayinsure to bring you short‑term cover. Here’s what drivers think of their service.
What does one day car insurance cover?
What's covered
Damage to your vehicle and others.
Third-party injury or property damage.
Theft, fire and accidental damage.
No impact on the owner’s No Claims Discount.*
Personal and some business use.1
Depending on your policy, cover can include everyday driving needs – from errands to short-term work use.
What's not covered
Unattended / keys in ignition – Loss or damage if the vehicle was left unattended with the engine running or the keys in the ignition.
Wear and tear – Electrical and mechanical breakdown or gradual deterioration.
Loss of value following a repair.
Confiscation, requisition, or destruction – By or under order of any government, public or local authority.
Courtesy car.
Damage to tyres by braking or by punctures, cuts or bursts.
Driving the car without a valid, full GB driving licence.
Product information is based on policies underwritten by Aviva. Dayinsure also offer policies with Mulsanne, and cover may differ. Please ensure cover levels meet your needs – read the full policy requirements.
Who can get one day temporary car insurance cover?
As the driver, you must
have a current permanent address in the UK
hold a current, valid, full GB driving licence and have done so for at least 6 months (3 months if aged over 25)
have a current permanent address
have permission from the vehicle owner to drive it and you’ve agreed to insure it
have had no more than 1 fault claim in the last 12 months
have had no driving offences in the last 3 years starting with the code DR, CD, DD, UT or DG
have had no more than 9 penalty points and no disqualifications in the last 12 months
have had no driving offences in the last 6 months starting with the code IN or CU80
not have any unspent criminal convictions (other than driving offences)
have never been refused insurance or had a policy cancelled.
Your vehicle must
be registered in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man
have a current market value of less than £75,000
have no more than 8 seats in total
not be a hire & reward or rental vehicle
not be a seized vehicle or in a police compound
not have any engine modifications, body kits or alloy wheels – unless they were carried out for a disabled driver or passenger, or they were fitted at manufacture or were manufacturer optional extras
not be imported from another country through channels other than the maker’s official distribution system
not be a heavy goods vehicle (HGV)
not be over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW).
How does daily temporary car insurance work?
Step 1
Enter your details online
- How long you need cover (from one hour up to several weeks)
- Your personal details (name, address, age)
- The car details (registration number)
Step 2
Get a quote and choose cover
- You’ll be shown a price
- Select the exact duration (one or several days)
- Check what’s included (comprehensive cover, driving other cars, etc.)
Step 3
Buy and get insured instantly
- Pay online
- Cover usually starts immediately (or at a time you choose)
- You receive confirmation by email, no paperwork needed
What our expert says
Insurance Expert
"Daily car insurance is a great choice if you're borrowing a friend's car for a day trip, if your car is off the road, or in the garage, a weekend getaway, or to collect a new vehicle. It provides flexible, comprehensive cover without the commitment of an annual policy. Plus, any claim won't affect the vehicle owner's No Claims Discount*."
Optional extras for daily car insurance
RAC Breakdown Cover
Get complete peace of mind® with our 5 Star Defatqo breakdown cover. We'll come out to you if you run into any complications on your short-term trip.
European car insurance cover
Planning a short road trip in Europe? You can get car insurance that covers travel in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Excess protection
Reimbursement for any excess charges, if you need to make a claim during your short-term trip with our excess protection.
Need specialist insurance?
At the RAC, we provide car insurance tailored to your needs – from learner drivers to temporary – so you can drive with confidence and complete peace of mind®.
Daily car insurance FAQs
Yes, you can usually get one day car insurance or same day car insurance immediately. Enter your details online, choose your cover duration, and receive an instant quote. Once purchased, your policy can often start immediately, making it ideal if you need to drive at short notice.
This type of 1-day car insurance is useful for situations like collecting a car, borrowing a vehicle, or taking an unplanned trip. You’ll receive proof of cover straight away, so you can get on the road quickly and legally. It’s a simple, flexible alternative to adjusting an existing annual policy.
The cost of one day car insurance can vary depending on your personal circumstances, but it’s designed to be a flexible and often cost-effective option for short-term needs. Factors that affect the price include your age, driving history, location, and the type of vehicle you’re insuring.
If you’re searching for cheap one day car insurance or the cheapest 1-day car insurance, it’s worth comparing quotes and only paying for the exact duration you need.
Yes, one day car insurance for new drivers is available, although eligibility criteria can vary. If you’re a relatively new driver, you may still be able to get daily insurance for new drivers as long as you meet minimum requirements such as holding a full driving licence for a certain period.
Temporary cover can be especially useful if you don’t yet have your own annual policy but need to drive occasionally. For example, day insurance for new drivers can help you gain experience by borrowing a car without committing to long-term insurance. It’s also a flexible option for short-term needs while you build your driving history, though prices may be higher compared to more experienced drivers.
Excess is the maximum amount that you must pay if you claim on your temporary car insurance. If the incident wasn’t your fault, this amount will be refunded to you. For most temporary car insurance policies, you only pay excess if you’re at fault or if the insurer cannot recover the costs from third parties. However, you should check your policy documents to confirm.
There are two types of excess: compulsory and voluntary. Compulsory excess is decided by your insurer. Voluntary excess is decided by you. Choosing a higher voluntary excess could lower your premium. But you should consider if you’re able to pay this amount first. For instance, if your compulsory is £200 and your voluntary is £100, your total excess is £300.
Daily car insurance sits between hourly and weekly temporary cover.
It may be the best option if:
- You need cover for more than just a few hours.
- You only drive occasionally.
- You are borrowing a vehicle for a weekend.
- You want short-term insurance without committing to an annual policy.
If you only need the car briefly, hourly insurance may be more suitable. If you require cover for seven days or longer, weekly insurance may offer better value.
Choosing the right duration helps ensure you're only paying for the cover you actually need.
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