Searches for temporary car insurance are up 110% this year, compared with the last five years. And it’s little wonder. The new school year is well under way, and students are set to return to university over the coming fortnight, while the long, hot summer has not been kind to our cars or their engines. Many drivers still don't realise they're risking a £300 fine and six penalty points, as well as invalidated claims if they’re driving someone else’s car without the correct insurance. If the case goes to court, they could get an unlimited fine or be disqualified from driving.
Steve Ramsey, motor insurance expert at Go.Compare explains: “Driving without proper insurance isn't only expensive; it's illegal and leaves both the driver and the car owner exposed. Temporary car insurance exists specifically for times when you need to drive a car that isn’t yours, yet remains one of the insurance industry's best-kept secrets. September's convergence of family borrowing, student transportation, and repair downtime makes this the perfect moment to raise awareness.”
From university drop-offs to family emergencies: six times drivers may not be covered
1. Borrowing a family member's car
Nearly half (44%) of households had only one car in 20241, and 45% of trips to and from school for children aged 5 to 10 were made by car in 20252. But being handed the keys for the school run or for a longer trip to take a student to university for the start of term this month doesn’t automatically mean you’re insured. Most policies cover only the policyholder and named drivers. For occasional use, arrange temporary car insurance; for regular access, ask to be added as a named driver.
2. Test-driving a vehicle before buying the new 76 plate
If you’re shopping for a new 76 plate this month, beware. Some dealerships offer insurance, but smaller dealers might not. If you want to take a car for a weekend test drive, the dealer may try to charge you for insurance. Temporary car insurance might be the cheaper option though, so compare prices to be sure.
And if you’re buying from a private seller, then temporary car insurance might be the only way you can legally test drive a vehicle.
3. MOTs, recalls and repairs
September rolls around, and thanks to the change in registration plates that happens at this time every year, there’s also a swell in MOT tests for those cars that are now three years old. If repairs are needed to pass your MOT or fix the advisories, your car could be off the road for a few days. Or your car might have a product recall and need emergency work. Temporary car insurance can allow you to drive an alternative car in these circumstances.
4. Inheriting a vehicle during probate
Hundreds of thousands of estates pass through probate each year, potentially including vehicles that family members may need to move, sell or insure. You need car insurance to legally drive it to a buyer or garage, and short-term cover will be cheaper than an annual policy. Without even temporary car insurance, you're driving uninsured.
5. University student coming back home
If your child doesn’t own a car and comes back from university for reading week, their travel is usually for leisure, which accounted for 33% of all trips in 20243. Short-term car insurance for specific weekends or holidays is a flexible alternative to being added to the annual policy, and when taking admin fees into account, it can be cheaper too.
6. Helping a friend move house
Borrowing a mate's van or estate car for a one-off house move is often excluded in standard policies, especially if you pay them money, as it falls under “commercial use”. Temporary car or van insurance is perfect for this type of scenario.
Steve concludes: "If you're borrowing a car, lending yours, or need short-term cover this September, make sure you’re covered by temporary car insurance before driving. It's the difference between driving legally and a £300 fixed penalty fine along with six penalty points."
Don’t get caught out. Use Go.Compare to find temporary car insurance.
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