Most car insurance policies run for a year, which isn't ideal if you don't need a car for that long. Thankfully, shorter term cover is available, so if you only need car insurance for one month at a time, there’s a policy out there for you.
In this guide, we'll explain how this type of cover works and how to find a one month car insurance policy that aligns with your needs.
In This Guide:
- Can I get car insurance for one month at a time?
- Do I need one month car insurance?
- When not to get temporary cover
- How much does one month car insurance cost?
- How do I get cheaper one month car insurance?
- Alternatives to One Month Car Insurance
- FAQs
Can I get car insurance for one month at a time?
While standard car insurance policies last for a year, it is possible to get cover for up to 28 days at a time. 1 month car insurance provides a flexible cover option for people who may need insurance at short notice or for a short period of time, such as in an emergency, for a holiday or a weekend away.
How does one month car insurance work?
they’re valid for a much more limited period of time. Most temporary car insurance will provide fully comprehensive cover, meaning you’ll be fully protected in the event of an accident.
However, it’s important to read your policy terms carefully, as they may be different from the car insurance you’re used to. If you need more cover, or just want basic third-party cover, you can usually change your short-term policy to suit your circumstances, though this will usually affect your premiums as well.
Remember, one month car insurance is only valid for the month laid out in your contract. This may or may not be a complete calendar month, so check your agreement to make sure you’re covered for the dates you need. Similarly, some one month policies may renew automatically, while others will expire after the agreed-upon term. Familiarise yourself with cancellation and renewal processes before taking out temporary car insurance.
Can I get cover for less than a month?
Temporary car insurance policies can be taken out for as little as one hour. For more information on the options available to you, head over to our page on short term car insurance.
What Does One Month Car Insurance Cover?
Exactly what’s covered by your short term car insurance will depend on the policy you take out, but there are some circumstances that you can generally expect to be included (either as standard or for an extra fee), and some that won’t be covered at all.
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Do I need one month car insurance?
There are few potential reasons why you might need car insurance for a month at a time, rather than a standard insurance policy. Here are a few situations in which a 1 month car insurance policy would be the most suitable option for you:
- Borrowing a car – if you need to borrow a friend or family member's car for a road trip or holiday, and their insurance policy doesn't cover you. Young drivers also may not own a car yet and so can use short-term insurance if they want to use it during school or university holidays.
- Lending out your car – if you want to lend your car to a friend or family member for less than 28 days.
- Driveaway insurance – if you want to test a car before you buy it, or you've just bought a car and haven't figured out a longer-term insurance plan yet.
- Emergency cover – if you need immediate access to a car in an emergency situation then you can get cover for as little as an hour.
When not to get temporary cover
Car insurance is a legal necessity if your car is on the road, even if you're not driving it. What you can't do is leave your car parked, and take out temporary insurance for a month at a time whenever you need to drive it. Unless you take out a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), registering your car as off road, it needs to be insured at all times.
If you don't use your car regularly, you can opt for a low mileage insurance policy that might be cheaper than a standard plan, but you'll need cover at all times.
Temporary car insurance also typically isn’t suitable for rental or hire cars. In these circumstances, you’ll need to take out hire car insurance, which can sometimes be included with your vehicle, but not always.
How much does one month car insurance cost?
Exact costs are difficult to estimate as temporary car insurance premiums vary based on your car, your driving history, and of course the length of cover you need.
Short-term cover is usually more expensive per day (or per month) than annual car insurance. But if you're only using your car for a short period of time, then you're still better off getting temporary cover for a month at a time than you would be paying for a whole year on an annual policy.
How do I get cheaper one month car insurance?
Here are a few useful tips to help you find a cheaper insurance policy for your 1 month car insurance
- Shop around – make sure that you compare plenty of different quotes from different insurance providers. This way you will increase your chances of finding a good quote.
- Black box – telematics insurance policies provide fairer prices by monitoring how you drive through a device fitted to your vehicle.
- Advanced learning – you can improve your driving skills after you pass your driving test by paying for specialised driving courses, such as the government's Pass Plus scheme. Insurers may see you as a lower risk driver if you can provide evidence of completing an advanced driving course, reducing the cost of your insurance policy.
- Voluntary excess – when you claim on insurance, the first part of the claim is paid by you. By increasing this excess, you can decrease your premium. However, make sure that you can afford the amount of excess you choose.
Alternatives to One Month Car Insurance
Sometimes, monthly car insurance cover may not be the best answer to the circumstances you’re facing. If you need car insurance for less than a month, you could look into temporary car insurance for a shorter term, but you may not always need to.
If you already have comprehensive car insurance, check the terms of your policy, as you may be covered to drive a different car for a certain period of time. The cover may not be as extensive as your standard policy, and you may need to inform your insurer, but it could help you save some time and money, especially if you’re only going to be driving someone else’s car for a few hours.
Similarly, if you’re planning to borrow a friend’s car, check if their policy allows you to be added as a named driver. However, this can increase their insurance premiums, so it’s only worth doing if you’re going to be using your friend’s car regularly or for a longer period of time.
FAQs
Can I get car insurance for 1 month only?
Yes, it’s possible to take out car insurance for just one month without renewing your policy. However, if you do need to extend your cover, you may be able to do this, or take out a new temporary policy.
Can you temporarily insure a car that’s not insured?
You can, but if you’re hoping to only insure your car when you’re using it, you may be breaking the law. All cars need to be insured even when they’re not being driven unless declared SORN.
Can you insure a car for a week?
Yes, it’s possible to insure a car for one week. You can insure your car for as little as one hour with short term car insurance depending on your needs.
Can you tax and insure a car for a month?
It’s possible to tax your car using one month's car insurance. You may decide to do this if you haven’t yet decided on an annual insurance policy and need to tax your car, or you’ve just bought your car and want some extra time before buying a long-term policy.
Can I drive my car without insurance after buying it?
No, you must always have car insurance when driving your car. This is where temporary car insurance cover can be useful, as you could take out cover for as little as an hour, which would give you enough time to drive home without committing hastily to a year-long policy.
Can I get temporary car insurance as a new driver?
Temporary car insurance is available to new drivers. You may decide to take out a short term policy if you aren’t going to be driving often, or are occasionally going to borrow a family member’s car to drive.
Is one month insurance available for vans?
Monthly car insurance is available for vans and other vehicles as well as cars. However, you’ll need to make sure the policy you choose is suitable for your vehicle.
