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Whether it’s an emergency or you need to borrow a car for a few hours, there are times when a full annual policy isn’t practical. Hourly car insurance lets you get insured instantly for as little as one hour, without committing to a 12-month contract.
It’s a type of temporary car insurance designed for short-term use, giving you flexible cover when you need it most.
Let us explain how hourly car insurance works, when you might need it, what it covers, and how to apply.
Hourly car insurance is a short-term policy that provides full coverage for as little as one hour. Unlike standard annual policies, it is designed for temporary situations such as borrowing a car, taking a test drive, or covering a gap between policies.
Temporary cover is usually a standalone policy, meaning it won’t affect the existing insurance on the vehicle or your no-claims bonus. Cover typically starts immediately once approved, making it a convenient option for urgent or one-off driving needs.
When looking for temporary car insurance cover, there are a few simple steps you should follow:
Find a provider that works for you and select the length of cover you want
Enter your details, which will include registration and home address, as well as some information about the vehicle
Get your quote, and if it works, off you go
If you are looking for a bit longer-term insurance, maybe insuring your car for a month, this is possible too. For a more comprehensive look at the options available, check out our guide on short term car insurance.
There are a few different scenarios where you might need day insurance or less, such as:
Filling the gap between a lapsed and an upcoming policy
Helping out a friend or family member on a long drive
Taking a driving test
Borrowing a van for moving purposes
An emergency where you need to drive someone else's car
Some insurers who offer hourly cover will have fully comp as standard, while others will let you select from a range of different options. It’s always worth checking with the provider to make sure you know exactly what protection you have.
The cost of hourly car insurance depends on several factors, including your age, driving history, location, and the type of vehicle you’re insuring.
Because a temporary car insurance policy is short-term and flexible, the hourly rate is usually higher than the equivalent daily cost of an annual policy. However, it can still be cost-effective if you only need cover for a few hours rather than paying for a full year.
Getting a quote is the quickest way to see what you’ll pay.
One of the great advantages of taking out hourly cover is that it will not have any impact on an existing policy or one you take out in the future. It is a completely standalone product, meaning that should you have to make a claim, your record is left untarnished.
Some temporary insurance providers offering hourly cover will have certain stipulations that you won’t find with a more conventional policy. For example, you may need to be a driver for so many months or not have a certain amount of points on your license. While this information should be made available, it’s always important to check you are eligible if you're not sure. Should you need to make a claim and it turns out you're ineligible, it could leave you seriously out of pocket.
Yes. Hourly car insurance is fully legal as long as it is issued by an authorised insurer. The policy provides valid cover for the selected time period and must meet minimum UK insurance requirements.
Most temporary insurance policies are registered on the Motor Insurance Database (MID). However, updates may not appear instantly, so always keep your confirmation documents with you.
Some short-term car insurance providers will accept drivers with penalty points, but eligibility criteria vary. The number of points, type of offence, and how recent it was can all affect approval.
Unlike comprehensive cover, temporary insurance is designed for short durations, so cancellation options may be limited once cover has started. Always check the provider’s terms before purchasing.
