One Hour Temporary Car Insurance
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What is hourly car insurance?
1 hour car temporary insurance is essentially the shortest kind of temporary insurance available to drivers in the UK. It can offer the same levels of cover as a standard car policy while giving you more freedom and flexibility.
Other temporary car insurance options might cover you for a full day, or even a week or month. But if you are only taking a short one-off journey, buying car insurance for an hour means you don’t pay for longer cover than you need.
How does one hour car insurance work?
Hourly car insurance is designed to work just like a standard car policy, with much more flexibility. When buying a policy for 1 hour you will be able to choose exactly what you need, including:
The level of coverage
1 hour of insurance offers the same coverage options as standard car insurance. These are third party only (TPO), third party, fire, and theft (TPFT), and comprehensive cover. While you need a minimum of third party cover to legally drive on UK public roads, some temporary insurers will offer comprehensive cover as standard.
How long you want to be covered
Temporary insurance is not just available for one hour. You can also find cover for up to 2 or 3 hours long, right up to a full 24 hours. It is worth knowing exactly how long you need before buying your policy to avoid over-insuring.
When you want the cover to start
If you know when you need to borrow or drive the vehicle, you can choose a future start date. However, if you need insurance cover on short notice, temporary policies come with the option for an immediate start.
When can I get car insurance by the hour?
Getting insurance for 1 hour can help you out of a tight spot at short notice. It can be a great option in a variety of circumstances. For example:
Test-driving a car from a private seller
Dropping off or collecting a vehicle from a mechanic or MOT
Moving a car to avoid a parking fine or restriction
Picking up a child or friend in an emergency
Moving furniture or large items using a borrowed van
Practising driving in a friend or family member’s car
Benefits of temporary one hour car insurance
Flexibility and convenience of 1 hour car insurance
This cover allows you to take on short tasks while staying legal and protected on UK roads. You can insure yourself for exactly the number of hours you need, and some insurers will even allow you to extend the cover if needed. If not you can still take out another short term policy.
Cost-effectiveness of hourly insurance compared to annual policies
The cost of hourly insurance compared to an annual policy, or even being added as a named driver, is night and day. Although you will be paying a higher hourly rate, if you only need insurance for an hour, you could be saving hundreds when compared to annual cover.
Immediate coverage with insurance for 1 hour
Being able to get insurance that starts immediately can help you or your family out immensely when things don’t go to plan. It’s a great option to have when last-minute plans, appointments, or problems crop up unexpectedly.
No impact on your existing no-claims bonus
Claiming on a temporary insurance policy will not impact the no-claims bonus (NCD) you hold on your annual car policy. It won’t affect the NCD of anyone else insured on the car either.
How much is hourly car insurance?
The cost of hourly car insurance in the UK will vary depending on the risk of insuring you and your particular circumstances. On average, hourly car policy costs*
1 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours |
£20.78 | £22.66 | £25.37 | £28.49 |
Factors affecting the cost of 1 hour insurance
- The length of the policy – If you need coverage for 1 hour, 12 hours or 24 hours.
- The coverage level – Whether you choose third party only or comprehensive coverage.
- Your driving history – how long you have held your licence and any past convictions.
- Previous claims – A history of claiming on vehicle insurance can raise premiums.
- Your age – Young drivers are usually seen as more high-risk due to inexperience.
- The vehicle you are driving – Whether a car, van or motorbike, the model and value of the vehicle will impact premiums.
- Your location – Location indicates risk on the road, so someone in Northern Ireland could pay more than a driver in Scotland.
Tips for finding cheap hourly car insurance in the UK
- Only insure the time you need.
- Limit add-ons as these will come at additional costs.
- Insure a vehicle in a lower insurance group when possible.
- Keep a good driving history and build a no-claims discount.
- Shop around and compare cheap hourly car insurance policies and providers.
How to get car insurance for an hour
Criteria for getting 1 hour car insurance
Criteria vary across different 1 hour insurance providers. For example, some will require you to be over 19 years old while others will cover anyone from 17-75 years old. Likewise, some may require you to have a UK licence while others will cover anyone with a licence from the EU.
Find and compare providers
These variables are why it is so important to shop around before you buy temporary insurance for 1 hour. When you get a better scope of the market, you can make more informed buying decisions and find a potentially cheaper deal.
Purchase hourly insurance online
Choosing the best hourly insurance options will involve balancing your insurance needs with cost. Once purchased you can keep a digital copy of the insurance certificate with you for reference.
Hourly Car Insurance FAQs
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*https://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/temporary-car-insurance