Temporary third party car insurance is a short-term insurance policy, lasting from one hour to 30 days, that covers you for damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. This legal minimum requirement in the UK protects you financially if you damage a third party’s car or property, or are responsible for their medical treatment after an accident.
Temporary or short term third party only insurance is a good option for a variety of situations, such as:
- Borrowing someone else’s car: You can get temporary insurance to cover you while driving a friend or family member’s car, without having to be added to their policy.
- Driving a new car before you buy it: Dealerships often offer temporary insurance to allow you to test drive a car before you purchase it.
- Gap insurance: If you have a car finance agreement, temporary third party insurance can cover you for the period between selling your old car and buying your new one.
- Driving a car while waiting for your annual policy to start: If you’ve purchased a new car and your annual policy doesn’t start immediately, temporary insurance can bridge the gap.
What Are the Basics of Temporary Third-Party Only Car Insurance?
Temporary third-party only car insurance offers a limited but specific scope of coverage for drivers seeking short-term protection. One of its key features is its focus on covering damage inflicted on other people’s property and injuries caused to them. However, it does not extend to cover damages to your own vehicle, medical expenses resulting from an accident, or the costs associated with fire damage or theft. The cost of temporary insurance varies based on factors such as the duration of the policy, the type of vehicle being insured, and your individual record.
This type of insurance is readily available from numerous insurers, both online and offline. However, given the differences in offerings and pricing among providers, you are encouraged to conduct thorough comparisons to ensure you select the most suitable option for your circumstances.
It is important to understand the concept of excess when considering temporary third-party only car insurance. Excess refers to the amount the policyholder is responsible for paying towards any claim. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of this amount before finalizing the purchase of a policy.
For added peace of mind, you can often include breakdown cover in your temporary insurance policy for an additional fee. This ensures that assistance will be readily available in the event of a breakdown during the coverage period.
Furthermore, if there are plans to drive the insured vehicle in Europe, it is essential to confirm whether the temporary insurance policy includes European cover. This additional consideration ensures compliance with legal requirements and provides the necessary protection when driving abroad.
If you are not driving for a long time, then it is economical to take a temporary 3rd party car insurance cover. It is also economical if your car is not very expensive. The cost of repairing your car could go high beyond its actual value. You can also sign up for the cover if you feel that you can meet the cost of repairing the car.
Temporary Third Party Car Insurance Companies in UK
There are many insurance companies and brokers in the UK. Based on our research, companies that offer cheap temporary third party insurance include the following:
Temporary Third-Party Insurance Comparison
Third-party car insurance comparison can be done online on insurer’s websites. You can as well shop around as you compare temporary third party car insurance prices.
Here is a comparison of temporary third-party car insurance options in the UK:
| Provider | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempcover | 1 hour | 28 days | £10 – £70 per day |
| Veygo | 1 day | 28 days | £20 – £80 per day |
| Dayinsure | 1 day | 28 days | £15 – £60 per day |
| Adrian Flux | 1 day | 28 days | £20 – £90 per day |
| RAC | 1 day | 28 days | £25 – £100 per day |
| Admiral | 1 day | 28 days | £18 – £85 per day |
Here are some comparison websites you can use to compare temporary third party car insurance quotes in the UK: Compare the Market and Money Supermarket.
Many people assume that short term third party car insurance covers are cheaper compared to the fully comprehensive insurance covers. It might not be the case with all the insurers. It is because the number of claims made determines prices. Temporary 3rd party car insurance can be compared based on price, cover level or monthly payment.
If you wish to get a cheap temporary car insurance cover, you can consider the following:
- Choose a cheaper car without modifications
- Increase your voluntary excess
- Consider black box insurance
- Build a no claims discount
- Limit your mileage
Read also: Third party insurance comparison