Driving Home from Uni: Benefits of Temporary Insurance for Students
20 November 2025 | 
Done with deadlines? The last thing you want now is a stressful journey home. When you’ve got bags of washing, books, and Christmas presents to haul back, the train isn’t exactly appealing.
Driving yourself – or sharing the drive with mates – is usually the quickest, easiest way to get back for the holidays. But if you don’t have your own set of wheels at uni, you’ll likely need to borrow a car to make the trip or get around once you’re home.
That’s where temporary car insurance saves the day. It’s the flexible, no-nonsense way to get behind the wheel without the headache of changing annual policies. It’s one of the best insurance options for students without a car.
Why It’s the Perfect Festive Solution
Let’s be honest, the Christmas break is busy. You’ve got friends to see, family visits to make, and maybe even some festive shifts to work. Relying on your parents for lifts everywhere gets old fast, but getting added to their yearly insurance policy is often expensive and complicated.
Temporary car insurance for students gives you the freedom to drive exactly when you need to. Whether it’s just for the drive home or for the full few weeks you’re back, you’re in control.
It’s a popular choice for a reason. Public transport is always 10x worse this time of year due to luggage or the number of people travelling. Short-term cover gives you the ability to swerve the nightmare of a crammed train and get behind the wheel instead – flexibility when you need it most. These are just some of the benefits of using temporary insurance for your return home from uni:
Stop Worrying About the No Claims Discount
One of the biggest reasons parents hesitate to lend their car is the risk to their No Claims Discount (NCD). It’s taken them years to build up, and they don’t want to lose it if you have a bump. The good news? When you use a standalone temporary policy to drive their car, it’s completely separate. It acts as its own comprehensive policy.
If you were unlucky enough to have an accident, the claim is made against your temporary policy, not the car owner’s. Their NCB stays safe, and their premium doesn’t go up next year. It’s a win-win: you get on the road, and they get peace of mind.
Cover That Fits Your Plans
Student life is unpredictable. You don’t need a rigid annual contract; you need cover that works around you. With GoShorty, you can get insured from as little as one hour up to 28 days. This is great for:
The Drive Home: Uni might be hundreds of miles away. If you’re borrowing a car just to get you and your stuff home, you might only need cover for a single day. Or, if you’re road-tripping back with housemates, you can grab a few hours of cover to share the driving. It’s safer, cheaper, and much easier than messing around with long-term policies.
While You’re Home: Once you’re back, you’ll probably want your freedom. Temporary cover is perfect for:
- Seeing Mates: Catching up with friends who live across town or in the next village.
- Helping Out: tackling the big Christmas food shop or running errands for the family.
There’s no point paying for a full month if you’re only back for three weeks. You simply pay for the days you need.
Why Being Added As A Named Driver Isn’t the Best Call
You might think getting added as a “named driver” to a parent’s policy is the standard way to do it. But for short visits, it’s rarely the best option:
- It Costs More: Insurers often hike the annual premium significantly when adding a young driver, even for a short time.
- It’s a Faff: You often have to call up, wait on hold, and pay admin fees just to make the change.
- The Risk Remains: If you crash, the main policyholder still loses their bonus.
With temporary car insurance for students, you dodge all of this. It’s instant, online, and keeps everyone’s records clean.
Staying Safe On Your Drive Home From Uni?
Driving in December isn’t just about Christmas tunes; it’s about wet roads, early sunsets, and icy mornings. If you’re driving a car you aren’t used to, you need to be extra careful.
Make sure you’re up to speed with the winter driving risks to avoid any fines. With the right short-term insurance sorted, you can focus on driving safely and enjoying the break.
Getting home for Christmas should be the easy part. Temporary car insurance gives you the independence you want without the hassle or cost of updating annual policies.
Whether you’re sharing the drive or just need wheels to visit friends, we’ve got you covered. Grab a quote today and spend less time on admin and more time enjoying the holidays. Download our temporary insurance app to get covered even faster and make car sharing even easier, perfect for your next trip home.
Similar articles you might like
-
Everything You Need to Know About What to Do If You Break Down
Breaking down can be stressful, but staying calm is key. Whether it’s a flat tyre or an unexpected stop, dealing
-
Why Temporary Car Insurance is Particularly Good for Older Drivers
As we grow older and clock up more and more miles, most would think that those miles equal more experience
-
Private Test Drive Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
Buying a new car can be an exciting process and it’s easy to get carried away with flash new features