How to Insure a Car You Rarely Drive

Whether it’s a collectable that you take out for a spin once a month or your friend’s vehicle that you borrow from time to time, it is important to make sure that your name is on the vehicle’s insurance when you’re driving it.

There are strict laws regarding car insurance in the UK, and non-compliance can be costly. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, speak to a licensed insurance representative. 

Or read on! We’ve compiled some key information that will help you choose the appropriate car insurance policy for your situation.

Why Do You Rarely Drive the Vehicle?

Different vehicles and situations require different types of insurance, so it is best to define why you don’t drive the vehicle frequently before making any decisions. This will also help you to make sense of the options that insurers offer.

It is a vintage or classic car, or a luxury sports car

If you own a collectable car, you likely won’t be driving it regularly. Daily temporary car insurance or low mileage car insurance may be suitable options for you. 

It is a vehicle you don’t own but borrow occasionally

Whether you own a car or not, there are times when you might need to borrow a friend or family member’s car. If this is the case, a good option is to become a named driver on the primary policyholder’s insurance plan. This way, you can easily drive the borrowed vehicle whenever needed.

However, this can sometimes be expensive. 

In this case, temporary car insurance is a perfect choice: you’ll be able to quickly and easily take out temporary car insurance for however long you need, whether that be an hour to 28 days. 

It is a secondary vehicle used for recreation or holidays

If you enjoy road tripping or exploring 4×4 trails, you may have a secondary vehicle that is only used a few times a year. Low mileage car insurance or temporary vehicle insurance would both be good options for this type of car.

Your Various Car Insurance Options

Now we’ve told you the best types of insurance for your circumstances, here’s some information on each type of cover in more detail.

Temporary or Short Term cover

Temporary car insurance can work on a pay-as-you-go basis: purchase as little as an hour of insurance or as much as 28 days. If you don’t own a vehicle, this type of insurance is ideal as you can use it when needed.

This is an excellent option for when you only drive a vehicle now and then. It is also an excellent option when you are borrowing a car for a short trip. For example, if you are moving and borrow a friend’s van, you can get temporary van insurance for the hours or days that you are using it.

Temporary cover is also perfect for learner drivers. Temporary learner driver insurance allows you to get out on the road without increasing your family member’s insurance premium. It’s a win-win!

Long-term cover

Long-term cover, usually called an annual policy, is mainly used by drivers insuring their own vehicles. 

With long-term cover, you usually get the choice of: 

• third-party insurance, 
• third-party, fire and theft insurance 
• and comprehensive. 

Comprehensive cover is a great choice if you drive your car frequently, as it covers all possible incidents that could occur.

For more information about the three different types of car insurance, take a look at our guide. 

Pay as you go

This hybrid form of insurance limits the number of miles you can drive. It is often used by car insurance companies as low-mileage car insurance.

Low mileage car insurance is available for low mileage drivers who have an annual mileage of under 6000 miles. Not all car insurance companies offer low-mileage car insurance, so you may need to shop around to find a good deal.

Becoming a Named Driver

This is when a long-term policyholder adds a named driver to their policy to allow them to use the vehicle whenever they wish. This might increase the insurance premium and doesn’t protect the No Claims Bonus of the main policyholder, but it can be a good option for some. 

The Advantages of Temporary Car Insurance

Temporary or short-term car insurance has become increasingly popular with car enthusiasts as it helps them to reduce the costs associated with owning and using multiple vehicles.

Short-term car insurance policies are also beneficial for learner drivers, as it makes it easy for them to learn in the family vehicle without having a negative impact on the primary car insurance.

Your No Claims Discount remains unaffected

Temporary insurance is a separate insurance policy from your standard car insurance policy, so if the vehicle is in an accident while you’re using a temporary policy, there won’t be an impact on the No Claims Discount of the main policy.

Annual policies don’t need to be changed

Before the existence of temporary insurance policies, you needed to add any additional drivers to your main annual policy if they were going to be driving your vehicle.

With the advent of temporary car insurance, it has become much easier to insure others using your car, making it much easier to stick to the law.

It also means that if the additional driver has an accident, your car insurance premiums won’t be affected.

Speedy certification and purchase

If you need insurance for a vehicle on short notice, temporary insurance companies will be able to assist you often in a matter of minutes.

You can also book your car insurance in advance if you’re not in a hurry. This can be useful if you’re borrowing a car on a specific date as it can reduce stress and admin.

Don’t spend more than you have to

Utilising temporary car insurance means you don’t spend more than you need. It doesn’t increase your car insurance premiums, and you aren’t locked into a long-term contract.

It is a fantastic option for drivers who only borrow a vehicle occasionally.

The policies are flexible

Temporary car insurance companies often offer flexible policies that can cover you for an hour or a few weeks, depending on your needs.

They will have a policy suited to your situation, no matter the car you drive, who the driver of the vehicle is, or who owns the car. 

FAQs

Can you insure a car not registered in your name?

Yes, you can insure a car not registered in your name. Temporary car insurance policies are perfect when you need to borrow a vehicle you don’t own. They offer comprehensive cover for anything from an hour to twenty-eight days.

Can I insure my car so anyone can drive it?

Any driver car insurance does exist and can be purchased. However, the premiums are likely to be high if you are a newer driver aged 25 or less. Most insurers view new drivers as higher risk as they have less experience.

If you are older than 25 and have multiple drivers for your vehicle (who are also over 25), then any-driver car insurance could be a very beneficial car insurance policy for you.

Can I drive someone else’s car without insurance?

All vehicles and their drivers need to be covered by insurance in the UK. Third-party insurance is acceptable, but the driver of the vehicle must make sure that they are covered as well.

If you’re caught driving a vehicle you’re not covered for, you can receive a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 points on your licence.

Insure a Car You Rarely Drive With GoShorty

Temporary car insurance is often the best option for insuring a vehicle you rarely drive, as you’ll receive comprehensive cover for the days or hours required.

With help from GoShorty, you can receive a competitive quote in minutes for temporary car insurance. Whether this is hourly temporary car insurance, daily temporary car insurance or weekly temporary car insurance, GoShorty has an option for you.