Private Test Drive Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

13 September 2023 15:26 Comments Off

Buying a new car can be an exciting process and it’s easy to get carried away with flash new features – warm seats, anyone? But as with all major purchases, it’s essential to step back and consider if you’re making the right choice for you – and more importantly, if the car itself is in the correct working order.

A test drive is a great way to check how a vehicle drives and make sure that everything functions as you’d expect before you sign on the dotted line. Testing a car from a dealership typically means that you’re covered by their policy. If you do purchase though, it’s always best to check you have the right drive-away insurance in place.

This is different to a private sale, where it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re insured before taking the vehicle on a test drive and you definitely will need to organise driveaway insurance if you do purchase the vehicle.

So, whether you are having a private test drive before purchase, or about to drive off into the sunset with your new vehicle – temporary car insurance is always the perfect solution.

**Why Are Test Drives Important?**

A test drive is a great way to get a feel for a car, decide if it’s a good fit for you, and fully inspect every nook and cranny. It’s arguably the most important part of purchasing a car, as it gives you the chance to spot any issues that might only be noticeable in transit.

Without a test drive, you could miss issues like a faulty clutch, poor power steering, or slipping brakes. Fail to spot these errors before purchase, and you could be stuck with a car that isn’t fit for purpose, and in need of expensive repairs.

Once a car has been bought and the money handed over, it can be difficult to negotiate a return. Making sure you’re totally happy with your decision to purchase before you agree to the sale is absolutely integral to such a big investment – and a test drive is key to this decision-making process.

**Do I Need To Be Insured When Test Driving a Car?**

You need to have insurance in place when having a test drive. If you are test driving a car at a dealership they may have cover already in place. If it is a private test drive you will need to organise your own insurance, hourly car insurance can work perfectly for this.

Car insurance is always needed to cover you when you get behind the wheel of any car. It doesn’t matter who the car belongs to, where you are in the country, or how long you’re going to be driving it.

Test drive insurance for a private sale vehicle is a legal requirement, which is why many drivers opt for short-term temporary cover. Test drive insurance covers the vehicle from any potential damage or accidents, and also protects the owner’s no claims discount on any annual policy they might have in the event of an accident. Meaning you can test drive the car with the complete peace of mind that you have the right cover in place.

Test Drive Checklist

It can be hard to know what to look for when test driving a vehicle, especially if you’re a young driver buying your first car. To make things simple we’ve created a comprehensive checklist of what to look out for on your test drive.

Car Body and Paint Work

The first thing to check is the general appearance of the car. Scratches, dents and other obvious flaws can be a sign that the car has been involved in an accident and there are issues beneath the surface, too. If the paint is patchy or there are sections of bubbling, the metal underneath might be rusty – which can be a real pain to fix.

Gaps in the car panelling can also be a cause for concern, as it may signal that previous repairs have been carried out poorly, or that there is further damage that might not have been disclosed.

If the car is a convertible or has features like a sunroof, you should check these functions are working well. If it’s a soft top, check for tears and mould, and test the mechanism to make sure it’s operating smoothly.

Inside Checks

There are a lot of features inside the car that need to be checked before driving off – and we don’t just mean the radio! Make sure the lights and indicators are in working order and that they’re connected to the lenses outside the vehicle.

It’s important to check the mileage of the vehicle too, to see if it’s consistent with the paperwork you’ve been supplied with. If the odometer shows low miles, but the steering wheel, gear lever and pedal rubbers are worn, the real mileage could be significantly higher.

You should also assess how comfortable it is to sit in – this is where you’ll spend most of your time in the car, so it needs to be pleasant. Check that the seatbelts pull out smoothly and that the seat can be adjusted easily to your preferred fit. Test the electric windows and mirror to see if they work properly, as well as the ventilation systems. If it’s blowing the wrong temperature or is making a strange noise, then there’s likely a fault that you need to be made aware of. If there’s a sat nav fitted, make sure it’s properly calibrated and set for the correct location.

Tyres and Suspension

Before driving off, you should check if the tyres and suspension are safe and legal. The tyres should have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm, which can be checked with a 20p coin. Simply insert the coin into the groove of the tyre to see that the tread covers the outer band of the coin. If so, it’s legal and safe to drive.

You should also check that any wear to the tyre is even across the wheel and its tread. If not, this may indicate there’s an issue with the suspension. You can check this by pushing down on each corner of the car. It should bounce back up smoothly. If it fails to, there may be a bigger issue at play.

If the car comes with a spare wheel, check its condition. You certainly don’t want to pop a tyre only to find that the spare is worn down or punctured.

The Boot, Locking System and Everything Else

One of the most important parts of any car is its locking system. You don’t want to drive away only to find out that you’ve bought an unsafe car.

Space can also be an issue. Think about how you use your car on a daily basis. Is the boot big enough to fit your weekly shop? Is there enough room to get a pram and child seat in and out of the car? Can you fold down the seats if you need to move stuff from A to B?

You may want to take your essentials along for the test ride to check they fit and don’t prohibit your view or usage of the car, to save you from any surprises on the way home.

Taking The Car For a Drive

Every car drives and handles slightly differently, which is why actually testing how the car drives is arguably the most important part of the buying process. Make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel, happy with the way everything works and feel totally in control of the car.

The test drive is your chance to test the steering, make sure the brakes are all in working order, try out other features like cruise control, and listen out for any concerning sounds – especially when accelerating. Clunks, rattles and other sounds could be a sign that something is wrong with the engine, so keep a close ear for any noises. (We recommend spending the majority of the test drive without the radio on – sorry!) Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust or the engine is another sign that something is off, so make a note of this before returning the vehicle.

A few other things to consider:

If you are test driving a car from a private seller, you might want to request a cold start, meaning flicking that ignition when the car has been sitting dormant for several hours. If the car bonnet feels warm, it could indicate that the seller is trying to conceal an ignition problem.

If you are buying from a private seller and the test drive has gone well, ask whether you can pay for a mechanic to check the car over. Whether or not you decide to go ahead with it, the seller’s reaction should tell you if they are trying to fleece you into a bad deal.

Private Test Drive Do’s and Don’ts

When taking a private vehicle for a test drive there are a few guidelines that you should follow. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a couple of key rules to ensure your drive goes smoothly.

Don’t Waste Time

A test drive should usually take between 15 and 30 minutes. You should take your time adjusting the vehicle to assess how it handles, but it shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes to check the basics of the car. A quick drive to test the brakes, clutch, steering and other essentials should be enough to ascertain its working order.

Be Respectful

You’re there to test the car, not to borrow it. Test drives aren’t for you to run errands or take a quick trip through the drive-through – so don’t take the mick! No matter where you go, make sure that you leave the car as you found it. Take all your personal belongings with you, as well as any rubbish or empty coffee cups you’ve accumulated on the way.

Stay Alert

As a general rule it’s best not to daydream when driving – ever – but especially when you’re driving a vehicle you don’t own! Not paying attention is a sure way to end up with bashed car doors or a shattered side mirror. The last thing anyone wants when trying to sell their vehicle is unexpected damage, so make sure you stay alert and extend the car the same care you would your own. Even if you’re covered for the damage, it’s going to be an awkward drive home…

Don’t Waste Fuel

Drive how you would if you’d filled the tank yourself – which is to say, razzing the car up and down the street is going to waste a lot of fuel and put unnecessary strain on the engine – don’t do it, even if you’re tempted to test the acceleration speed. Testing the car on different roads can be useful, so pick a route through a few local areas.

Get Comprehensive Test Drive Cover

Test drive insurance is the most crucial part of any private test drive. Without it, both you and the car owner are at risk of damage and costly claims.

Our temporary insurance policies can save you time and money by covering you for as short a period as 1 hour. Our car sharing insurance protects you, the car and its owner while you’re taking a test drive, so you can drive away knowing you’re all fully protected. We cover a range of vehicles, including vans. Our quick and easy-to-use temporary insurance calculator can give you the average cost of a policy so you can get an idea of what you might be paying, before you get an exact quote.

Our process couldn’t be simpler, and we can get you insured in as little as 90 seconds, so you can get from A to B as soon as possible. Invest in hourly insurance for your test drive and get one step closer to finding your dream car, with GoShorty.

Breaking the Stigma of ‘City Car Insurance’: Why GoShorty Wants to Insure More City Dwellers

14 July 2023 10:34 Comments Off

City-dwelling drivers tend to come up against challenges when finding affordable, fully comprehensive coverage.

This is no surprise (as we’ll come on to) but at GoShorty, we’re determined to break the stigma associated with insuring city-based drivers.

Our temporary car insurance is just the ticket to help defy industry norms and provide more useful coverage that caters for the unique needs of urban vehicle owners.

With an impressive number of customers based in cities, GoShorty is committed to serving this often underserved market.

**Why is There A Difference Between Rural & City Car Insurance?**

Postcodes in urban and inner-city areas are considered riskier by insurers because of their denser population, theft rate, on-street parking and heavier traffic flow. It would seem to make sense that the more cars there are on the road, the greater the chance of an accident.

However, as Pass Me Fast points out, traffic in the city is usually constrained to a lower speed limit (and due to the heavy traffic you rarely hit that!), the national speed limit on winding country roads can lead to blind corners at inappropriate speeds.

In the city you need to be aware of bikes weaving in and out of traffic – but the country also has cyclists, as well as wild animals appearing out of nowhere! Wherever you drive, there are perils and worries for insurance companies.

This unfair stigma means there’s more of a car insurance postcode risk placed on city-dwellers – meaning higher costs if you’re city based.

**What Are the Biggest Causes of Insurance Claims?**

So why do city-dwellers pay more? Understanding the most common insurance claims can shed light on why car insurance if you live in a city is more expensive.

Taking London as an example, drivers in the capital pay the highest insurance premiums (£608 on average) but this is tied to the fact that they are the highest average claimants (£6,189).

City car owners pay more simply because there are more incidents involving theft, vandalism and accidents in urban areas. When there are one million uninsured drivers on the road, you can see why insurers want to make sure they are covered, as well as you.

Breaking the Stigma

GoShorty is leading the charge in breaking the stigma associated with city car insurance.

Over our years of operations, we have developed strong acceptance criteria. We work with a wide array of brokers, allowing us to offer policies to people in cities where some insurers may be wary of providing cover.

We believe in providing equal opportunities for all drivers, regardless of their geographical location. By challenging conventional notions and embracing the unique needs of city dwellers, we are paving the way for fair and inclusive car insurance options.

If you regularly drive in a city, there are some tips that can help prevent incidents and minimise risks, reducing your need to claim!

Not only do you need to be aware of bicycles and motorbikes, it’s now important to stay alert and be mindful of the increased presence of rented e-scooters! The 2022 addition of the ‘Dutch reach’ to the highway code has never been so timely.

Maintaining a safe following distance, being aware of pedestrians, and utilising advanced safety features in vehicles can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Check the travel news before you set off – with continual roadworks, a higher proportion of events, and the potential for accidents on higher speed limits, you don’t want to drive yourself to a standstill.

We are dedicated to changing views surrounding city car insurance and providing fair coverage options to urban drivers. We want to revolutionise the insurance industry. To learn more and see how little temporary car insurance could cost you get a quote today.

Emergency Car Insurance Guide

10:16 Comments Off

Dealing with an emergency is stressful enough. The last thing you need is the added burden of worrying about obtaining car insurance in the midst of chaos.

At GoShorty, we understand the urgency of such situations and aim to make the process of acquiring emergency car insurance as quick and straightforward as possible.

With our instant car insurance solutions, we strive to provide immediate peace of mind when you need it most. Whether you require temporary car insurance, coverage for a specific driver, or even temporary van insurance, GoShorty has got you covered.

**What Is Emergency Car Insurance?**

Emergency car insurance refers to the type of coverage you may need to obtain immediately to address unforeseen circumstances.

Life is unpredictable, and you can find yourself in situations when you might find yourself in need of instant car insurance to navigate through an emergency quickly and effectively.

Maybe you need emergency cover to borrow a friend’s car for an urgent trip. Perhaps you’re test-driving a vehicle you’re considering purchasing, or you require immediate coverage for a van to haul something large around.

In these cases, having emergency car insurance can save you from the stress and cost of arranging long-term coverage or the risk of being uninsured during critical moments.

With GoShorty, you get cover from one hour to 28 days – so whatever the emergency, you will be able to ensure you can drive through it. And whoever’s car is needed to be insured in the emergency will have peace of mind knowing that their no-claims bonus will be protected. So in the event of a second emergency, you really don’t have to worry!

**How to Get Instant Car Insurance?**

When faced with a stressful scenario, the last thing you want is a complicated insurance process that further delays your plans. At GoShorty, we offer a seamless and expedited way to get immediate car insurance coverage.

You can be on your way in less than two minutes – just follow these easy steps.

1 – Enter your registration number
2 – Provide essential details, such as your personal information, vehicle details, and desired coverage period.
3 – Receive a quote in as little as 90 seconds, allowing you to make an informed decision quickly.
4 – Once you’ve selected the appropriate coverage and made the necessary payment, you’ll receive your insurance documents digitally, ensuring immediate cover removing any doubt of whether you are covered or not.

Our streamlined process eliminates unnecessary paperwork and time-consuming procedures, allowing you to focus on what matters most in emergency situations. Whether it’s a last-minute trip, temporary vehicle use, or any other unforeseen event, GoShorty is here to provide instant coverage that meets your needs.

Explore our range of temporary car insurance options, discover the drivers we cover, or find temporary van insurance solutions to cater to your specific needs. With GoShorty, navigating through unexpected events becomes easier, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Just Passed? Why Temporary Car Insurance is A Great Option for New Drivers

12 July 2023 00:14 Comments Off

Congratulations on passing your driving test! The world of independence and freedom behind the wheel awaits you.

Before you rush into getting added onto your parent’s car insurance, or getting a new, expensive policy of your own, it’s worth taking the time to understand all the options available to you.

One consideration that offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for new drivers who want to get on the road without breaking the bank is temporary car insurance.

In this article, we’ll explore what temporary car insurance is and why it is a great choice for new drivers like you.

The Cost of Your New Car

Keep that sense of elation from receiving your licence in your heart, because the harsh reality of the cost of driving is about to arrive.

Recent research conducted by Cinch reveals that the cost of owning a first car is constantly increasing. In years gone by, the standard ‘congratulations’ vehicle would be a low-cost £500 run around with 100,000 miles on the clock. The perfect vehicle to cut your teeth with while in the first year or two as a qualified driver.

However, the days of finding a cheap runaround seem to be over. Cinch reports 27% of drivers now have a first car that is less than four years old.

This means that the average cost of a first car has risen to £6,600 placing additional strain on families already facing a cost-of-living crisis.

So in addition to the ongoing petrol price hikes, MOTs, annual services and insurance, your new car is going to be pretty intimate with your bank account.

As a result, it’s important to approach the financial aspect of owning a car with careful consideration, especially as a new driver.

**Don’t Be Too Hasty!**

As a newly-passed driver, the excitement of finally having a licence can be intoxicating. You want to get on the road as quickly as possible, do that first Big Shop, travel to see a mate or even plan a road trip.

However, it’s crucial not to rush into purchasing an annual insurance policy without exploring alternative options.

Car insurance for new drivers is incredibly pricey. According to the Association of British Insurers, the average cost for an 18-20 year old is £972. And premiums have increased over the past few years due to the pandemic.

Taking time to understand all the factors that can affect the cost of your insurance policy, and shop around, means that you will be able to find the best deal.

Day Insurance for New Drivers

Don’t panic. While you do your research, you can still get behind the wheel and take that trip to the beach by utilising pay-as-you-go car insurance. Temporary car insurance, such as that offered by GoShorty, allows you to gain coverage for an hour, or a whole day.

This flexibility not only buys you time to explore various insurance options but also makes it far more affordable to get insurance for a borrowed car, if you haven’t purchased your own.

Buying a temporary insurance policy can help new drivers ease into the responsibilities of car ownership without committing to long-term policies and expensive premiums.

You may not know how often you’ll be using the car, or how regularly you’ll be able to. Paying expensive premiums for a monthly trip to the supermarket doesn’t make sense.

Of course, borrowing a car from a parent or relative is a common practice for many new drivers. Temporary car insurance also provides a convenient way to ensure you’re adequately covered whilst taking advantage of this. It allows you to drive legally and responsibly without shouldering the financial burden of an annual policy. And parents will be happy to know it provides protection for your no-claims discount.

At a time when young drivers are needing to be financially supported by their parents, taking advantage of temporary car insurance allows you an affordable way of keeping your driving practice up by borrowing a car when you need to.

Temporary car insurance offers new drivers a cost-effective and flexible alternative to annual policies. By taking advantage of pay-as-you-go options, you can avoid the hefty premiums associated with traditional insurance. Whether you need coverage for an hour or a day, temporary car insurance provides the freedom to drive legally and provide peace of mind, without breaking the bank

So, once you’ve passed your test get a temporary car insurance quote before breaking the bank on an annual policy.

What is A No Claims Discount and How Can You Protect It?

27 June 2023 10:40 Leave a Comment

A no claims discount helps to reduce the price of your insurance if you are claim-free whilst on a policy. The discount builds up with each claim-free year you have, meaning the longer you go without a claim, the better the discount will be.

Adding a learner onto your insurance so they can practise in your vehicle can be confusing, but with temporary learner cover, it becomes an easier, cheaper process that also has no claims discount protection, meaning you won’t lose your discount if an accident happens whilst the learner is behind the wheel.

It also means you can let someone borrow your car, or you can borrow someone else’s, for the weekend without the added pressure of damaging their no claims, thanks to temporary car insurance!

**What Is A No Claims Discount in Car Insurance**

It might seem obvious, but an insurer prefers it if you do not need to make a claim when under their policy, as they prefer to not have to pay out (naturally!) – this is why no claims discounts exist.

By offering insurance premiums to drivers who can prove they have had no claims in recent years, they will attract more customers, as those who can prove they have a good track record can reap the rewards of the discounts.

This system essentially rewards safe drivers with cheaper insurance. You can stay with the same insurer and get the discount from them, or you can change insurers, in which case you will have to provide proof of having no claims on your previous policy.

These policies are designed to reward careful drivers. Although some accidents are out of your control, careful and sensible drivers will have more chance of having no claims on their policies.

**What Can Damage Your No Claims Discount?**

Your discount can be damaged by an accident that is your fault, as well as an accident that is not your fault, but the cost can’t be claimed by the other party – an example of this could be if a parked car is hit and the other driver cannot be found.

If you add a named driver to your insurance, this could also bring damage to your claims discount if they have an accident in it too. If this driver has an accident in your car, it is you that will have to make the claim, as you are the main driver of that vehicle.

This is why adding another driver on the insurance to practise driving or just to borrow the car can be a risk to you and your bonus. Imagine you’ve spent years or even decades building an unblemished record, only for it to go up in smoke because someone you added to your annual policy has had an accident – it doesn’t bear thinking about!

Rather than adding a named drive you should consider temporary car insurance for them instead…

How to Protect Your No Claims Discount

Instead of adding a named driver to your insurance and running this risk to your no claims discount, opt for temporary car insurance for the driver using your car.

This can save you the stress and the money of potentially damaging your no claims discount. Plus they can take out the policy themselves, saving you the time of adding them to your existing policy. Trust us, it’s so much quicker!

Our temporary insurance options are ideal for learner drivers, or for drivers who just need to borrow a vehicle for a short amount of time. The policies can be hourly, daily or monthly, so it can be flexible around what you need.

A driver using your vehicle under temporary insurance will not be able to damage your no claims discount, as it is separate from your main policy, meaning you can have peace of mind letting them use your vehicle. This flexible and affordable option can suit everyone better, as both drivers can use the car without having to worry about each other’s insurance and how it may impact the main driver of the vehicle.

It also means the person borrowing the car can take out a policy for only the time they need the vehicle, meaning no money is wasted on extra insurance. Protecting your no claims discount is important; if you are a safe driver, you’ll want to keep your no claims record going for as long as possible to improve your discount, saving you money in the long run. To ensure you protect your discount, use temporary car insurance if you are planning on letting someone borrow your vehicle, it’s cheaper, easier and stress-free.

Does Insurance Always Cover You for a Courtesy Car?

10:27 Leave a Comment

Generally, if you’re in need of a courtesy car, something’s wrong with your own vehicle and that can become quite stressful. While your car is out of action – whether it’s in the garage after an accident or simply in need of some routine maintenance – you’ll require a temporary replacement and might be wondering if you need to organise courtesy car insurance, as well.

While most insurance companies will provide a courtesy car, many insurance policies only provide third-party coverage, which could leave you vulnerable in case of an accident or any damage to the courtesy car. Your insurance company may also place a time limit on it – meaning that if your vehicle is out of action for a while, you’ll need alternative cover.

We always recommend checking the small print of your existing policy to fully understand the limitations and coverage you’re eligible for.

At GoShorty, we understand the importance of peace of mind during such times. With our fully comprehensive coverage options, you can rest assured knowing that you’re protected. So, if you’re wondering, ‘Am I insured to drive a courtesy car?’ – we’ve got you covered.

With our easy and hassle-free process, you can acquire temporary car insurance quickly, leaving you free to concentrate on more important things.

**What is a Courtesy Car?**

A courtesy car is a temporary replacement vehicle provided by an insurance company or a garage while your car is being repaired or serviced. It ensures that you can continue your daily activities without interruption, minimising inconvenience during the repair process.

Whether you’ve been involved in an accident or your vehicle needs extensive repairs, a courtesy car can be a lifesaver.

**What Insurance Do You Need to be Covered on a Courtesy Car?**

Your existing insurance may offer third-party insurance, which covers damages to other vehicles and property but – crucially – not your own. This means your policy may not provide sufficient protection for a courtesy car, which could leave you further out of pocket.

With fully comprehensive insurance, you know you’re covered for any damages or accidents that may occur while using your courtesy car – regardless of the circumstances. This way you don’t fall into a courtesy car insurance trap.

Temporary Car Insurance for Courtesy Cars

GoShorty offers temporary insurance specifically designed to cover courtesy cars. Our temporary insurance policies provide fully comprehensive cover, ensuring that you have the best protection while driving a courtesy car.

With flexible durations and competitive rates, you can get the coverage you need for the exact period you require it, from mere hours up to 28 days. Our user-friendly platform allows you to obtain temporary car insurance quickly and conveniently, so you can focus on getting back out on the road with confidence. Best of all, your no claims discount will remain intact in the event of an accident.

Borrowing a Car if You Can’t Get a Courtesy Car

Your insurance policy may not cover a courtesy car, leaving you without a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is out of action.

In this case, if you require a car to go about your daily business – from school drop-offs to commuting – there are alternative options available.

If you have friends or family members who are willing to lend you their car, temporary insurance from GoShorty can provide you with the necessary coverage to use their vehicle, worry-free. Whether you’re popping to the shops or need a ride for a weekend away – this is a cost-effective option to keep you on the road.

At GoShorty, we offer comprehensive temporary car insurance specifically tailored for courtesy cars, ensuring you have the protection you need during this time. Our policies provide the peace of mind you deserve, so grab a quick quote and see how simple it is to get covered, with GoShorty.

Commuting Tips to Save Costs

16 June 2023 14:20 Comments Off

In the UK, our two main methods of getting to work are cars and trains, with 68% of us using a car as our main mode of transport.

As many of us now work in a hybrid model, in heading back to the office we have been increasingly affected by train strikes, rising ticket costs and increased petrol prices.

While many people would prefer to work from home on a permanent basis, a lot of businesses have forced their workforces to return to the office at least a few times a week.

According to the Office for National Statistics…

Only 16% of UK adults reported working solely from home

46% of people who travel to work are NOT able to work from home at all

65% of 16 to 24-year-olds cannot work from home

*Data covers September 2022 to January 2023 and is based on working adults who had worked in the seven days prior to the survey

How to Save Money On the Commute

Combined with the need to reduce outgoings due to the cost-of-living crisis, many of us have been looking for commuting tips to make our journey to and from work more cost-effective.

Some suggestions for commuting tips to save costs include cycling, or walking to work. Exercise is always good. If your journey to work doesn’t lend itself to either of these options, you could continue commuting to work by car, but with someone else and even sharing the drive thanks to temporary insurance cover.

Commuter car shares are an option that involves sharing a ride with others who are heading in the same direction as you. This can significantly reduce your transportation expenses, as you split the cost of fuel and any parking fees among the group.

It’s an option gaining in popularity. The term “carpooling” has seen an increase in Google searches of 71% over the past 3 years, with its twin-sibling “Lift share” being searched for twice as much – witnessing a 100% boost as people look to learn more about it.

You may have started looking into it – whether to save costs or to help reduce your carbon footprint – and you may be wondering if there is a specific car insurance policy for commuting.

One option is temporary car insurance, which would allow you to drive someone else’s car into work and vice versa. This type of cover can be obtained in as little as 90 seconds with GoShorty – meaning that any last minute train-cancellations don’t have to completely ruin your day and get you into trouble with your boss!

Tips for Commuting to Work by Car

Car sharing has a number of positive sides to it, including lower travelling costs, reduced carbon footprint, greater social interaction – and if we all did it – fewer cars on the road, meaning quicker journeys to work!

With all this in mind it’s no surprise that uptake of car sharing saw a 22% increase last year as people flocked to save money and take advantage of new working styles.

If you’re interested in trying car sharing, talk to friends, family and colleagues to discover who might be interested in travelling into work together.

You can even take advantage of this if there’s only one car to use, with temporary car insurance, you take turns driving just one car. This can cover you for as little as one hour or up to 28 days.

There are some tips you can utilise to ensure you make the most of the experience.

Plan the commute – liaise with your car-sharing friends to arrange the route and who’s driving in which direction.

Coordinate with your colleagues so you’re all going in on the same day. If you have a hybrid working policy, make sure to consider this when deciding which days to go in.

Be savvy! Make some coffee or tea and put in a flask to get your morning off to a great start and share with your travelling companions.

Use GoShorty to cover one or both directions of travel.

Using temporary car-insurance from GoShorty means you’ll have complete peace of mind with fully comprehensive cover for the time period you choose. Best of all, everyone’s no claims bonus will be unaffected in the event of an accident claim.

Car sharing is a great alternative to driving to work by yourself, and offers a solution to the stress of last-minute train cancellations.

It also has benefits for your local area, reducing traffic, creating more spaces and having a positive effect on the environment – and your journey will be cheaper thanks to split fuel and parking costs. And it could lead to some great bonding opportunities.

To find out more check out our dedicated car sharing page, and if you’re interested in understanding how much it would cost to get insured just for your commute, we’ve got you covered.

Summer Insurance Tips for your Convertible Car

12:02 Comments Off

If you have a convertible car, or any car for that matter, that you only tend to use during the sunnier months of the year, you may be wasting a lot of money by having it insured on standard annual policies. Opting for temporary car insurance for these summer vehicles could be a better route to take in getting the vehicle insured.

GoShorty’s temporary car insurance is a more cost-effective and flexible method of insurance compared to annual policies, allowing you to insure your vehicle for just the time you need it for, meaning there is no wasted policy period. As well as being flexible, allowing you to explore hourly, daily and weekly coverage options, GoShorty’s service provides quotes in as little as 90 seconds. This means that those spontaneous summer road trip plans can be fulfilled, as the service is quick and easy to sort.

Why Temporary Cover is the Best Summer Car Insurance

Summer only vehicles should not be getting annual insurance policies on them, it’s a huge waste of money and time when there is no need to have the vehicle insured during the months you’re not using it. Temporary car insurance lets you get covered from one hour up to 28 days, so whether you just want a weekend away, or plan to travel for a few weeks, GoShorty’s service is there for you.

Temporary insurance is more than ideal for taking trips with friends and family, especially when there is more than one person with a driver’s licence involved. Multiple people can get themselves insured on the same vehicle easily, meaning you can share the driving, reducing the load on the drivers and also reducing the amount of vehicles on the road, a win-win!

Car sharing and summer car insurance is definitely becoming more and more of the norm, we see 27% of our policies taken out in the summer months. A time of year when temporary insurance cover really does come in handy.

This is an especially handy option when compared to renting a convertible or summer car from a rental company. Rental packages are expensive enough and some of them do not include insurance, which will cost you even more. Insuring yourself with temporary cover on a friend or family member’s car is a much easier and cheaper option.

Taking advantage of the flexibility that temporary insurance offers will save you money in the long run whilst still letting you enjoy your convertible car in the summer. Our policies allow you and your friends or family to all share the driving in one vehicle, making travelling together easier for everyone involved.

You will also be saving a significant amount due to the fact that traditional insurance is more expensive for convertible vehicles, this is due to a number of reasons…

Why Convertible Insurance is More Costly

One being, convertible cars are more expensive to build, meaning they are more expensive to repair and thus, more expensive to insure.

In many cases, convertible car tops will have to be repaired or replaced after a period of time, regardless of how safe you may drive. And due to their designs, convertibles are easier to break into, especially the soft tops.

Being a typically sporty vehicle means more horsepower and the ability to reach top speeds faster. The increased speed and power increases the chances of an accident, even if you are a perfectly safe driver.

All these risks associated with this perfect summer car, mean annual insurance costs can really put a dent in your wallet. Which is why if it is a car you only use on special occasions or when the weather is just right, it just makes sense to insure it temporarily!

Check out our temporary car insurance page to see how quick and easy it can be to get a policy with us, your summer travel plans will come to fruition in no time.

The Best Car Insurance for Students

11:39 Comments Off

As a newly qualified driver, you’ll find that student car insurance annual premiums are eye-wateringly expensive. As a result it’s not always a feasible option to own a car at uni, but you are likely to know someone that does have one, for those times when the uni buses just won’t cut it.

Being able to share driving with friends will make life much easier. You don’t want to add multiple names to a policy though, as it doesn’t make sense for only a few months of the year.

The best car insurance for students provides enough coverage in the event of an accident, but doesn’t leave a dent in your wallet doing so. One option you may not have considered is temporary student car insurance.

This type of car insurance would suit you whether you wanted to do a big supermarket trip or the longer drive to see your parents, and you can get covered in as little as 90 seconds.

Why Temporary Insurance Is Best for Students Wanting to Drive

As a student you’ll have two main options if you want to drive

Own a car that won’t be used all the time.
Borrow a car when you need it.

When money is tight, owning a car could be considered a luxury. As well as insurance, you’ll need to cover the MOT, annual service, car tax and any parking permits – not to mention fuel.

One solution is to borrow a car when necessary. This could be a flatmate’s car to do the weekly shop, your parents car when back at home, or a friend’s car for a week long road trip.

In these cases, temporary car insurance would give you cover for the time you need it, from 1 hour through to 28 days.

With GoShorty, it’s also fully comprehensive, meaning that there’s increased peace of mind over a third party led insurance policy, and you’ll be instantly covered.

**How Can Students Get Temporary Car Insurance?**

Obtaining temporary car insurance with GoShorty is a quick and simple 4-stage process that can be done in less time than it takes to make a Pot Noodle.

To get covered with GoShorty, you’ll need a full-driving licence (that you’ve had for at least 6 months) and permission from the owner of the car you’ll be insured on.

Then all we need to know is

Your name.
Your address
The registration number of the car insuring
Your driving licence details.
How long you want cover for.
When you want it to start.

You’ll then get a quote, and once paid, you’ll be instantly covered from your chosen start date and able to drive. It will also protect any no-claims discount on the car that you’re insured on.

Whether you want to drive while at home for Christmas, share the driving on a summer holiday or just pop to Nan’s, temporary student car insurance is a quick and easy option to ensure that driving whilst you’re studying doesn’t leave you out of pocket.

See how quickly you could get a quote, and start planning your next drive using temporary student insurance now.

Understanding Car Insurance Criteria

11:33 Comments Off

Many car insurance companies seem to want to know what you had for breakfast before giving you a quote. This is because insurers take into consideration a large number of factors when calculating how much premium to charge for your vehicle.

Whether you’re only using a car over the weekend, getting extra practice in ahead of your test, or perhaps a colleague is lending you a van for a few errands, you don’t want to worry about not being able to get covered by an insurance company.

Whilst comparing insurers, you’ll be asked a multitude of questions, some of which may not make much sense. It can become an overwhelming, time-consuming undertaking – when you just want to drive, the last thing you want to do is worry about car insurance criteria.

Thankfully, we’ve got you covered for that cross-country roadtrip with our large range of temporary policies. If you’re here as a result of a last-minute search to find temporary cover, we can also provide a quote and get you covered within the next 90 seconds!

What Car Insurance Criteria Means

Very briefly, car insurance criteria means what is taken into account by insurers, to decide whether they will give you a policy or not. Some of the common insurance criteria and what they mean are:

Age – If you’re under 30 or over 75, you’re likely to have a higher costing policy as many accidents involve younger or older drivers.
Gender – Men statistically cause more accidents than women so might see a higher cost.
Experience – The less experienced you are, the more at risk of an accident you are – and insurers take this into account.
Car type – Companies have records on the makes of the cars that are most involved in accidents. They will want to know the insurance group your car type sits in.
Where the car is kept overnight – Parking on the street is less safe than leaving it on a driveway, for example.
Location – Certain postcodes have a higher rate of car theft.
Mileage – How often you drive affects the chances of insurance payouts.
Excess – The more you’re willing to pay in towards any individual claim, the less you will pay on an ongoing basis.
Driving history – The length of time you have had your licence, any points on your licence, any previous claims or convictions.

This is the basic information that insurers need to present you with a cost. Each insurer grades them differently and offers can vary hugely, so it is important to shop around when getting quotes.

Who Meets Our Car Insurance Criteria?

As specialists in temporary insurance, our cover is a little more flexible. Essentially, all we ask is what make and model the car is, how long you want to be covered, who you are and that you have a licence. Simple.

Our temporary car insurance is open to private drivers from 18 to 75
Our temporary van insurance policies cover commercial drivers from 19 to 75
We also offer specialist cover for learner drivers. This gives you the opportunity to get more practice in between lessons.

Whether you require car insurance for an hour or a month – as long as you have a valid UK driver’s licence, and the vehicle is staying within the UK, you should be covered in a matter of minutes.

Why May No Car Insurer Be Accepting You?

Car insurers have stringent checks in place to make sure they’re at the least risk of paying out. You may find it difficult or prohibitive to get a policy if you have just passed your test, have a history of bad driving, or a high-risk occupation that may put you in a position where you are unable to earn.

It’s worth speaking directly to insurers to understand more about why you’re getting rejected, but in the meantime, one solution could be temporary insurance. This gives you the option of short-term cover to allow you to get behind the wheel with peace of mind.

GoShorty temporary insurance will cover even convicted drivers, meaning there is no excuse for not helping your mate move house!

Car insurance is a necessary part of driving, but insurers have to protect their interests. With annual policies, it can sometimes feel like you’re being rejected for no good reason, or you get waylaid by confusing criteria.

One solution is to look at temporary car insurance to cover you for hours, days or weeks, rather than a whole year.

See how easy and accessible insurance is with GoShorty, and get a fully-comprehensive quote in 90 seconds from us today.

Comprehensive Vs Third Party Car Insurance

7 June 2023 11:29 Comments Off

Choosing the right cover for your car can be time-consuming and confusing. When considering which is best for you, you’ll likely end up comparing comprehensive vs third party insurance.

At GoShorty, we understand that it can be difficult to know if you’re making the correct choice. Recent trends have shown a move away from Third Party to Comprehensive car insurance, and at GoShorty, to keep things simple, we only offer fully comprehensive cover.

It’s useful to understand more about both options before making a decision. If you’re unsure and don’t want to commit, there are also short-term options to consider. With our simple, temporary, fully comprehensive cover, the only thing you need to be concerned about is an alien invasion. (but even that might be sorted under the vandalism cover).

**What is Third Party Insurance and What Does it Cover?**

Third Party Insurance (also known as ‘TPO’) provides the minimum cover required to drive legally in the UK. It tends to have a lower price-point than other insurance types, so it is a popular choice with drivers (especially the learning or newly qualified) as it reduces the pain to your wallet.

Third-party car insurance covers you for damage and injury that your car does to other vehicles, property or people. but it does not cover damage to your own car. It will cover anything that happens to passengers in your car.

There is also more relevance with drivers whose car may cost more to repair than replace – it may not be worth the cost of full coverage. If your car is worth less than the annual insurance cost, Third Party could be the way to go.

**What is the Difference Between Comprehensive and Third Party Insurance?**

Comprehensive car insurance (also known as ‘Fully Comp’) covers your own car against pretty much anything that could go wrong on or off the road.

This includes damage caused by accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters and other events, as well as damage to other people’s property and injuries to other people in case you are at fault in an accident.

Third-party car insurance only covers you against damage or injury that you cause to other people or their property while driving your car. It’s limited in scope to the area that you damage – not your car or any of its contents.

Fully comprehensive protection may also cover, or offer additional extras that you may not have considered. You may ask yourself “what happens if I put the wrong fuel in the tank?”. The answer is “nothing expensive” if you’re comprehensively covered. You won’t be left out of pocket beyond your insurance excess.

Why Choose Comprehensive Insurance Over Third Party

A fully comprehensive policy also covers anything that happens to you, or your car. With many “fully comp” policies you’ll have the option of enhanced cover – adding protection for events such as key replacement, legal fees or offering a courtesy car if yours is out of action for a prolonged period of time. It could also cover windscreen repair, broken audio equipment, and even personal belongings that are lost or damaged whilst in the car.

Third party insurance could leave too much up to chance. As car accidents rarely leave only one vehicle unscathed, your wallet would feel the brunt of having to fix a broken windscreen, or replace a front wheel. If you depend on your car or van for your livelihood, you’ll want it fixed as quickly as possible.

Despite its reputation, Third Party insurance is often more expensive than fully comp as those with a basic level of cover are statistically involved in more accidents, and as a result, policies can be bumped up.

You may be the safest driver on the road, but the point of insurance is to protect against the unexpected. If you’re fully covered then you don’t have to worry about moments that leave you by the side of the road or without a car.

You may have third party insurance in place already, but if you’re going on a longer journey or feel you might need more coverage, GoShorty could offer you a solution. From hours to months – you can get temporary (and cheaper) coverage through us to make sure that any mishap won’t be a problem.

Everyone’s circumstances are different. Third Party cover is suitable for some, but for full peace of mind you’ll likely want a fully comprehensive insurance policy.

Temporary car insurance can be a solution in many situations – perhaps you’re learning to drive, lending a van to help move house, or maybe borrowing a car while yours is in the garage.
If you want to safely trial a fully comp insurance scheme – you can get temporary insurance through GoShorty. We cover everything you need covered and your no-claims bonus won’t be affected if you do need to make a claim. Best of all, we can give you a quote in about 90 seconds.

Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance as a Returning Expat to UK

16 May 2023 09:00 Comments Off

As an expat, returning to the UK for a visiting period is no doubt a busy time, finding the best way to get around the country without having to rely on friends or family for transport can be difficult, and solely relying on public transport can be even more complicated, as well as expensive.

An option to explore is temporary car insurance, which is available for non UK residents. Temporary cover is ideal for expats looking to get car insurance, as it is a flexible, short-term option, allowing you to drive a vehicle, whether it is borrowed or one you left in the UK, for the amount of time you may need it.

What Are The Driving Options Available to Expats Visiting UK?

When visiting the UK, you don’t want to be burdening friends and family for lifts. Although they will more than likely try to help you out, it isn’t an ideal situation to be totally reliant on them as your mode of transportation.

It will limit your freedom by having to work around when they can provide a lift, and it will put pressure on them to be available when you need them.

Another option is hiring a car, which can be expensive in the UK, especially if you are needing the vehicle for more than a few days. Although this option will give you more freedom and allow you to drive yourself, it really is not the best route to go down if you want to avoid spending a lot of money, especially after the costs of travelling back to the UK.

The Best Solution is Expat Car Insurance

The best option both for flexibility and lower costs would be temporary car insurance. If you still have a UK licence, you are able to get covered by our policies, allowing you to get covered on someone you know’s car, or your own car if you still have one in the country.

This insurance option allows you to pick a policy that covers you for the exact amount of time you need it for. Meaning if it’s just for a day you can be covered for 24 hours, or if you need it for a few weeks you can find a temporary policy to fit around that too.

This flexible cover means you don’t have to worry about overpaying for insurance that you don’t need, you’ll only be paying for the exact amount of time you require cover for.

Best Way to Insure Visiting Family on Your Car

If you are a UK resident expecting a visitor from abroad, perhaps a child returning from studying away or just an old friend coming to visit, it is very easy to insure them on your own vehicle.

Your friend or family member can take out a temporary policy on your vehicle for the period they are visiting and it will have no impact on your no claims bonus as it sits as a separate policy to your own.

This means they can be easily covered for the time they visit, allowing them to use your vehicle on their own for as long as they need without you having to worry about your own insurance being impacted, or how much time will be needed to ferry them around.

If you are an expat visiting home, our temporary insurance is the best option to go for if you are wanting to freely drive around the country without having to rely on public transport or lifts from friends and family.

Again, just be aware you do need a UK, EU/EEA driving licence for this to be possible. This insurance is flexible around you and will not impact the car owner’s own insurance, making it an ideal option for everyone involved.

Get a quote in less than two minutes now!

Tag Archive: temporary car insurance

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