Just Passed? Why Temporary Car Insurance is A Great Option for New Drivers
12 July 2023 | 
Andy Moody
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.
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