Getting behind the wheel at 17 is an exciting milestone, but finding the right insurance can be a challenge. Temporary car insurance provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for young drivers who need coverage for a short period. Whether you’re practicing for your driving test, borrowing a car for a weekend, or need temporary coverage for a specific event, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds.
What is temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds?
Temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds is a flexible and short-term coverage option designed to provide young drivers with insurance for a limited period. This can range from a single day up to several months, making it ideal for various situations such as borrowing a car for a road trip, driving a new car home, or having coverage during holidays.
Why might a 17-year-old need temporary car insurance?
There are several scenarios where a 17-year-old might need temporary car insurance:
Learning to drive. Coverage for practice driving sessions in a parent or friend’s car.
Borrowing a car. Short-term use of a friend’s or relative’s vehicle.
Driving a new car. Coverage while transitioning to a permanent policy.
Occasional driving. Infrequent use of a car without needing annual insurance.
Average temporary car insurance cost for a 17-year-old
To give you an idea of the average cost of temporary car insurance for a 17-year-old, we ran several quotes using a popular make and model for a 17-year-old and an average UK postcode. Based on our results, on average, you could get a comprehensive temporary car insurance policy for a daily sum of around £30.
To generate these quotes, we used the following information:
Source: Tempcover
Ford Fiesta 1.1 Trend 5dr 85 PBS
The vehicle is a 2019 model
Manual transmission
Petrol
1.1-litre engine
Driver is 17 years of age
Driver has less than two years no-claims bonus
Driver has no driving convictions
Driver lives in Chester (which our research suggests is an average postcode in regards to cost)
How does temporary car insurance work?
Temporary car insurance works similarly to regular car insurance but is tailored for short durations. You select the coverage period and pay a premium based on the length of the policy and the level of coverage. This type of insurance provides the necessary legal coverage without the commitment of an annual policy.
Benefits of temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds
Flexibility. Choose coverage from one day to several months.
Cost-effective. Avoid the high cost of annual policies for short-term needs.
No impact on no claims bonus. Temporary policies do not affect your or your parents’ no claims bonus.
Quick and easy. Policies can be arranged quickly, often online.
Factors affecting the cost of temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds
Several factors influence the cost of temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds:
Driver’s age. As a new and young driver, premiums are generally higher. Insurers consider 17-year-olds to be high-risk due to their limited driving experience and higher likelihood of being involved in accidents. This lack of experience often leads to higher premiums compared to older, more experienced drivers.
Vehicle type. The make, model, and age of the car can significantly affect the cost of insurance. High-performance or luxury cars typically incur higher premiums because they are more expensive to repair or replace and may be more attractive to thieves. Conversely, older, less valuable cars might be cheaper to insure.
Location. Where the car is kept and driven can influence premiums. If you live in an area with high crime rates or a high number of traffic accidents, insurers may charge higher premiums. Urban areas often have higher premiums due to increased risks compared to rural locations.
Coverage length. The duration of the policy impacts the overall cost. Short-term policies, while offering flexibility, often come at a higher daily rate compared to annual policies. The longer the coverage period, the more cost-effective it can become on a per-day basis. However, very short-term policies might still be cheaper overall if coverage is only needed for a brief period.
Driving history. Although 17-year-olds typically have limited driving history, any previous claims or driving offences can affect premiums. A clean driving record can help reduce costs, while previous incidents can lead to higher premiums.
Intended use. The purpose for which the car is being used also matters. If the vehicle is used for commuting or long-distance travel, it may incur higher premiums compared to occasional, leisure driving. Insurers assess the risk based on how frequently and in what conditions the car will be driven.
Optional extras. Adding extra features to your policy, such as breakdown cover, legal assistance, or personal accident cover, can increase the premium. While these extras provide additional protection, they also raise the overall cost of the insurance.
Policy terms. Different insurers offer various terms and conditions that can affect premiums. Policies with lower deductibles (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) usually have higher premiums. Conversely, agreeing to a higher deductible can lower the premium.
Is temporary car insurance a good option for 17-year-olds?
Temporary car insurance can be an excellent option for 17-year-olds, depending on their specific needs and driving habits.
If you only need coverage for a short period, such as while practicing driving or borrowing a car for a few days, temporary car insurance can be more cost-effective than an annual policy. It provides the flexibility to get insured only when you need it, without committing to a long-term contract.
However, if you find yourself driving regularly, even if it’s just occasionally using a family member’s or friend’s car, you might want to compare the costs. While temporary policies can be pricey on a per-day basis, frequent use could make an annual policy more economical in the long run.
Moreover, consider the benefits of combining temporary car insurance with other policies. For instance, if you’re also insuring a learner driver, some insurers offer packages that include both learner and temporary cover, which could be more affordable.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on how often you drive and whether you value the flexibility of temporary coverage over the potentially lower cost of an annual policy. Always compare quotes and coverage options to find the best fit for your circumstances.
How to find the best temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds
To find the best temporary car insurance, consider the following steps:
Compare providers. Use comparison sites to evaluate different insurers and policies.
Read reviews. Check customer reviews for insights on service and claims handling.
Check coverage details. Ensure the policy covers your needs, such as third-party liability, theft, and damage.
Look for discounts. Some providers offer discounts for students or for bundling with other types of insurance.
Common exclusions and limitations
Temporary car insurance policies may have certain exclusions and limitations, including:
Age restrictions. Some insurers may have minimum age requirements or additional premiums for young drivers.
Vehicle restrictions. High-performance or luxury cars may be excluded or cost more to insure.
Mileage limits. There may be a cap on the number of miles you can drive during the coverage period.
Geographical limits. Check if the policy covers you for driving abroad.
What do I need to apply for temporary car insurance?
Applying for temporary car insurance is straightforward:
Choose your provider. Select an insurer that offers policies suited to young drivers.
Fill out the application. Provide details about yourself, the vehicle, and the desired coverage period.
Pay the premium. Complete the payment to activate your policy.
Receive your documents. You’ll receive your insurance documents, usually via email, which you’ll need to keep in the car.
Bottom line
Temporary car insurance for 17-year-olds offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for short-term driving needs. Whether you’re learning to drive, borrowing a car, or transitioning to a permanent policy, understanding your options and choosing the right coverage can provide peace of mind and legal protection on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, 17-year-olds can get temporary car insurance. Many providers offer short-term policies specifically designed for young drivers, which can cover periods from one day to several months.
Typically, temporary car insurance is more expensive for 17-year-olds compared to older drivers. Insurers consider young drivers to be higher risk due to their lack of experience, which often results in higher premiums.
To get temporary car insurance, you’ll usually need a valid driver’s license, details of the car you intend to drive, and possibly proof of permission to drive the vehicle if it isn’t yours. Some insurers may also require additional identification documents.
Yes, temporary car insurance can be a good option for learner drivers with a permit. It allows you to be covered while practicing in a family member’s or friend’s car without affecting their annual insurance policy.
Temporary car insurance policies generally cover only the named driver. However, some providers may offer options to add additional drivers for an extra cost, but this can vary by insurer.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Connor is a senior associate publisher at Finder, specialising in insurance and investing. He's been sourcing and analysing data in both subjects for around 4 years, supporting Finder's publishing team. Connor holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Sussex and when he's not at work, you can find him at his local gym keeping fit. See full bio
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