We've analysed the temporary car insurance from Tempcover, one of the UK's largest short-term insurance brokers. Here's what makes these policies different.
Unlike regular car insurance, which usually lasts for a year at a time, Tempcover (as the name suggests) offers short-term insurance from an hour to 28 days. It's not really designed for a car you own; rather for if you're borrowing a car from a friend, or taking a prospective purchase for a test drive, for example.
It only offers comprehensive cover – there's no option for third-party or third-party, fire and theft. The comprehensive policy includes all the things you'd expect as standard, plus you can add on breakdown cover, legal expenses cover, and excess reduction cover for additional fees. However, what you can't add on is additional named drivers; only one driver can be put on a policy.
It's not the only temporary car insurance provider in town though and, as always, we'd encourage shopping around before making a final decisoin.
Best for: Temporary insurance
Pros
The cover can begin instantly
Making a claim won’t affect a no-claims discount built up on an annual policy
Strong customer reviews on Trustpilot
Cons
No discount available for buying temporary cover online
Find out the key elements of the temporary car insurance from Tempcover. Its short-term car cover is comprehensive as standard and can be taken out for a period of 1 hour up to 28 days. Tempcover says that any claim made won’t affect a no-claims bonus on an annual policy. Our review highlights what you need to know about this award-winning broker.
Since being established in 2006, Tempcover has grown to become one of the UK’s biggest short-term insurance brokers.
Tempcover has partnered with many well-known insurance companies such as The AA to offer customers temporary car cover.
Tempcover also offers temporary motorbike, van and home insurance amongst others.
Tempcover works with a panel of seven car insurers that underwrite its temporary car insurance. These insurers include Haven Insurance, Mulsanne, Granite Underwriting, Southern Rock, Eridge Underwriting, Ageas and KGM.
Tempcover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Tempcover’s policy features
Flexible insurance. You can choose cover from just 1 hour up to 28 days.
Comprehensive cover. The highest level of cover comes as standard. If you are responsible for causing an accident, you’ll be protected for damage to other people’s vehicles or property and for your own vehicle against accidental damage and vandalism. You’ll also have protection against any fire damage or theft of your car.
Unaffected annual no-claims discount. A claim made on a temporary policy won’t affect any annual no-claims discount built up.
Instant cover. Get instant cover from the moment you purchase.
What does Tempcover’s temporary cover include?
Here are some of the benefits of Tempcover’s temporary car insurance:
Beyond the cover benefits above, any other benefits to your insurance policy will vary depending on the insurer that is able to provide the cover.
Check your policy details carefully to ensure you have the right cover for your needs.
Can anyone take out Tempcover’s temporary car insurance?
Unfortunately not. To get short-term car cover, both you and the car must meet Tempcover’s eligibility criteria:
You must:
Be aged 18 – 78.
Have held either a provisional or a current full UK driver’s licence for a minimum of 6 months (European Union driver’s licence for at least 12 months).
Have been resident in the UK for 12 months or more.
Have no more than 7 points on your driver’s licence in the last 3 years.
Have no more than 2 fault claims in the previous 3 years.
Have no criminal convictions.
The car must:
Be registered in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man.
Have a market value of less than £65,000.
Have no more than 8 seats including the driver’s seat.
Be right-hand drive.
Not be modified (except for modifications designed to help disabled drivers).
Not be used to carry goods or passengers for hire or reward.
What is my excess?
Your insurance excess is the amount of money you have agreed to pay towards a claim. Your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than your excess. A compulsory excess amount might vary depending on the age of your vehicle and your driving experience.
A voluntary excess is on top and is normally set by you when taking out a policy. You’ll have the option of adding or increasing a voluntary excess – which should lower your premium.
You’ll find details about any compulsory or voluntary excesses in your policy document.
What is the claims process for Tempcover’s temporary car insurance?
As Tempcover works with a panel of seven insurers for its car insurance, you will need to refer to your actual policy document to verify who your insurer is and then find the insurer’s respective claims line details.
Keep your policy details, personal contact details and information relating to the incident to hand when making your claim.
It’s vital that you let your insurer know about an incident as soon as possible, even if it’s not your fault. Failure to do this could result in a rejected claim later on.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tempcover offers learner drivers, students and others with a full UK driver’s licence to its temporary car insurance.
Yes. If you wish, temporary cover can start instantly.
No, you will only be able to pay for your temporary car insurance policy in one upfront payment.
No. As the policy term is short (a minimum of one hour), Tempcover doesn’t allow any changes to be made.
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Liz Edwards has been a consumer writer and editor for more than 20 years. She led award-winning teams at the campaigning publisher Which?, and has covered a range of consumer rights and personal finance topics including pensions, credit, banking and insurance. Liz has appeared frequently in national media such as The Sun, Metro, HuffPost and The Independent. She loves to cut through waffle to give consumers the real lowdown. And she loves puns.
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