The AA temporary car insurance review

You may know The AA for its breakdown cover but did you know it offers short-term car cover which can be tailored to suit a range of requirements? Our review tells you the key features.

Who is The AA?

The Automobile Association or “The AA”, as it’s widely known, is the UK’s largest motoring organisation. It’s been around since 1905, when its duties were to alert motorists in London to road dangers through signs, and to attend car breakdowns. In 1967 it branched out into insurance and now covers cars, vans, caravans and motorbikes, as a broker.

While the AA’s annual car insurance is 5-star Defaqto-rated, it has partnered with Tempcover for temporary cover. Tempcover also offers temporary motorbike and van insurance.

• Who underwrites the temporary car insurance from The AA?

  AA Insurance Services introduces customers to Tempcover Ltd, which works with a panel of seven car insurers that underwrite its temporary car insurance. These include Haven Insurance, Mulsanne, Granite Underwriting, Southern Rock, Eridge Underwriting, Ageas and KGM.

  Automobile Association Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The AA’s policy features

• Flexible insurance. You can choose cover from just one 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 The AA’s temporary cover include?

Here are some of the benefits of The AA’s temporary car insurance:

• Accidental damage
• Fire and theft damage
• Third party EU cover (limited)
• Legal liability
• Comprehensive EU cover (optional)
• (RAC) UK Roadside breakdown cover (optional)
• Gadget cover (optional)
• Personal accident cover up to £20,000 (optional)
• Alloys, scratch, dent and tyre cover (optional)
• Excess Reduction Cover (optional)

Can anyone take out The AA’s temporary car insurance?

Unfortunately not. To get short-term car cover, both you and the car must meet The AA’s eligibility criteria:

You must:

• Be aged between 18 -75
• Have held either a current and full UK driver’s licence for a minimum of six months (European Union driver’s licence for at least 12 months) or a provisional driving licence
• Have been resident in the UK for 12 months or more

The car must:

• Be taxed and in a roadworthy condition with a current and valid MOT
• Have a market value of less than £65,000
• Have no more than eight seats including the driver’s seat
• Be right-hand drive
• Not be modified (except for modifications designed to aid 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 factors such as the driver’s age, driving experience, and the type of vehicle.

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 The AA’s temporary car insurance?

As The AA acts as introducer to Tempcover Ltd for its temporary 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.

Pros and cons for The AA

Frequently asked questions

• Can I still get temporary car insurance even if I don't have an annual car insurance policy with The AA?

  Yes. The AA offers separate temporary car insurance to new customers and existing customers wishing to temporarily insure a second car. For the latter, you’ll need to contact The AA, request to add a temporary additional vehicle (TAV) and provide all details about the vehicle including make and model.

• Can I get insurance that starts immediately?

  Yes. If you wish, temporary cover can start instantly.

• Can I pay for my temporary car insurance in monthly installments?

  No, you will only be able to pay for your temporary car insurance policy in one upfront payment.

Written by

Liz Edwards

Editor-in-chief

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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. See full bio

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