Can You Really Get Car Insurance for Just One Week?
You absolutely can. One-week car cover is a real thing, and for plenty of people, it makes more sense than an annual policy. Whether you're borrowing a car, buying one to sell on, or taking a road trip in something that isn't yours, a seven-day policy offers flexibility without the long-term commitment.
It's quick, flexible, and usually easy to set up online. But, like any kind of insurance, it pays to know what you're signing up for - and what sneaky details might trip you up when you're already halfway down the M1.
Why Would You Need Just One Week?
It might sound niche, but you'd be surprised how often one-week car insurance comes in handy. Think of it like hiring a suit, why pay for the whole wardrobe when you only need it for one occasion?
- Borrowing a friend or family member's car for a week
- Test-driving or moving a new vehicle before arranging full insurance
- Covering a car you've just bought whilst sorting out your long-term policy
- Going on a one-off road trip or holiday in someone else's vehicle
- Providing cover for a visitor from overseas who'll drive whilst in the UK
Just imagine: someone flies in from Australia to visit family in Kent. They want to explore the countryside for a few days in your car - but you're understandably not keen to hand over the keys without proper cover. A one-week policy solves the problem. They're insured. You're relaxed. The car stays protected.
How Does One-Week Cover Work?
Short-term car insurance works much like any regular policy. You choose your cover duration (in this case, seven days), input your details, pay, and you're insured; often within minutes. The key difference? It ends exactly when you want it to, with no auto-renewals and no fuss about cancellation fees.
Most one-week policies offer:
- Fully comprehensive cover as standard (though always double-check)
- Flexible start times; even immediate cover if you're in a rush
- No impact on the car owner's no-claims bonus if it's a borrowed car
Who Can Get One-Week Car Insurance?
Eligibility criteria vary slightly by provider, but generally you must:
- Be at least 18 or 21 years old (some require 25+ for certain vehicles)
- Hold a valid UK or EU licence
- Have had your licence for at least 6 to 12 months
- Have minimal or no recent claims or motoring convictions
- Drive a car that's not too old, too expensive, or too modified
So if you're a newly qualified driver or have points on your licence, you might have fewer options - but it's still worth checking.
What to Watch Out For
Before you hit "buy," give the terms a proper once-over. Look out for:
- Excess amounts - These can be higher than usual on short-term cover
- What's excluded - Towing? Windscreen damage? Misfuelling? Not always covered
- Driver restrictions - Some cars or locations may not be eligible
And don't assume the policy will include extras like breakdown assistance or legal cover. If you might need them, they're usually add-ons.
The Bottom Line:: Don't Overcommit When You Only Need a Week
One-week car cover is perfect for those in-between moments where full annual insurance feels excessive, but you still want proper protection on the road. It's legal, flexible, and surprisingly easy to arrange - just remember to match the policy to your actual needs.
Click here to compare one-week car insurance quotes; get cover that works for your plans, not the other way around.