Short-term insurance when your main car is in for repairs

How Can You Stay on the Road?

Being without a car for days or even weeks can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for work, errands, or family commitments. Whilst waiting for your main vehicle to be fixed, there are several options for staying mobile:

• Borrowing a friend or relative’s car: If someone you know has a spare vehicle, this can be a quick solution.
• Hiring a car: This may be convenient but can come with higher costs, depending on the length of time required.
• Using public transport: Whilst practical in some areas, this may not be ideal for those with long commutes or rural routes.

If borrowing a vehicle is the best option, ensuring that you have the right insurance in place is just as important as having access to the car itself.

Why Short-Term Insurance May Be a Good Option

Short-term insurance provides a way to stay legally covered when borrowing a car on a temporary basis. This type of policy offers flexibility, allowing you to drive a borrowed vehicle without needing to arrange a long-term policy or making changes to someone else's existing insurance.

Temporary insurance could be useful for:

• Using a relative's car for a few days whilst your own is being repaired.
• Driving a courtesy car that doesn’t come with its own cover.
• Borrowing a car for work or indisputable travel whilst waiting for repairs.

Arranging short-term insurance can allow you to drive legally without affecting the vehicle owner's existing policy or their no-claims discount.

Things to Consider When Borrowing a Car

Before borrowing a vehicle, there are a few things to check to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

• Check the car’s condition: Give it a once-over to ensure it's roadworthy, paying attention to tyres, lights, and fluid levels.
• Make sure it’s taxed and has a valid MOT: These are unquestionable for legal driving in the UK.
• Plan your routes: If the vehicle is unfamiliar, allow yourself extra time to adjust before tackling long journeys.

What happens if you’re not insured but drive anyway?

Driving without valid insurance isn’t just a minor offence - it carries serious consequences. If caught, you may face:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points.
• Your borrowed vehicle being seized, with additional costs to reclaim it.
• Increased insurance costs in the future because of the offence being recorded.

Taking a few minutes to arrange temporary cover could prevent a costly mistake and give you a feeling of being safe and sound whilst waiting for your car to be repaired.

Other Temporary Transport Solutions

If borrowing a car isn’t an option, there are alternative ways to stay mobile:

• Courtesy Cars: Some garages offer courtesy vehicles, though they may come with mileage limits or require separate insurance.
• Car Clubs: In some cities, car-sharing services allow short-term rental by the hour or day.
• Lift-Sharing: If colleagues or friends travel the same route, sharing lifts could be an option.

Each option has its pros and cons, but having a backup plan in place can help you stay on the move whilst your car is in the workshop.

In Closing:

Having your main car in for repairs can be inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to mean being stuck without transport. Whether borrowing a vehicle from a friend or arranging another alternative, making sure you’re legally covered is a thoroughly good idea.

Need Insurance Whilst Your Car Is in the Garage?

If you’re borrowing a car whilst your own vehicle is being repaired, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Press for a quick look at short-term car insurance quotes..