How to find the best short-term car insurance in 2025

Whether you’re borrowing a friend’s car, test driving a new one, or just need cover for a few days while visiting family, short-term car insurance is the flexible alternative to traditional annual policies. But with so many options, how do you find the best short-term car insurance in 2025?

What is short-term car insurance?

Short-term (or temporary) car insurance covers you for a fixed period—anything from one hour to a few weeks. It’s perfect if you don’t need year-round cover but still want fully comprehensive protection while driving.

In 2025, short-term insurance is more accessible than ever, especially with app-based providers like Rooster. You can get covered instantly, directly from your phone—no paperwork, no waiting.

Why go short-term?

Short-term insurance is ideal for:

Borrowing or sharing a car
Test driving a vehicle before buying
Road trips or weekend drives
Moving house
Students heading home for the holidays

You only pay for the time you’re actually driving, and it doesn’t affect the car owner’s No Claims Discount—perfect for occasional drivers.

How to compare short-term cover options

Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best short-term policy:

Instant cover: Can you get insured immediately? Rooster lets you do it all in the app in minutes.

Comprehensive protection: Some short-term policies only offer third-party. Make sure you’re fully covered.

Length of cover: Choose an insurer that offers flexible durations—from just one hour to a few weeks.

Extra benefits: Look out for added features like breakdown cover, car checks, and accident support.

Ease of use: Skip the forms. Rooster’s app experience means everything’s done in a few taps.

How Rooster does short-term differently

With Rooster, you can get comprehensive short-term insurance from 1 hour to 28 days. It’s available to drivers aged 19–75, and cover starts instantly once you’re approved. There’s no need to mess around with long forms or phone calls—just enter your details, choose how long you need cover, and go.

Why choose Rooster?

Rooster offers fully flexible car insurance that fits your life. Save up to 40% with a free Test Drive, get cover from just an hour, and access extras like breakdown cover for £2.99 a month. Plus, save up to 50% on MOTs, services, and repairs through the app.

Download Rooster today and get the best short-term car insurance in 2025—quick, easy, and all on your phone.