If you only need to drive a car for a short time, sorting insurance can feel like a lot for something that’s only going to last a week. You might be borrowing a car, buying a new one or sharing the driving on a short trip.
This guide explains how one-week car insurance from Dayinsure works, what it covers and when it makes sense compared with options like being added as a named driver.
Quick answer: What is one week car insurance and who is it for?
One week car insurance is short-term car insurance that covers you to drive a specific car for seven days. With Dayinsure, it works like a standard comprehensive policy, just without the year-long commitment.
It’s designed for short, one-off situations, such as borrowing a car for a few days or driving a new car home.
What is one week car insurance?
One week car insurance (also known as 7 day car insurance or weekly car insurance) is a type of short-term cover that lasts for exactly seven days.
With Dayinsure, you choose a start date and the policy runs for a fixed period before ending automatically. Cover can start quickly, often within minutes, so it’s useful when plans come together at short notice.
It works best when your need is genuinely temporary. If you expect to drive the car regularly, an annual policy or named driver cover may be a better option.
How does one week car insurance work?
Taking out one-week cover with Dayinsure usually follows these steps:
- Check eligibility — Our underwriters look at things like your licence, driving history, and the type of car.
- Choose your start date — Pick when you want cover to begin. One-week policies run for seven days from that point.
- Pay and receive your documents — You’ll get proof of insurance, including a certificate of motor insurance showing when cover starts and ends.
- Drive only once cover is active — Don’t assume cover starts instantly unless you’ve been clearly told it does.
- Cover ends after seven days — If you still need to drive after this period, you’ll need another policy in place.
What you’ll usually need to apply for cover
You will need:
- Your GB driving licence details
- The car’s registration number
- A start date and time
- Payment details
What does one week car insurance from Dayinsure cover?
Dayinsure’s short-term car insurance package: temporary car insurance, provides fully comprehensive cover. That includes:
- Damage you cause to other people and their property
- Damage to the car you’re driving
- Fire and theft
Because it’s comprehensive cover, you can usually make a claim even if the accident was your fault, or if the car is damaged while parked and the other driver isn’t known.
You’ll see an excess, which is the amount you’d pay towards a claim. For a quick overview, your IPID summarises what’s included, while the policy wording sets out the full terms.
Who is one week car insurance best for?
One-week car insurance from Dayinsure can suit you if you need short-term cover for a clear reason, such as:
- Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car for a few days
- Driving a new car home after buying it
- Sharing the driving on a short trip
- Covering a short gap between longer-term policies
This is useful when you’re borrowing another car and not the car owner yourself, as it won’t affect your No Claims Bonus.
When one week car insurance might not be the best option
One week car insurance might not be the best fit if:
- You’ll need the car on an ongoing basis
- You expect to keep buying short policies back-to-back
- You’d rather have one continuous policy without end dates to manage
In those cases, being added as a named driver or taking out annual cover may make more sense.
One week car insurance vs being added as a named driver
A named driver is added to another person’s annual policy and drives under their insurance.
- One-week car insurance works well for one-off or short-term needs, with clear start and end times and no impact on the owner’s policy.
- Named driver cover can be better if you’ll drive the car regularly or for longer than a week.
The right option depends on how long you need the car and how simple you want things to be.
Can you tax a car with one week car insurance?
Vehicle tax is linked to having valid insurance.
Short-term insurance can be accepted, but some systems rely on databases that don’t always update instantly. It’s a good idea to keep your certificate of insurance with you while you’re covered.
For certainty, always check official guidance and your policy documents.
What happens when your one week car insurance ends?
After seven days, the policy ends automatically. You must not drive unless another valid insurance policy is in place.
If you still need cover, you may be able to buy another short-term policy or switch to annual insurance.
Common misunderstandings about one week car insurance
In order to get the best short-term cover, be aware of these common misunderstandings:
- It doesn’t renew automatically.
- It isn’t designed for regular, long-term driving.
- You can’t drive once it ends without new cover.
- Cover details matter, so always check your documents.
How Dayinsure can help
One-week car insurance from Dayinsure is designed to make short-term driving simple. You get fully comprehensive cover, flexible start dates, and the reassurance of policies underwritten by Aviva or Mulsanne.
If you only need cover for a short period, you can explore one week car insurance with Dayinsure and see if it fits your plans, or get in touch and we’ll talk it through with you.
One-week car insurance FAQs
How quickly can one week car insurance start?
Cover can often start within minutes, but always check the start date shown on your documents before driving.
Is one week car insurance fully comprehensive?
Yes. Dayinsure’s short-term car insurance provides fully comprehensive cover. Always check your policy documents for the exact details of your coverage as this will differ between insurers.
Can I extend one week car insurance if I need longer?
You may be able to buy further short-term cover or switch to another option. If you think you’ll need longer, it’s worth comparing alternatives too.
What happens if I drive after my one week policy ends?
You’d be driving uninsured unless another policy is in place, so always arrange new cover before you drive.
