Short-term motor insurance covers all named individuals who will be driving the car. Each driver must have a valid driver’s licence. To guarantee there is no issue left uncovered, all parties who might drive the vehicle must be named on the policy. If for some reason, you could be driving more than one vehicle, the short-term motor insurance will cover all cars listed on the policy. You can usually choose between third party and fully comprehensive cover and as with every insurance proposal you are always advised to read he policy carefully; there is always a link to this.

Are There Any Exclusions to Consider when Purchasing Short Term Car Insurance Cover?

Under the terms and conditions outlined in a short-term car insurance policy, certain exclusions exist. Here are a few typical examples; individual policies vary however and you should always check the small print!

If the vehicle is stolen due to reckless or careless acts by the driver, the insurance company may not pay to recover or replace the vehicle.

Any damage occurring due to the vehicle experiencing mechanical or electrical failure owing to poor maintenance is usually excluded from cover.

Damage due to normal wear and tear on the vehicle is excluded.

Damage caused by high winds or natural hazards are generally excluded.

Once again, some important advice; check he policy details! Read the policy very carefully before signing. Policies are written with stipulations specific to how the vehicle is to be used. A ‘Description of Use’ clause is written into all policies. If the insured uses the vehicles for any reasons other than the ones stipulated and an accident occurs, the insurance can become null and void. Any damage due to uses not allowed or exempted, will often have to be repaired at the expense of the driver. As an example, if the car was involved in a race with another vehicle, this would clearly be in violation of the policy and any damage incurred while racing would not be covered.

If a driver, who had not been added to the policy, had an accident while driving the vehicle, the subsequent costs would not be covered by the policy.

Short Term Car Insurance: Vehicle Eligibility Requirements

To obtain Short-term motor insurance in the United Kingdom, the vehicle must usually meet certain specifications.

Vehicles with more than seven or eight seats, or capable of holding more than seven or eight people will not normally be covered under short-term car insurance. The driver’s seat would be included in the total.

The vehicle cannot normally be an import unless the import is by a certified car dealer.

All vehicles must be registered in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Any vehicles registered outside of these two areas would not normally be covered.

The vehicle cannot usually be valued at more than £50,000 or less than £1500

The vehicles cannot usually be used for commercial means so individuals carrying trade goods etc will sometimes not be covered; check individual policy details.

Vehicles cannot be used to haul illegal drugs, hazardous materials, flammables or gas.

Vehicles cannot be used for transporting illegal aliens or used for any illegal gain.

Vehicles should nor be taken to hazardous locations which include (but are not limited to) chemical works, oil refineries, power stations etc.