Would you be covered?
One day car insurance, like any other type of motor cover, comes with certain limits. Although it is often described as comprehensive, it cannot cover every possible situation. If it did, the cost would be far higher. The points below highlight some of the more common situations where cover may not apply, although details can vary between insurers, so it is always worth checking the policy wording carefully.
Taking care of the vehicle
You are expected to take reasonable care of the car. Leaving a window open, keeping the engine running unattended to clear frost, or leaving the keys in the ignition while paying for fuel could all increase the risk of theft. In those situations, a claim may be refused.
Avoidable damage
Damage caused by avoidable mistakes is usually not covered. For example, putting the wrong fuel in the tank or allowing frost damage due to a lack of antifreeze would normally fall outside the policy.
Limits on claims
There may be limits on how much the insurer will pay for damage to property. Damage to your own property is often excluded altogether, so it is worth checking the finer details.
Driving other vehicles
Short term insurance generally applies only to the specific vehicle named on the policy. It would not extend to any other cars, even if they belong to you.
Use for impounded vehicles
This type of policy is not suitable for recovering a vehicle from a police pound. Separate arrangements are normally required for that situation.
Where the car is driven
You would need to use the vehicle in a sensible way. Driving on unmade roads or in potentially hazardous locations could lead to problems if a claim is made.
Check the details
These are just a few examples of where cover may not apply. As there are several insurers offering short term policies, it is important to look through the documents for each one. That way you can see exactly what is included and where the limits sit before taking out cover.