RAC temporary van insurance

Compare RAC temporary van insurance

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Short term cover for cars, vans & learners

Cover from 1 hour to 28 days in an instant

Why compare temporary van insurance with MultiQuoteTime?

MultiQuoteTime understands the hassle and stress of finding and comparing temporary van insurance quotes if you have a busy work schedule.

If you’re looking for short-term van insurance, you’ve come to the right place. MultiQuoteTime’s partnership with GoShorty insurance allows you to compare multiple temporary insurance rates for cars and vans online and get instant cover.

Pay-as-you-drive van insurance that puts YOU in control!

RAC temporary van insurance

Short term van insurance has seen steady growth, with no signs of letting up in the near future. The demand is fuelled by those that just wish to borrow a car from a friend or family member car for a few days and drive on their own insurance without impacting the car owner’s no claims discount. This type of cover is also in demand with learner drovers and students that come home only when University is closed

The RAC temporary van insurance is available for those going on a holiday who want roadside assistance just in case their vehicle malfunctions. It is also taken out by people that are going on a short trip in a rented or borrowed vehicle and want this type of protection just in case. This type of cover is often referred to as short-term breakdown cover.

Key Feature of RAC temporary van insurance

Short term car insurance from 1 hr to 30 days
Flexible – Customers can add additional hours online to extend the short term cover
Comprehensive Insurance – fully covered for leisure or business use (not hire and reward)
Instant cover or buy 28 days in advance

Every insurance company has their own time restraints, but there are some that will cover a vehicle for as little as one hour. The longest time this type of protection can be taken out for is 31 days.

Who provides the RAC with temporary van insurance

The RAC does not actually provide insurance direct they have a panel of brokers that they use for standard car insurance, when it comes to temporary car insurance RAC will redirect you to Dayinsure who offer short term insurance for cars, vans, motorbikes and temporary motorhome insurance

Why would I need temporary breakdown insurance?

There are many reasons to choose RAC temporary van insurance. The most common are below.

If you are borrowing a van or larger car, so you can move an item or all of your belongings.
When heading out on a trip of some distance for a holiday or vacation.
Borrowing a vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Transporting a vehicle to be sold or has just been purchased.

RAC temporary breakdown cover is an optional extra

There are three main options in cover for this short time protection.

Roadside assistance in the UK is where a mechanic is dispatched to your location and will repair the vehicle for up to 1 hour, or the vehicle will be towed to the nearest garage. This can include home residence, but not always.
Carry onward protection in the UK is where you will be taken to your destination if your vehicle breaks down and requires an overnight stay or longer for repairs.
European breakdown cover, where you will receive both roadside assistance and carry onward if your vehicle is no longer functioning. It can also include bringing the non-working vehicle back to the UK.

One decision that has to be made is if personal breakdown cover is to be used or vehicle cover will be chosen. With vehicle cover will allow anyone to be the driver, but is more expensive.

What determines the cost of RAC temporary van insurance?

The age of the driver and their driving record reflect on the cost of this cover. The vehicle’s age and its maintenance and repair record also play into the costs. Other factors are the length of the cover and the level of cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need insurance to tax a van?

Road tax can only be purchased for a car with insurance. If you find yourself in this situation, it is possible to purchase temp insurance for a few hours or a few days in order to apply for road tax

Can you get van insurance for a few hours?

Short term car insurance with GoShorty is available from 1 hour to 4 weeks or 28 days.

How much does temporary van insurance cost?

The cost of short-term car or van insurance will depend on a number of factors, but the key determining factors will be as follows:

Your age and driving experience
The van itself, high value vans will be more expensive to cover than low-insurance-category vehicles.
The length of short term cover required

While these are the main factors, other things will come into play, too, like a recent speeding ticket and any additional extras you may wish to include in the cover.

Does temporary van insurance show on mid?

Yes, but it can take time, a maximum of 24 hours. When you purchase a temporary insurance policy, the MID database must be updated. The insurance provider must update the database, and this may take 24 hours with some insurance providers.
But, as long as you have supplied all the correct details when applying for your insurance and received confirmation of your policy from the insurer, you can drive irrespective of what the MID database is showing.

Is temporary van insurance comprehensive?

This depends on the insurance provider or broker. Multi Quote Time work with GoShorty, all Go Shorty temporary van insurance policies they sell are fully comprehensive.

Does the RAC provide Hourly insurance for a test drive?

The RAC provides temporary insurance from 1 hour, which is best suited to test drive a possible new car or used car purchase.

Can I use temporary van insurance abroad?

Yes, cars can be driven abroad, but the journey must start and end in the UK or Northern Ireland. All insurance policies will be provided with the minimum level cover whilst driving in the European Union.

Can I buy insurance to export a vehicle outside of the UK?

No cover is only valid for journeys that start and end within the UK.

Can I still get temporary car insurance if I don’t have my annual car insurance policy with the RAC?

RAC temporary car and van insurance with is available to both new and existing customers.

Does the RAC provide Hourly insurance for a test drive?

The RAC provides temporary insurance from 1 hour, which is best suited to test drive a possible new car or used car purchase.

Is temporary car insurance available with the RAC?

The RAC can provide temporary insurance for cars, motorbikes and business vans.

Can I pay for temporary van insurance Monthly?

Temporary car insurance with the RAC and other providers of short term insurance must be paid for in advance of the policy being issued, no monthly or weekly payments are permitted.

Temporary Car Insurance Providers

MultiQuoteTime have partnered with GoShorty to help you obtain Temporary Car Insurance. GoShorty is a trading style of Complex to Clear Group Limited registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN.751221). Company Registration Number 05044963. Data Protection Registration ZA456686.

Updated: 02 May 2025
Reviewed by Eamonn Turley Insurance Expert