Updated on - 02 Mar 2026
Believe it or not, you can legally insure a car for just a day when needed. Several insurers now offer short-term car insurance policies designed for temporary use. For various reasons, the need for car insurance may arise for just a day. Understanding the feasibility of securing insurance for such a short duration is crucial. This type of cover is growing in popularity, especially for people who do not own a car but still need occasional access to one. It is quick, legal, and often more cost-effective than adding yourself as a temporary driver on someone else’s policy.
Why would you need one-day car insurance?
One-day car insurance is useful when you need short-term coverage without committing to a full policy. The need for this type of coverage often arises when test-driving a vehicle before purchase, borrowing a friend’s car for a day, driving a newly purchased four-wheeler home before registering it, renting a car for a short period or transporting a car for servicing or relocation.
How does one-day car insurance work?
One-day car insurance works just like a standard policy but is usually valid for 24 hours or less. Here is how it typically works:
- You select the duration of coverage, which can range from a few hours to a day.
- You provide the necessary details like vehicle registration and your driving licence.
- You receive instant coverage once your documents are verified.
- Your car is legally insured to drive on public roads for the chosen period.
The policy usually covers third-party liability as mandated by law, and in some cases, may include own damage cover or add-ons like roadside assistance, depending on the insurer and plan.
Limitations and exclusions
While one-day car insurance is convenient, it comes with certain limitations:
- Some insurers exclude older cars or commercial vehicles.
- Coverage duration cannot be extended repeatedly to substitute long-term insurance.
- Some short-term policies only offer third-party cover.
- NCB benefits do not apply to short-duration policies.
- You may not get full access to all add-ons.
Eligibility and documentation required
To be eligible for one-day car insurance, you must typically meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid driving licence
- Should be at least 18 or 21 years old, based on the insurer’s criteria.
- Provide valid photo ID proof
- Share accurate vehicle details (including RC and registration number)
Required documents often include:
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration certificate (RC)
- Government-issued photo ID (like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
- Occasionally, insurers may require documents confirming you own the vehicle or have permission to use it.
Things to keep in mind before buying
Before you buy a short-term policy, here are a few key things to consider:
- Match the policy duration with your actual need to avoid overpaying or under-covering.
- Check if the insurer is IRDAI-approved.
- Confirm coverage type.
- Review exclusions carefully. Many short-term policies exclude scenarios like participating in a rally, transporting goods, driving in restricted zones, etc.
- Do not skip documentation.
How to buy one-day car insurance in India?
Purchasing one-day car insurance is usually quick and hassle-free, especially through digital platforms. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
- Visit the insurer’s official website or app
- Select ‘short-term’ or ‘one-day’ car insurance option
- Enter required details such as vehicle type, registration number and usage duration
- Upload the necessary documents
- Choose the coverage and add-ons (if available)
- Pay the premium online
- Receive the policy instantly via email or SMS
Conclusion
In conclusion, the availability of one-day car insurance provides a practical and efficient solution for individuals who require temporary coverage. Exploring options from various providers helps you secure insurance tailored to your unique requirements.
Planning to drive for a day? Whether it is a test run or a borrowed vehicle, we will help you find the right car insurance for it. Just fill out the form provided here, and we will guide you with tailored advice and cover options suited to your situation.
Drive protected, even if it is just for a day.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.