What is a Car Insurance Cover Note?

A car insurance cover note acts as temporary proof of insurance. Essentially, it acts as a short-term insurance certificate confirming that you are covered before the paperwork is finalised.

Instant digital insurance policies have made car insurance cover notes rarer than they used to be, but some insurers will still issue them if the situation calls for it.

A cover note should contain everything you (or another driver, or the authorities) will need to know if you are involved in an accident, including:

• Driver details: Your name and address.
• Vehicle details: The make, model, and registration number of the insured car.
• Cover type: Details of your cover level. For example: comprehensive, third-party, fire and theft, third-party only, etc.
• Excess details: The amount you’ve agreed to pay towards any claims.
• Policy number: Your unique insurance identifier.

There are a few situations when you might need to produce this form of insurance certificate:

You’re stopped by the police

If you’re pulled over by the police, officers may ask you for proof of insurance. While they can check the MID (Motor Insurance Database) for this information, having your note handy will instantly prove that you are insured.

Your policy is amended

If you change something on your insurance—such as adding another named driver, adjusting your cover level, or modifying your car—your insurer might send you a cover note while they process the changes.

You buy a new car

If you change your car, it may take a while for your insurer to update your policy details for the new vehicle. In the meantime it’s useful to have a cover note so your new car is insured from day one.

You’re waiting for policy documents

If there’s a delay in getting your official policy documents, it may be a good idea to request a cover note. This will give you peace of mind in case you’re pulled over, and will act as a good temporary solution until your official insurance documentation comes through.

You’re taking your driving test in your own vehicle

If you are a learner driver who plans to take your test in your own vehicle, you might need to prove your insurance status to the testing centre. A cover note or insurance certificate can do this for you.

Your insurer is assessing risks before issuing a full policy

If your insurer is taking longer than usual to evaluate your insurance risk, they might issue a note to provide temporary cover while they finalise things.

Yes, a cover note is legally recognised as proof of insurance and allows you to drive legally in the UK in the absence of policy documents. 

It’s relatively easy to get a cover note as most insurance companies can usually provide one on request. You will need to have your details to hand, which may be tricky if you don’t have your policy documents (containing your policy number), but you should be identifiable by your name, address, and car registration number. 

Some insurers will automatically issue a cover note if they’re delayed in finalising your full policy.

To get a cover note, simply:

1. Contact your insurer: Their contact details can be found on their website.
2. Provide details: This may include your registration, coverage level, etc. 
3. Request a cover note: Ask for a cover note or insurance certificate.
4. Receive the note: Your cover note will be sent by email or post, or it may be available for download from your insurance company's website or app.

When your cover note arrives, carefully check it for any errors. If your cover note contains the wrong registration number or policy type it could be invalid, so it’s important to make sure that everything is correct.

If you do find an error, contact your insurer straight away. They should be able to easily fix the mistake and provide you with a new cover note.

As a general rule, cover notes last a month, but some may last longer depending on your insurer and your circumstances. If your cover note is about to expire and you still have not received your full policy documents, contact your insurer. They will be able to either extend your cover note or speed up the process of issuing your full policy before your cover note expires.