Skip to content
Back to Insurance
Go to insurance
Back to Insurance menu
Car insurance Existing car insurance customers
Car insurance guides
Motorhome insurance
Back to Insurance menu
Home insurance Existing home insurance customers
Home insurance guides
Landlord insurance Existing landlord insurance customers
Back to Insurance menu
Travel insurance
Existing travel insurance customers
Back to Insurance menu
Health insurance Existing customers
Switching provider
Compare healthplans
Back to Insurance menu
Pet insurance
Caravan insurance
Back to Insurance Menu
SOS Personal alarm
Back to Holidays
Go to holidays
Back to Holidays menu
Europe
Africa
Asia
Australasia
North America
South America
Caribbean
Back to Holidays menu
Group Tours
Hotel Holidays
Tailor-Made Travel
Other holidays
Back to Holidays menu
Holiday offers
Back to Holidays menu
Planning your holiday
Book with confidence
Travelling with us
Back to Cruises
Go to Cruises
Back to Cruise menu
Ocean cruise destinations
River cruise destinations
Cruises from UK
Back to Cruise menu
Ocean cruises
River cruises
Back to Cruise menu
Our cruise ships
The Saga cruise experience
Why cruise with Saga?
Our river cruise ships
The river cruise experience
Why river cruise with Saga?
Back to Cruise menu
Our blogs
Ocean cruise blogs
River cruise blogs
Back to Cruise menu
Cruise offers
Back to Cruise menu
Travel updates
Book with confidence
FAQs
Back to Saga Money
Go to Saga Money
Back to Saga Money
Equity release
Here to help
Useful articles
Back to Saga Money
Savings products
Existing customers
Useful guides
Wider reading
Back to Saga Money
Legal services
Useful articles
Back to Saga Money
Mortgages
Useful guides and help
Wider reading
Back to Saga Money
Investing
Useful guides and help
Back to Saga Money
Money news
Useful articles
Wider reading
Back to Saga Magazine
Go to magazine
Back to Magazine
Saga Magazine
Happy mature couple searching for the right car in a showroom.

COVER NOTE FOR CAR INSURANCE

Get a quote Retrieve a quote

When you purchase a car insurance policy, you receive a certificate of insurance, which serves as proof of coverage and allows you to drive legally. However, there can sometimes be delays in issuing this certificate. When this happens, insurers provide a cover note.

But what exactly is a cover note? Can it serve as proof of insurance if you don’t have the official documents yet? We answer all your cover note questions right here.

What is a cover note?

A cover note is a temporary vehicle insurance document that serves as proof of insurance until your official documents arrive. Insurers typically issue cover notes when there’s a delay between purchasing your policy and receiving your motor insurance certificate.

With a cover note, you can legally drive on public roads while waiting for your official documents, as long as your vehicle is taxed and has a valid MOT.

What’s the difference between a cover note and a certificate of insurance?

A cover note functions similarly to a certificate of motor insurance but is valid for a shorter duration. Here are the main differences between the two:

Cover note

  • Temporary document until you get your certificate of insurance

  • Lasts between 30 and 60 days, or until you receive your certificate of insurance

  • Only includes basic information

Certificate of motor insurance

  • Fully underwritten certificate of insurance detailing the exact terms of your policy

  • Lasts the full term of your insurance policy

  • Includes all details relating to your car insurance policy

What does a cover note include?

Typically, you’ll find that a cover note includes similar information to what you’d find on your official motor insurance certificate:

  • Policyholder’s name
  • Car registration/number plate
  • Named drivers
  • Expiry date
  • Policy number
  • Special conditions

When should a cover note be issued?

Some insurers don’t issue cover notes, opting instead to send an email confirmation of your insurance policy. However, for those that do, cover notes may be issued in the following situations:

  • Phone or postal applications: Applying for car insurance via phone or post can take longer to process, delaying your certificate of insurance being issued.
  • Policy amendments: When you make changes to your policy, such as adding a new named driver, a cover note may be provided until the amendments are processed.
  • Risk assessment: If the insurer needs to evaluate your insurance risks more closely before offering a full policy.
  • Application delays: Occasionally, delays in processing your application may occur. In such cases, a cover note is issued to ensure you can get on the road sooner.

How to obtain a cover note

When you purchase over 50s car insurance from Saga, we’ll let you know if we’re sending you a cover note. A cover note will only be issued if your certificate of motor insurance isn’t available. You will receive the document via email, or you can download it by logging into your Saga account.

Who are Saga's car insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga’s car insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed by us specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide high standards of quality and service.

Get a quote for Saga Car Insurance today

Get a quote Retrieve a quote

Cover note FAQs

When will I get my cover note?

You should receive your cover note via email within 24 hours of purchasing your insurance policy. If you don’t receive it, log into the insurance company’s website or app to download the document. If the cover note is sent by post, it should arrive within five working days.

How long does a cover note last?

The length of time a cover note lasts depends on your insurance provider. However, most are usually valid for 30 days, with a maximum cover period of 60 days.

What should I do if my cover note expires before I receive full documentation?

If your cover note expires before you receive your insurance documents, you may be able to request an extension from your insurer. It’s rare for this to happen, but if it does, contact your provider immediately.

More from Saga Car Insurance

There's plenty to explore and learn about our car insurance cover.

A senior couple laughing at a joke while driving
Product information

3-year fixed price car insurance

Choose Saga Plus and fix the price of your insurance for the next 2 renewals, if nothing changes. T&Cs apply

Mature woman using laptop on living room floor with wireless headphones
Article

Is your car insured?

It’s vital you know or you could be in very hot water. Here’s how to check your car insurance.

A hand holding a single car key
Product information

Courtesy car cover

You’ll be back on the road in no time with a courtesy car to keep you mobile while yours is being repaired.

Senior man with an injured shoulder in rehab clinic
Product information

Increased Personal Accident Cover

Do you need additional personal accident cover? Find out more about the benefits of Increased Personal Accident cover.

A man being handed the keys to a car he has purchased
Article

Used car insurance

Everything you need to know about second-hand car insurance.

Mature couple securing kayaks to car
Product information

No claim bonus

Understand how to earn and keep a No Claim Discount and how it can positively impact your car insurance costs.

Two women sitting in a car talking and laughing together after a walk.
Product information

Over 50s car insurance

Your needs and experience catered for, with over 50s car insurance from Saga

A man on the phone to his car insurance company
Product information

Motor legal protection

Legal expenses cover can protect you against unnecessary legal fees.

Mature woman taking laptop bag from a car boot on the street.
Product information

Replacement car extension

Life without a vehicle is almost unthinkable for many of us, but could a courtesy car ride to the rescue?

A volunteer removing a box of groceries from the back of a large car
Product information

Volunteer car insurance

Check you’re insured while driving as a volunteer.

A mature woman reading a map of Europe on the bonnet of her car
Product information

European cover insurance

Drive in over 30 European countries for as long as you like, ready for anything with our handy guide to driving abroad.