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Short Term Car Insurance

Temporary or short-term insurance is comprehensive car cover that lasts from 1 hour up to 28 days. It’s the modern approach to insurance for those who don’t want to be tied down with a 12-month policy.

You may find short term motor insurance useful if you are:

  • collecting a new vehicle
  • test driving a new vehicle
  • a young driver back home from university
  • borrowing a friend's car or van
  • sharing the driving on a one-off trip

What are the benefits of Short Term Motor Insurance?

  • Temporary car insurance for drivers 19 - 75
  • Cover available from 1 hour to 28 days
  • All policies are fully comprehensive
  • Get a quote and cover in minutes
  • Coverage for vehicles with a value up to £65,000
  • Provided by trusted & established insurers

Why choose Direct Gap for your Short Term Car Insurance?

We have partnered with GoShorty to provide market-leading short-term motor insurance. GoShorty are one of the UK’s leading short-term car insurance providers, and we help thousands of motorists across the UK each week to become insured on a car from just 1 hour to 28 days.

•  Flexibility: Comprehensive car insurance when you need it.

•  Responsibility: All Direct Gap policies and those of our partners, GoShorty, are fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and we hold ourselves to the very highest standards.

•  Integrity: Our team do not make any commission from sales of Short Term Car Insurance – we’ve only got your best interests in mind.

•  Service: We hold over 11,000 5-star Feefo reviews alongside GoShorty's 4.9 (Excellent) rating on Trustpilot.

See what our customers are saying about us

Angela B 20 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Have used Direct Gap for a few years now. Always quick, easy and competitive.

Nic_C 17 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Quick and easy process with friendly advice when I rang to check I had chosen the correct policy

Paul Chattenton 24 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Very straight forward to arrange and actually cheaper than I expected.

R Holmes 9 Jan 2026

55 star rating

After having to unfortunately claim last year it was a no brainer to come back to Direct GAP they're so friendly and helpful. It gives me the peace of mind should the worst happen…

Katie Sharp 3 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Great support on the phone earlier :)

Alan Stewart 20 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Excellent website which is easy to use and a range of policies to suit your needs. The price of the policy I chose was very competitive and cheaper than most. I also liked the high…

Mark Tait 23 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Used Direct Gap for years. Friendly, efficient service , great prices and fantastic customer service.

Jennifer Hodgett 2 Jan 2026

55 star rating

Website is so easy to use and the level of cover and cost compares favourably with their competitors. Second policy with Direct Gap would definitely recommend to others.

Lee Appleyard 3 Feb 2025

55 star rating

Hayley on the phone was great

Isabelle Salami 20 Apr 2024

55 star rating

Friendly customer service. Answered my queries politely and professionally. No complaints and would recommend!

Mark Troth 19 Nov 2025

55 star rating

I have been with Direct Gap for over 7 years and had three different cars. Website is easy and updating details is hassle free Thanks

Stephen Webb 10 Nov 2025

55 star rating

I've used Direct Gap for my previous vehicle, so it was an obvious choice for the new car.

Kerry Parry 1 Mar 2024

55 star rating

Easy process that is what you want, Diane was nice

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

GEOFFREY HARDMAN 4 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Easy to set up, used this firm over many years

Barbara Stewart 4 Dec 2024

55 star rating

Hayley was brilliant 🤩 I had done everything on line & it wouldn’t let me in to do my password so Hayley sent me a link. Also she amended my cover from 3 to 4 yrs. Very pleased w…

Alex Sissons 24 Oct 2024

55 star rating

3rd policy I've had and best price by far

Edward McLeod 6 Jan 2026

55 star rating

thank you, 3rd or 4th policy I bought

R Collister 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Simply because of value for money, and a professional service.

Julian Portman 26 Jan 2024

55 star rating

Very easy to arrange. Competitive price. Used with two previous cars.

Alan Arnsby 13 Nov 2017

55 star rating

I cancelled my GMAC policy after they refused to give me any credit for the unused period of my 4th policy with them and saved 35%. Nice people who and nice to deal with. Well done

Darren Carter 13 Sep 2021

55 star rating

Great value for money, quick and easy to setup.

Susan H 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I was unsure which product to purchase. Your kind help and advice saved me money and gave me confidence in the RTI insurance

David Walton DSW Pai nting & Decorating 28 Feb 2021

55 star rating

Second time around and fantastic. The dealer quoted £499 and Direct Gap quoted £169 on return to invoice. Same cover but £230 cheaper. You wont go wrong and great service by the di…

FAQ

What does short term motor insurance cover?

Short term motor insurance, also known as temporary car insurance, is a fully comprehensive cover for shorter periods. This type of insurance includes coverage for loss, theft, or damage to the vehicle, accident recovery, and legal liability.

When is short term motor insurance not suitable?

Short term motor insurance may not be suitable in certain situations, such as:

  • Hiring or renting vehicles, as these require specialist insurance from the rental company.
  • Use for taxis or commercial transport of goods.

What does short term motor insurance cost?

The cost of short term motor insurance varies based on several factors, including your age, the vehicle type, and the length of the policy. Other considerations may include your driving history, such as points on your license.

Why choose Direct Gap and GoShorty to insure with?

Choosing Direct Gap and GoShorty ensures quality insurance products and excellent customer support. Our partnership with GoShorty reflects our shared values, and both companies boast exceptional reviews. Feel free to contact us or GoShorty for any questions before getting a quote or purchasing a policy.

What is the shortest time I can insure my vehicle for?

The minimum coverage period for our short term motor insurance is 1 hour.

What’s the longest time I can insure my vehicle with this insurance?

The maximum coverage period for temporary car insurance is 28 days.