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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

Michael Dietz 13 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Have used on a previous vehicle, policy gives a great peace of mind.

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

Graham Anderson 17 Dec 2024

55 star rating

Fantastic service, great technology. We've been using direct gap for years. Always very helpful on the telephone as well

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

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…

Neil Porteus 23 Jul 2024

55 star rating

Excellent value gap insurance. In the past my daughter has had to make a claim under a Direct Gap policy and it lived up to its expectations. Also very easy to purchase online.

Lee Haworth 28 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Excellent. Easy to buy. Much cheaper than dealership GAP

jennifer Savage 10 Oct 2025

55 star rating

so easy , called the office as well to check something very helpful staff . impressed!

Janine Withers 23 Dec 2025

55 star rating

This is the 3rd policy I have brought from Direct Gap, their staff are always so friendly & helpful, I keep coming back to them.

Alex Sissons 24 Oct 2024

55 star rating

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

PHD Mail Limited 2 Nov 2025

55 star rating

I use Direct Gap for all my Company Car fleet. Easy to use website and competitive rates.

Chris R 4 Oct 2024

55 star rating

Excellent Customer service and support. Quick and easy to set up. Great price. Would highly recommend based on my personal experience.

Anthony Mackenzie 14 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Full marks for very easy to use application form. Your help line was friendly and a pleasant girl gave me all the information I needed. I have purchased the Gap insurance I need no…

David Smith 18 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Great service and Hayley was very helpful when I phoned for more information, thank you.

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.

Catherine Morrison 20 Feb 2026

55 star rating

This type of insurance gives me peace of mind knowing that my purchase is covered should anything happen to my car I’ve been using gap insurance since 2014 and would not be without…

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…

Paul Chattenton 24 Oct 2025

55 star rating

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

Mary Gee 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Whilst surfing I called for a quote which came promptly and I was impressed by the helpfulness and attitude of those who I have contacted by telephone.

Marilyn Middleton 6 Mar 2020

55 star rating

Second time I've used you for Gap insurance. Competitive pricing and quick and easy online process to obtain policy.

Francis M 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Thought it was only for new cars so pleased to find I could cover mine with you.

Dr T Burns 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Excellent value and very clear advice and products

Karen Tinsley 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Easy to use. Registered by FSA Good price Very informative

iain riach 24 Mar 2022

55 star rating

Third policy with Direct Gap. Always competitive and easy to manage online.

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.