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

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.

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

Paul Chattenton 24 Oct 2025

55 star rating

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

Lee Appleyard 3 Feb 2025

55 star rating

Hayley on the phone was great

MOIRA RAPSON 9 Oct 2025

55 star rating

I have used Direct Gap several times. The website is very clear and easy to use. The price is competitive. I have never had to claim so I can't comment on that aspect.

Angela B 20 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

Lee Haworth 28 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Excellent. Easy to buy. Much cheaper than dealership GAP

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

Simple and cost effective. I won’t use anyone else for my gap insurance!

Peter Hodgett 14 Jun 2026

55 star rating

Third time I have taken out gap insurance with Direct Gap. The process is very easy and it is always competitively priced.

Robin Barker 20 Aug 2026

55 star rating

3rd policy I have now bought. Clear and simple and very competitive sorting this direct

Phillip Bee 27 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Great company, easy to use customer portal. Been using this company for about 8 years now.

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

Anne Martin 21 Jul 2026

55 star rating

Very easy to use aand so quick, price was good, have used this site for the last 12 years if not more, for a number of cars

Edward McLeod 6 Jan 2026

55 star rating

thank you, 3rd or 4th policy I bought

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.

David Smith 18 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

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…

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

Warren Edwicker 17 Aug 2021

55 star rating

This is my third policy from Direct Gap. Easy to get a quote, best price for the cover offered and customer service is great if you have to call them. Highly recommend this company…

michael clough 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

chose Direct Gap due to a personal recommendation and reviews

C Magee 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

This is the second time I have bought gap insurance. The first time was from the dealer. I won't fall for their prices again

Tracy Kneale 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

After being offered GAP by the dealer decided to check the internet for myself. Came to Direct Gap from the Which site.

Andrew Lyne 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Clear and good pricing

Jonathan Milling 12 Jul 2021

55 star rating

Return customer. Affordable, hassle free insurance

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.