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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

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.

Leyon Joseph 14 Mar 2024

55 star rating

I have been in the unfortunately position to have to use this policy and can say they were very helpful through the whole process 5 stars

Rachael McCormack 28 Feb 2025

55 star rating

This is 3rd policy weve taken out, much cheaper than dealership and easy to complete

Liam Boyle 6 Nov 2025

55 star rating

1st - GREAT! price 2nd - quick and easy 3rd - did i mention the GREAT pricing?

GEOFFREY HARDMAN 4 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Easy to set up, used this firm over many years

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…

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.

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…

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

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

Nadiya Davies 23 Apr 2024

44 star rating

Hayley was brilliant over the phone!

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.

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

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.

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.

Mark Tait 23 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

David Smith 18 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

R Hines 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Now that's what I call efficiency!

Claire Seymour 12 Jan 2019

55 star rating

Recommended by a friend - applied for gap insurance online very quick, easy and trustworthy! great price too. Thank you

Mike M 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Only took minutes to cover my new van.

Lucy Paulyn 14 Jul 2020

55 star rating

Super quick online forms and the telephone support for other queries was second to none!

John Goodall 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Buying a new car and dealer wanted £395 for the same amount of cover. Much cheaper buying direct.

Philip C 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I used Direct Gap after recently having my car written off (no fault of my own) and being left with a short fall to pay with the lease company. I so wished I had got gap like other…

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.