Get a quote

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

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

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.

Carolyn Lyle 16 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Great information easy to understand and £100 less than my dealer offered.

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.

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…

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.

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

James Hunter 4 Mar 2025

44 star rating

I have just made a claim through Acasta on my previous policy and anticipate the settlement payment in the next few days. The whole process was fairly straightforward.

Richard Smok 6 Mar 2024

55 star rating

I have used Direct Gap for many years and always found them competitive, value for money and easy to deal with.

David Kent 10 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Always been very pleased with company and will continue to use for my GAP ins, wdl done guys full marks.

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

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…

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

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

Isabelle Salami 20 Apr 2024

55 star rating

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

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

Michael Dietz 13 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

Oliver M 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Easy to understand, no-nonsense facts, and a simple purchase procedure. Also, a 1/4 of the dealers quoted price!!

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…

Jane Hubbard 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Direct Gap was £140.00 cheaper than the GAP offered by the dealership?

Karen Wynne 19 Mar 2021

55 star rating

Fabulous and easy. Your company was recommended to me.

Phil Bartle 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Simple and easy to find out what I wanted.

Peter Crean 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Advice form others and article read in Which. Much cheaper +£200 cheaper than similar produce offered by the dealer

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.