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

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

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

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

Carolyn Lyle 16 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

Edward McLeod 6 Jan 2026

55 star rating

thank you, 3rd or 4th policy I bought

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.

jennifer Savage 10 Oct 2025

55 star rating

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

Isabelle Salami 20 Apr 2024

55 star rating

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

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.

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…

Paul Chattenton 24 Oct 2025

55 star rating

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

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.

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

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.

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

Kerry Parry 1 Mar 2024

55 star rating

Easy process that is what you want, Diane was nice

Liam Boyle 6 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

S Howlett 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Outstanding service & advice

Susan Perkins 11 Jun 2019

55 star rating

Incredibly competitive pricing, including cover for things the dealership didn't and all for a much lower price!

Stuart James 19 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I have used your previously and love the service and products.

Julia Jackson 8 Jan 2021

55 star rating

I was a bit confused by gap insurance and how it works but the lady I spoke to over the phone was so friendly and helpful. Thank you! I received my quote straight away and it was c…

Leslie Brenya 20 Jun 2021

55 star rating

Very easy website to navigate through and very competitive price too

Paul Muchmore 8 May 2021

55 star rating

As not very computer or tech savvy found site easy to use.

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.