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

Robin Atkins 20 Aug 2026

55 star rating

5th car with you still the best value for money

Katie Sharp 3 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Great support on the phone earlier :)

Barry Edwards 17 Jun 2026

55 star rating

Used this company many times...great price for peace of mind .

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…

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…

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…

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.

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.

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

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

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

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.

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

Mark Aryeetey 5 Jul 2026

55 star rating

Have been using Direct Gap for some years now on my previous cars the service is streamless. I would advise anybody buying a new car on PCP to use Direct Gap as soon as possible.

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.

Alex Sissons 24 Oct 2024

55 star rating

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

Robin Barker 20 Aug 2026

55 star rating

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

Heather Smith 28 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Used several times only claimed once due to car being stolen, excellent customer service and speedy service in payment

Lynne Barber 6 Sep 2019

55 star rating

Easy webpage to navigate. Comprehensive easy to understand comparison quotes. Saved £110 on previous quote like for like.

Steve Carr 17 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Nice & easy - well done

Paul Mobley 25 Aug 2021

55 star rating

Easy website, prompt reply to a question on live chat,and a good price.very pleased

Jonathan Milling 12 Jul 2021

55 star rating

Return customer. Affordable, hassle free insurance

Tania Haylett 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I have read so many good reviews about you and the price was good too.

Peter Alexander 14 Apr 2021

55 star rating

great service this is the 3rd policy i have bought from this company

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.