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

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.

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…

David Smith 18 Nov 2025

55 star rating

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

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.

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

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

Phillip Bee 27 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

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.

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…

Carolyn Lyle 16 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

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

Rachael McCormack 28 Feb 2025

55 star rating

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

GEOFFREY HARDMAN 4 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Easy to set up, used this firm over many years

Barbara Stewart 4 Dec 2024

55 star rating

Hayley was brilliant 🤩 I had done everything on line & it wouldn’t let me in to do my password so Hayley sent me a link. Also she amended my cover from 3 to 4 yrs. Very pleased w…

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

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

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.

Chris and Erna Turner 23 Dec 2013

44 star rating

Very easy transaction from start to finish - even user friendly for pensioners!

Wendy James 30 Nov 2017

55 star rating

Very easy to use and competitive. Also recommended by a member of the family who also has secured this insurance.

Catriona Campbell 18 Apr 2018

55 star rating

Elizabeth Ruane very helpful, and easy to contact. Website easy to use and intuitive. Quick quotes which I needed and can use PayPal so feel more secure!

David Walton DSW Pai nting & Decorating 28 Feb 2021

55 star rating

Second time around and fantastic. The dealer quoted £499 and Direct Gap quoted £169 on return to invoice. Same cover but £230 cheaper. You wont go wrong and great service by the di…

John Herd 20 Feb 2020

55 star rating

Second time we have used Direct Gap, fast speedy service & saves a fortune

Mark Lomas 19 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I compared your price and cover with other providers. Your product has been easy to understand and has no hidden bolt on essentials!

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.