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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

Alex Sissons 24 Oct 2024

55 star rating

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

Peter Egerton 1 Feb 2024

55 star rating

It’s so easy to set up and I’m confident in the policy that it covers all my costs.

Isabelle Salami 20 Apr 2024

55 star rating

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

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

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

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

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

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.

Rachael McCormack 28 Feb 2025

55 star rating

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

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.

David Pibworth 3 Feb 2024

55 star rating

Easy to complete and far cheaper than quoted by the main dealer

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.

Angela B 20 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Have used Direct Gap for a few years now. Always quick, easy and competitive.

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.

Nadiya Davies 23 Apr 2024

44 star rating

Hayley was brilliant over the phone!

Carolyn Lyle 16 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

Kerry Parry 1 Mar 2024

55 star rating

Easy process that is what you want, Diane was nice

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.

Ashley Mitchell 28 Apr 2017

55 star rating

Had another policy. Agreement was fantastic. Claimed on it. Very thorough claim advisor a back to the car insurance company. Highly recommended.

Mrs Marion Lambert 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

As well as a competitive price, your website and the terms and conditions were easy to use and understand.You also featured in a "Which?" guide to gap insurance.

Andy G 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Less expensive than Vauxhall and with an FSA registered insurer.

Clive Richardson 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Product highly recommended

Terence Mason 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Very simple to use

SYLVIA Langford 25 Mar 2021

55 star rating

I would like to say thank you to Paul, who talked me through which policies were available. I think I have chosen the right one for me. thank you

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.