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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

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

GEOFFREY HARDMAN 4 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Easy to set up, used this firm over many years

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

Isabelle Salami 20 Apr 2024

55 star rating

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

Ranjit Ghag 11 Dec 2023

55 star rating

I have previously used this service and find it amazing, competitive prices and cheaper than buying direct from dealers.

Angela B 20 Sep 2025

55 star rating

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

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

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.

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.

Michael Voyzey 4 Jan 2024

55 star rating

Really easy to purchase a Gap Insurance Policy this is my second one with Direct Gap

David Pibworth 3 Feb 2024

55 star rating

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

Katie Sharp 3 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Great support on the phone earlier :)

Julian Portman 26 Jan 2024

55 star rating

Very easy to arrange. Competitive price. Used with two previous cars.

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.

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

Leyon Joseph 14 Mar 2024

55 star rating

I have been in the unfortunately position to have to use this policy and can say they were very helpful through the whole process 5 stars

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

Penelope M 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Price was good for comparable cover with other sites. Your explanation of different types of cover was written in plainer english to understand!

Nic Rowland 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Peace of mind for the future

Karen Skuse 13 Apr 2018

55 star rating

The terms and cost of this policy are excellent. I've only just purchased it, so I can't make a comment about a claim. The peace of mind when buying a new car is worth every penny…

Janet Hale 14 Oct 2021

55 star rating

Excellent service, easy to use website, helpful customer support and a good price.

andy wales 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

The salesman was helpful, clear and thorough

John Robinson 10 Oct 2019

55 star rating

I have used direct gap before and have always been happy with them I have never had to make claim but it Gives me piece of mind to have this in place because on the roads these da…

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.