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

Stuart Davies 17 Jul 2026

55 star rating

Used your company for my last 3 vehicles, very easy to arrange. Luckily have not needed to make any claims so can't comment on the claim process and hope I never will.

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.

Mark Tait 23 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Used Direct Gap for years. Friendly, efficient service , great prices and fantastic customer service.

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.

Edit Hamblett 12 May 2026

55 star rating

Very fast and reliable each time i have purchased a new car i have used Direct Gap as i find the whole process easy

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

Paul Chattenton 24 Oct 2025

55 star rating

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

Marcin Dlugoszek 18 Jul 2026

55 star rating

Simple, straight forward purchase process. Our 3rd policy 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

Kirstie Skinner 17 Dec 2025

55 star rating

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

Michael Dietz 13 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Have used on a previous vehicle, policy gives a great peace of mind.

Alpesh Patel 23 Oct 2025

55 star rating

Great service this would be the 5th time now

Barry Edwards 17 Jun 2026

55 star rating

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

Craig Richards 7 Nov 2025

55 star rating

Existing customer, easy to use portal, and helpful staff

Stephen Collins 18 Jul 2025

55 star rating

Dealt with Company for 20 years always excellent.

Lee Haworth 28 Sep 2025

55 star rating

Excellent. Easy to buy. Much cheaper than dealership GAP

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…

LISA MURPHY 21 Feb 2020

55 star rating

Nice simple clear site to use. Let's hope we never have to use the policy but peace of mind that the company is so well rated

Anca Riglea 25 Aug 2022

55 star rating

Super easy to follow the website and purchase the insurance. Comparing to others, Direct Gap is so so affordable Amazing customer service

Jane Shelton 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Most competitive and easy to review what was included in policy with free address / reg no amendments and free credit card payment.

jonathan dingley 18 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Product that fitted my needs at the best price

Catherine Owen 4 Jun 2018

55 star rating

Website really easy to use and very reasonable prices. The dealer was wanting over £200 more!

Carolyn Reynolds 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

To find a more competitive quote than that offered by car dealer. Received comprehensive and reassuring advice from you as well as a very friendly and personal service. Will defini…

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.