GAP Insurance

What is GAP Insurance?

Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance is also known as GAPS and was established in North American financial industry. GAP insurance is the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the balance still owed on the financing (car loan, lease, etc.). GAP coverage is mainly used on new and used small vehicles (cars and trucks) and heavy trucks. Some financing companies and lease contracts require it.

What is gap insurance and what does it cover?

Gap insurance is an optional, add-on car insurance coverage that can help certain drivers cover the “gap” between the amount they owe on their car and the car's actual cash value (ACV) in the event of an accident.

Is Gap Insurance Worth the money?

If your down payment was less than 20%, you may owe more than your car isworth. If your car is totaled or stolen, gap insurance can help you pay off the balance of the loan. If you rolled a loan balance from another car into the loan, gap insurance can prove beneficial in the event of a total loss.

What is gap health insurance and what does it cover?

You then set up a gap plan to cover medical expenses from whatever deductible you pick up to that $5,000 major medical deductible. In terms of Obamacare, we're simply moving your health insurance plan from a gold plan to a bronze plan, and using the gap plan to cover the difference (the gap) in benefits.

How Does Gap Insurance work if your car is totaled?

You file a collision claim with your insurer and find out that the actual cash value ofyour vehicle is only $19,200. This means after your $500 deductible is taken out,your car insurance company will pay out $18,700 to your lienholder. You still owe $23,500 on the car, so you're left with a “gap” of $4,800.

How much is gap insurance per month?

Alternatively, you can purchase gap insurance at your dealership, though this is likely to cost you significantly more. Many dealerships sell gap insurance coverage for an average of $500 to $1,000, and they often require a large payment upfront.

Can you remove gap insurance?

Answer: Yes, usually you can cancel gap insurance if you determine that you no longer need it. Gap insurance policies, terms and fees vary. To find out about how to cancel your existing gap insurance policy, you'll need to read through the contract you have with your gap insurance provider.

Do you get money back from gap insurance?

When you pay your GAP insurance premium in advance, you are entitled to arefund of the unused portion if you pay off your vehicle early. If you pay your GAPcoverage in monthly installments, you are not entitled to a refund of any used premiums. You may receive a small refund if you cancel early in the month.

Do I have to buy gap insurance?

However, if you total your car and the car's actual cash value is lower than the amount you owe on your loan balance or lease, that difference, or "gap," is not covered by insurance.

Who offer gap insurance?

Allstate, Nationwide, Esurance and USAA all sell gap insurance. Progressive has a similar policy, called loan/lease payoff coverage, which is slightly different from gap insurance because a maximum payout of 25 percent of your vehicle's actual cash value is stipulated in your policy.