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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Aug 20, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on GAP insurance costs. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much is GAP insurance?” or sought information about the factors that influence its pricing, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects that determine GAP insurance expenses, such as driving history, vehicle type, and financial payment plans.
- GAP insurance is an alternative and supplemental form of auto insurance
- You may purchase GAP insurance through your insurance policy, car dealership, or select financial institutions
- The average annual costs of GAP insurance range from as low as $20 to as high as $1,000
We’ll also discuss the various sources through which you can obtain GAP insurance and their associated costs. To ensure you find the most competitive rates and secure the ideal coverage, we invite you to enter your ZIP code and compare quotes from the top insurance providers in your area. Take the first step towards financial protection and make an informed decision today.
How much does GAP insurance cost?
Like other forms of auto insurance, the cost of GAP insurance will depend on your driving history and who you are as a driver. Your GAP insurance payments will also depend on vehicle type and your financial payment plan.
For example, if you lease a car, your leasing company may already include GAP insurance costs in your lease payment. However, the best payment indicator is the company you choose to purchase GAP insurance and what type of company it is.
What companies offer GAP insurance?
You may purchase GAP insurance through auto insurance companies, car dealerships, and financial institutions that allow consumers to take out auto loans. Generally, buying GAP insurance through your car insurance company is the cheapest option out of the three.
If you purchase GAP insurance coverage from your current insurer, you’ll likely only see a small increase in your monthly rates. How much does GAP insurance cost by insurance companies? Most insurance companies do provide some form of this coverage. Scroll down to see how GAP insurance work with some of the best insurance companies.
Allstate
Allstate is one of the many major auto insurance companies that offer GAP insurance. If your auto insurance company is Allstate, their GAP coverage plan will cover the money you owe for a vehicle loan. However, depending on your policy, there may be a cap on how much Allstate will cover.
The average annual rates for GAP insurance by Allstate are about $40 a year.
Nationwide
Nationwide also offers a GAP insurance coverage plan. Like other insurers, Nationwide will require you to pay a deductible if you file a claim with your GAP insurance. While the company does not provide specifics on GAP insurance averages and rates, most car insurance companies offer rates between $20 to $40 a year.
State Farm
State Farm operates slightly differently compared to other auto insurance companies. State Farm GAP insurance goes by the name Payoff Protector. Even if your insurance is not through State Farm, you may use Payoff Protector as a GAP insurance plan.
However, State Farm’s version of GAP insurance will only accept drivers who have auto loans through State Farm-approving banks and credit unions. Once State Farm approves your lender, it will inform you of your GAP insurance rates.
Like Nationwide, sample State Farm GAP insurance rates are unavailable online. Instead, you must contact State Farm and ask for your unique rates.
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How much does GAP insurance cost through car dealerships?
GAP insurance obtained from a car dealership is often the most expensive. Generally, GAP insurance supplied by a car dealership costs between $500 and $1,000 a year.
Most car dealerships also require you to pay a starting fee, which may cost several hundred dollars. Additionally, a car dealership’s GAP insurance can increase your loan’s interest rates if it includes GAP insurance costs. Therefore, not only will you pay the interest on your loan, but you will also pay for interest rates associated with your GAP insurance.
Sometimes, refunds may be available under certain conditions with GAP insurance bought from insurance companies. BUt there are no refunds associated with GAP insurance from car dealerships. For example, no Honda GAP insurance refund exists.
How much does GAP insurance cost by financial institution?
Although less expensive than going through a car dealership, GAP insurance obtained through credit unions or banks is still more costly than policies offered by auto insurance companies. Usually, financial institutions offer annual rates between $700 and $800. On top of being more expensive than GAP insurance from an insurance company, the interest rule applies to loans from financial institutions the same as it does to car dealership loans.
GAP Insurance Breakdown and How GAP Insurance Works
GAP insurance is different from standard car insurance. Usually, drivers purchase GAP policies alongside their typical insurance policies when they are still paying off a car.
The “GAP” acronym stands for guaranteed auto protection. As the name implies, GAP insurance will protect you in the event of severe damage or loss of a vehicle that you have not completely paid off. For example, suppose you total your car. In that case, GAP insurance will help pay for the differentiation — or “gap” — between the monetary value of your vehicle and the amount of money you still owe on its financing or lease.
If you are considering buying GAP insurance, consider the following scenarios. This coverage may be recommended for you if:
- You pay for your vehicle through a lease.
- Your down payment was less than 20% of the vehicle.
- You have negative equity from previous loans.
- Your finance plan requires you to make payments for several years.
- You put a lot of miles on your vehicle.
- Your vehicle loses value rapidly.
If you borrow money from an institution to pay for your vehicle and do not have GAP insurance, you will have to continue making loan payments out of pocket if your car is no longer driveable. Simply put, without GAP insurance in this scenario, you would have to pay for a vehicle you no longer use.
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Deciding if GAP Insurance Is Right for You
GAP insurance payments average anywhere from a few dollars a month to several hundred. It all depends on your situation.
The only way to decide if GAP insurance is right for you is by reviewing your financial payment plans and your unique circumstances. In most cases, GAP insurance is worth the costs if you lease a car, have an auto loan, or make a low down payment on your vehicle.
Case Studies: Understanding the Cost of GAP Insurance
Case Study 1: John’s New Car Purchase
John recently purchased a brand-new car worth $30,000, financing it with a loan amount of $25,000. He opted to add GAP insurance to his auto insurance policy. John’s insurance provider offered him GAP coverage at a rate of $400 for a three-year term.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Leased Vehicle
Sarah decided to lease a new vehicle valued at $35,000. The leasing company required her to carry GAP insurance throughout the lease term. Sarah’s insurance company quoted her a rate of $600 for the duration of the lease, which was for a period of two years.
Case Study 3: Mike’s Used Car Purchase
Mike purchased a used car for $15,000, financing it with a loan amount of $12,000. He wanted to protect his investment and avoid potential financial loss, so he opted for GAP insurance. Mike’s insurance provider offered him GAP coverage at a rate of $300 for a two-year term.
Case Study 4: Emily’s Luxury Vehicle
Emily bought a luxury vehicle valued at $80,000, financing it with a loan amount of $70,000. Due to the high value of her vehicle, the insurance company quoted her a higher rate for GAP insurance. Emily paid $1,200 for GAP coverage, which was valid for four years.
Investigating GAP Insurance Claims Procedure
Ease of Filing a Claim
Filing a claim with GAP Insurance has become more accessible than ever, thanks to multiple channels available to policyholders. Whether you prefer the convenience of online submission, a quick phone call, or the ease of using a mobile app, insurance companies strive to make the process as user-friendly as possible.
This flexibility in filing a claim ensures that policyholders can choose the method that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
Average Claim Processing Time
When it comes to filing a claim, one of the most critical factors policyholders consider is the speed at which their claim will be processed and resolved. The average claim processing time serves as a key performance indicator for an insurance provider’s claims department.
Timely and efficient claims processing not only reflects positively on the insurer but also significantly impacts a policyholder’s satisfaction with their overall insurance experience.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
To gain insights into the effectiveness of GAP Insurance’s claims department, customer feedback plays a pivotal role. Hearing from policyholders about their experiences with claim resolutions and payouts provides valuable information about the insurer’s ability to meet its obligations promptly and fairly.
Positive feedback in this regard serves as a strong testament to the reliability and trustworthiness of the insurance provider.
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GAP Insurance Visionary Digital and Technological Features
Mobile App Features and Functionality
In today’s digital age, many insurance companies offer mobile apps designed to enhance the overall customer experience. These mobile applications often come equipped with a range of features and functionality, including policy management, claims reporting, and the convenience of having digital insurance ID cards readily accessible.
Assessing the features and user-friendliness of these mobile apps allows policyholders to gauge the convenience and accessibility of their insurance services.
Online Account Management Capabilities
Online account management has become a cornerstone of modern insurance. Policyholders increasingly expect the ability to access their insurance policies, make payments, and review essential documents through a secure online portal.
Evaluating the capabilities and user-friendliness of an insurance company’s online account management system is essential for policyholders who prefer digital interactions for managing their coverage.
Digital Tools and Resources
GAP Insurance offers a variety of digital tools and resources to empower policyholders with knowledge and assistance in understanding their coverage. These digital resources may include helpful calculators, educational materials, and resources for estimating insurance needs accurately.
Access to such valuable digital tools can contribute significantly to a transparent and supportive insurance experience, helping policyholders make well-informed decisions about their coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GAP insurance?
GAP insurance is an optional type of insurance that covers the difference between the amount you owe on a car loan or lease and the actual cash value of your car, in the event your car is totaled or stolen and not recovered.
How much does GAP insurance cost?
The cost of GAP insurance varies depending on the insurer and the car you own. Generally, the cost is between 5% and 6% of your car’s comprehensive and collision insurance premiums. So if your annual comprehensive and collision insurance premium is $1,000, then the cost of GAP insurance would be around $50-$60 per year.
Can you purchase GAP insurance separately from car insurance?
Yes, you can purchase GAP insurance separately from your car insurance. Some car dealerships offer GAP insurance as part of their finance and lease packages, but you can also purchase it from a separate insurance provider.
Is GAP insurance worth it?
It depends on your individual situation. If you owe more on your car than it is worth or if you have a lease, then GAP insurance can be a good investment. In the event of an accident, it can help protect you from having to pay out of pocket for the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth.
When should you purchase GAP insurance?
If you are financing or leasing a car, it’s a good idea to purchase GAP insurance when you sign the loan or lease agreement. Some insurance companies may offer GAP insurance for a limited time after purchasing a car, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Can I add GAP insurance to my existing car insurance policy?
It depends on your insurance company and policy. Some insurance companies allow you to add GAP insurance as an endorsement or rider to your existing policy, while others may require you to purchase it separately.
How long does GAP insurance coverage last?
GAP insurance coverage typically lasts for the duration of your car loan. Once the loan is paid off, the coverage is no longer necessary or applicable.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.