What does gap insurance exclude?

Asked by: Ellie Gerhold  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (38 votes)

More specifically, GAP insurance will cover that difference in the case of a total loss and theft, but it will not cover deductible costs. In addition, it cannot be used to cover costs associated to vehicle repairs and bodily injuries as a result of an incident.

What is not covered by gap insurance?

There are a few reasons gap insurance won't pay: if the damage isn't a total loss, if the claim is over the limit or if the policy has lapsed for non-payment. It only pays the difference between what you owe and your total loss settlement.

What invalidates gap insurance?

If the motor insurer does not pay out then you cannot claim on the GAP. Examples of when your motor insurer may not pay out would include where you have been negligent in leaving the keys for vehicle unguarded. Other examples would include drink driving or using the vehicle for excluded uses like courier or taxi use.

What does gap insurance actually cover?

Gap insurance helps pay the difference between what's owed on a vehicle loan and the actual value of it, if it's stolen or a total loss. This difference is what's referred to as the "gap". In general, this "gap" occurs when you buy a new vehicle, the value (actual cash value) can start going down right away.

How does gap insurance work through a dealership?

When your loan amount is more than your vehicle is worth, gap insurance coverage pays the difference. For example, if you owe $25,000 on your loan and your car is only worth $20,000, your gap coverage covers the $5,000 gap, minus your deductible.

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What is the maximum amount gap insurance can cover?

Maximum GAP loss covered is $50,000. Does GAP pay if I am uninsured? If there is no primary insurance, GAP pays the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle, at the time of loss, and the outstanding balance of your loan. Most likely GAP would not pay off the loan balance in full in this situation.

Will gap insurance pay off my loan?

Keep in mind, gap coverage helps pay off your loan or lease on a totaled car — one that's no longer drivable. But it doesn't pay for a new car. For that, you'd need another optional coverage called replacement protection or new car replacement coverage.

Why would gap insurance not pay full amount?

GAP does not pay out if the insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss and you do not carry comprehensive and collision coverage. GAP does not include costs beyond the difference between your loan balance and the car's value. This means it does not cover missed loan payments or extra rental car costs.

How much will gap insurance pay?

Gap insurance usually covers the amount still owed on your loan or lease after your insurance pays your totaled vehicle's actual cash value. If your insurance covers $30,000 for your totaled vehicle, but you still owe $4,000 on the loan or lease afterward, gap insurance will cover the $4,000 remaining balance.

Why would gap insurance deny a claim?

Yes, gap insurance may deny a claim for several reasons. The most common reasons for claims denials include not having the proper documentation, not making the agreed loan payments, filing a claim for negative equity, normal maintenance or repairs, and getting into an accident where your car isn't totaled.

What cancels out gap insurance?

You can cancel gap insurance and request a refund if you sell or trade in your car, want to change insurance companies or no longer owe more on your loan than your car is worth.

Is gap insurance a bad idea?

In some situations, it doesn't make sense to get GAP insurance. For example, if you own a vehicle outright or owe less on it than its current cash value, GAP insurance won't do you much good. If you're buying a brand-new vehicle, consider getting GAP insurance. Most cars depreciate as soon as they leave the dealership.

Does gap insurance cover my down payment?

Gap insurance will only cover what is left on your loan after an insurance company pays out. In other words, no, it won't cover the down payment you made initially because it wasn't part of the loan amount.

Does gap insurance cover payments if you lose your job?

Well, quite frankly, a lot! And that causes a lot of confusion. Here are some of the things GAP insurance won't cover: Car payments if you lose your job or go on disability.

Can gap insurance deny claims for DUI?

Since a DUI accident is typically considered a preventable event, insurers may deny coverage for the amount still owed on the vehicle. It's always a good idea to check with your GAP insurance provider to understand their specific terms and exclusions regarding DUI-related incidents.

What gap insurance does not cover?

Gap insurance does not cover routine maintenance, a damaged car that is not declared a total loss, or missed car payments.

How much refund will I get from gap insurance?

You'll only receive a refund for the GAP insurance that you haven't used. For example, if you cancel your policy after three months of coverage, you'll only get a refund for the remaining nine months (if you paid for a year of coverage). The amount of your refund is based on how you pay your insurance bill.

What happens if you total a financed car with gap insurance?

GAP insurance will pay the difference between the ACV paid by your primary insurer and the remaining balance on your car loan. For example, if you owe $20,000 on your loan but your car's ACV is only $15,000, your primary insurance will cover the $15,000, and GAP insurance will cover the remaining $5,000.

Can you cash out your gap insurance?

Lump Sum Payment: By paying off the gap insurance refund policy in advance, you are then entitled to a refund on the unused portion. Monthly Payments: If you pay your premiums monthly, you won't be able to get a refund on any past months. However, you may get a small refund if you cancel early in the month.

Can gap funding be used for down payment?

Gap funding can cover a portion of your down payment, renovation costs, and other unexpected expenses. However, some hard money lenders may not allow the use of additional loans to cover certain costs.

Does gap insurance pay your deductible?

Does GAP pay my auto insurance deductible? GAP generally covers your auto insurance deductible up to $1,000.00. However, GAP does not reimburse your deductible in the event of a $0.00 GAP benefit. Please contact Protective at 800-432-4566 between the hours of 8AM-6PM Central Time for further questions.

What is the most gap insurance will pay?

Gap insurance pays the difference between the amount you owe for the vehicle and the actual value paid by the auto insurance company. Lease/loan coverage usually has a cap on the amount payable (about 25% of the vehicle's ACV) minus your deductible.

Does gap insurance automatically kick in?

Does gap insurance automatically kick in? No, gap insurance doesn't automatically activate. It comes into play when your vehicle is totaled or stolen and the payout from standard auto insurance doesn't cover the remaining loan balance.

What is considered a gap in coverage?

What is a “Short Gap” in Coverage? A “short gap” means you were uninsured for a period of less than three consecutive months during the year. Note that if you have coverage for even one day of a month, you're considered to have had coverage for that full month.