What is Gap Insurance?
This add-on coverage may protect you if you still owe on your car.
Gap insurance covers the difference between what your insurer pays for your totaled vehicle and what you still owe. For example, if you get into a wreck and the repairs to your vehicle would cost more than its value, your car insurance covers your totaled vehicle’s actual, depreciated value—essentially what a comparable make and model would sell for on the used-car market. Unfortunately, your compensation may fall short of the amount you owe on your auto loan or lease, leaving you with no wheels and a giant bill to pay. The good news: gap insurance can help.
How does gap insurance work?
Suppose you finance a sweet new sedan for $30,000, and a year later you total it. Your car insurance covers the car’s depreciated value of $22,000, but you still owe $25,000 on the loan. That leaves a $3,000 gap between what your auto policy pays and what you owe your lender. Gap insurance covers the $3,000 difference so you don’t have to write a big check.
What does gap insurance cover?
Gap insurance only applies to vehicles covered by both comprehensive insurance and liability insurance.
Gap insurance generally kicks in when the total losses to your car are due to:
- a collision or crash
- theft or vandalism
- natural disaster: fire, flood, tornado, hurricane
Common exclusions include:
- parts that were added to the vehicle post-factory overdue
- auto lease or loan payments
- costs for extended warranties
- any amounts your auto insurer deducts for wear and tear, towing, or existing damage (prior to the incident)
Is gap insurance worth it?
The cost of gap insurance is usually about 5 percent of your annual car insurance premium. Is gap insurance worth it? Well, it depends. You should consider buying gap insurance if:
You’re “under water”
Gap insurance makes sense when you owe more on your auto loan or lease than your vehicle is worth.
You own a popular set of wheels
Do car thieves favor your make and model? Gap insurance extends your comprehensive auto insurance to cover the amount between the car’s actual value and the loan amount.
You can’t bridge the gap
If you know you’re unable to pay the difference between your vehicle’s value and the outstanding balance on your auto loan out of pocket, gap insurance protects you.
If you have a long commute, your car’s higher-than-average mileage may cause its value to plummet. If you made a small—or no—down payment, you may also owe more than your car’s value. Check a respected industry guide, such as Kelley Blue Book, to determine your ride’s current value.
Why should I choose AAA Gap Insurance?
AAA offers optional gap insurance that you can trust at affordable rates. AAA vehicle loan (or lease) protection policy pays the difference between your remaining balance and your car’s actual value or your auto insurer’s coverage limit. AAA Gap Insurance coverage gets you back on the road quickly, without financial hardship and without affecting your credit rating. As a AAA Member, you also get great perks, including free towing services and discounted travel packages.
Contact an Insurance Agent
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