Learn more about California's new minimum auto insurance requirements.
What Is Gap Insurance?
When you purchase a new vehicle, it's important to protect not only your new investment but also your wallet. If your new car is totaled due to an accident, you could be left to cover the difference between what your car is worth and what you have remaining on your auto loan. In these scenarios, gap insurance will protect you from having to pay the difference out of pocket. Gap insurance fills the "gap" between what your insurance pays off and what you still owe.
When Should I Purchase Gap Insurance?
Consider the following factors when deciding whether to add gap insurance to your auto policy.
Purchasing gap insurance is a wise decision if:
- You lease a vehicle (often required on most lease agreements).
- Your auto loan is for five years or longer.
- Your down payment was less than the traditional 20%.
- You drive more than 15,000 miles annually.
Conversely, gap insurance may not be as essential if:
- You purchase a used vehicle, especially one that is at least three years old.
- Your auto loan is for three years or less.
- You make a sizeable down payment.
A car loan is considered an "upside down" loan when you owe more on the loan than what your vehicle is actually worth. There are a variety of reasons why a loan can become upside down. For example, you may owe more than the value of your car because you have an extended warranty, or you put down zero dollars when buying or leasing the car.
When purchasing a new car from a dealership, the dealer will likely offer you gap insurance. However, purchasing gap insurance from a dealer isn't typically recommended. First, your gap insurance payments will likely be included in your loan payments, subjecting them to interest. Also, some dealers may have clauses in their contracts that will prevent you from canceling the coverage at a later date.
Gap insurance purchased through your current insurance provider is often cheaper than buying gap insurance with a dealership. A general rule of thumb is that gap insurance costs around 5-6% of what you pay for comprehensive and collision coverage. For example, if you have an annual collision/comprehensive premium of $1,000, gap insurance would cost around $50-$60 more, or about $5 a month.
Is Gap Insurance Right for You?
Our team can help answer questions about gap Insurance and whether it is a wise investment for you or not.
For over 55 years, AIS has been helping drivers obtain affordable auto insurance policies that suit their needs. We can assist you by comparing quotes from our network of trusted providers to get you the best combination of coverage and price.
For a free quote on auto insurance, gap insurance, or any other type of coverage, speak with an insurance specialist by calling (888) 772-4247.
Additional Auto Insurance Resources
Understanding the Auto Insurance Claim Process
You'll need to understand how to file a claim to receive your insurance benefits after a car accident.
How Does a Car Insurance Deductible Work?
When shopping for insurance, you’ve likely heard of a deductible, but what does it mean?
The Truth About 8 Common Auto Insurance Myths
Avoid potential mistakes by finding out the truth about common insurance myths.
Do I Really Need Rental Car Insurance?
Rental car insurance can be worth it for some, but depending on your policy, you may not need it.