Even the most cautious driver can get into an accident that causes financial hardship. Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage can provide drivers like you with peace of mind and financial security.
What is guaranteed asset protection (GAP)?
Guaranteed asset protection coverage has one purpose: to protect the investment you made in your vehicle in the worst-case scenario: if your car is declared a total loss or is stolen and your auto insurance settlement does not cover the cost to pay off your loan or lease.
Specifically, it is designed to cover the “gap” between the vehicle’s value and the amount you still owe on your loan or lease.
In these situations, GAP pays for the difference between the value of your car at the time of loss and the remaining loan or lease balance, subject to certain limitations and conditions(superscript)1
How GAP works
GAP protection is a cancellation or waiver of your remaining loan balance with your credit union, bank or finance company. GAP is in addition to any payout you receive from comprehensive or collision coverage through your auto insurance if your car is totaled or stolen. Some GAP products will also cover your insurance deductible.
An example of how GAP works
John has a car accident and his one-year-old financed vehicle is a total loss beyond repair. His loan balance is $15,000.
- His auto insurance company settlement, based on his vehicle’s market value at time of loss, is $11,000.
- His insurance deductible is $1,000.
- The total amount he would owe without GAP is $5,000.
- The total mount he owes with GAP: $0.
What GAP covers
Many new or used vehicles are often eligible for GAP, but GAP can cover more than just your car. It can also cover:
- Jet skis
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Snowmobiles
- ATVs
- Travel trailers
- Motorhomes/RVs
GAP does not cover:2
- Overdue lease/loan payments
- Costs for extended warranties, credit life insurance or other insurance purchased with the loan or lease
- Carry-over balances from previous loans or leases
- Lease penalties for high mileage or excessive use
How GAP works with depreciation
A new vehicle loses value the minute you drive it off the lot. By the end of the first year, a car loses an average value of 20%.3
Generally speaking, auto insurance pays only what a vehicle is determined to be worth at the time of loss. When you owe more on your loan or lease than the assessed value of the vehicle, GAP covers the difference.
When you really need GAP
If you buy a vehicle that depreciates quickly, you should consider GAP coverage.
GAP may also be worth considering if you:2
- You took out a car loan of five years or longer
- You financed most of the car and made a small down payment of less than 20%
How to get GAP
You can purchase a GAP waiver or insurance policy several different ways at the time you buy your vehicle, through a variety of different companies.
- At the dealership for a one-time, lump-sum cost, or rolled into your loan or lease payments
- Through your auto insurance company as part of your regular insurance payment
- At your bank, credit union or finance companies
- On a one-time basis through a company that only sells GAP (often online)
Incorporating GAP payments into your auto loan spreads your payments out over time rather than paying one lump sum. Remember that if you add the coverage to your loan, you’ll also be paying interest on it.
GAP protection is fully refundable within the first 60 days. Thereafter, it's dependent upon the terms of your contract or policy.
