What is Gap Insurance?

If, when you finance the purchase of a new car and put down only a small deposit, in the early years of the vehicle’s ownership, the amount of the loan may exceed the market value of the vehicle itself.

In the event of an accident in which you’ve badly damaged or totaled your car, gap insurance covers the difference between what a vehicle is currently worth (which your standard insurance will pay) and the amount you actually owe on it.

When You Might Need Gap Insurance

• It’s a good idea to consider buying gap insurance for your new car or truck purchase if you:
• Made less than a 20 percent down payment
• Financed for 60 months or longer
• Leased the vehicle (carrying gap insurance is generally required for a lease)
• Purchased a vehicle that depreciates faster than the average
• Rolled over negative equity from an old car loan into a new loan

Where You Can Get Gap Insurance

Your car dealer may offer to sell you gap insurance on your new vehicle. However, most car insurers also offer it, and they typically charge less than the dealer. Most auto insurance policies, including gap insurance with collision and comprehensive coverage, add only about $20 a year to the annual premium.

Source: Insurance Information Institute