What is Gap Insurance?

October 17, 2023||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, gap insurance, personal insurance

How gap insurance works

When you buy or lease a new car or truck, the vehicle starts to depreciate in value the moment it leaves the car lot. In fact, most cars lose 20 percent of their value within a year. Standard auto insurance policies cover the depreciated value of a car—in other words, a standard policy pays the current market value of the vehicle at the time of a claim.

What is Gap Insurance?
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

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

Read Other Blog Posts

Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Read more
Ashley Pu Calderon and Wayne Texeira

Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey
Read more
College Students 1200

Headed to College? Don’t Forget About Insurance

Whether it’s freshman year or senior year, sending a student off to college is a big deal. Between class schedules, dorm shopping, moving day, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, there’s a lot going on. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook things like insurance. But here’s the thing: insurance should definitely be on your college checklist, because being covered can save you time, money, and major stress down the road.
Read more
Kitchen

Smoke Detector Maintenance: Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Smoke detectors are one of the most vital tools for protecting your home and family, but they only work if they’re properly maintained. In this post, we’ll cover how to choose the right smoke detectors, where to place them, and how to keep them in working condition through regular testing and battery replacement. A few simple steps can make all the difference in a fire emergency.
Read more
Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Read more
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Read more
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money on Your Automobile Insurance

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Read more
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Read more
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.