How does GAP Insurance work

gap insurance

If your insured vehicle is damaged or stolen in an accident and is not recovered, your auto insurance may provide you with a settlement based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle, not the amount you paid. Because cars depreciate quickly, your payment may still not meet your debt for your car loan or rental.

It can leave you without a car and a big bill to pay. Nationwide's gap coverage can help prevent this unfortunate scenario.

What is gap insurance

Gap Insurance is optional, supplemental auto insurance coverage that can help some drivers fill the "gap" between the amount they owe their car in the event of an accident and the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV). The real monetary value of a car is not the original price of the car, but its monetary value at the time of the accident.

Gap coverage adds more protection to your auto insurance policy

Gap coverage is an optional car insurance that can be added to your collision insurance policy.You can pay the difference between the balance due from a car loan or rental and the amount your insurance company pays if the car is considered a total loss. Without adequate collateral, the difference between what you pay and what you owe can be substantial.

Actual cash value determines the amount of your policy

car. ACV is equal to the cost of the car when it was new, deducting depreciation for age, mileage, physical condition, and other factors.

After just a year, the HCV in your car could be several thousand dollars less than you paid, leaving you with an expensive loan or rent balance. Nationwide's gap insurance may cover some or all of this amount. This coverage is available in select states for vehicles that are 6 years old or younger.

Let's say your car costs $35,000 when it's new and you currently owe $30,000. If the car was pert, the vehicle's ZMA could only be $25,000. It has a $500 exemption, meaning car accident compensation is $24,500. Your gap insurance coverage may pay off the remaining $5,500 of the loan instead of depositing the money yourself.

Your lender may require express insurance

If you financed your car with an auto loan, your lender may require liability insurance in addition to your accident and comprehensive coverage. If you rent your car, rent difference insurance may already be included in the cost. Check your coverage documentation to be sure.

What does vacancy insurance cover

The basic concept behind gap insurance is easy to understand, but what exactly does it cover? Gap insurance coverage is pretty versatile, but remember that it only covers damage to your vehicle, not other property damage or bodily injury from an accident. Here are some frequently asked questions about gap insurance coverage.

Does Gap insurance cover theft

Yes, gap insurance can cover theft if your car is stolen and you can't get it back.

Does vacancy insurance cover deductible costs

No. Even in the event of an accident covered by your gap insurance, you will still have to pay your exemption. In other words, if your "gap" refund amount is $4,000 and your deductible is $500, your total refund amount will be $3,500.

Does gap insurance cover engine failure

No. Gap insurance is only used in case of complete damage after a covered accident, not for mechanical repairs.

Does gap insurance cover death

No. Void insurance only applies to vehicle losses and does not cover bodily injury, medical expenses, lost wages or funeral expenses.

Does gap insurance cover negative net worth

Yes, negative equity is another term that refers to the difference between your auto loan debt and the car's true value.

Gap Insurance Example

Let's say you're involved in an insured accident and you're not at fault. Your car has been damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced. You still owe $15,000 on your car loan, but the HCV in your car is only $11,000 (sometimes called "underwater" or "underwater").

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How does GAP Insurance work