What Is Gap Insurance for Cars, and Do You Need It?

Gap insurance kicks in if you total your car or someone steals it — covering the difference between your insurance payout and what’s left on your loan or lease.

Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

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Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

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David Marlett
Reviewed byDavid Marlett
David Marlett
David MarlettAdvisor

David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.

He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.

David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.

Updated

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Gap insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, is a type of optional coverage that helps cover the cost of paying off your loan or lease if you total your car or someone steals it. Most insurers only pay out your car’s depreciated value, which isn’t always enough to cover a loan payoff. Without gap insurance, you’ll be on the hook to cover any differences out of pocket. 

You can buy gap coverage from your lender, a dealership, or through your insurance company. If you add it to your policy, you may have a small increase in your rate. For example, the national average cost of a full-coverage policy is $180 per month. Adding gap coverage typically costs an additional $20 per year.​​[1] Shopping around can help you find the best rate. 

Here’s a closer look at gap insurance and how it works.

What gap insurance covers

If you total your car in an accident or someone steals it, a standard insurance policy only covers the car’s actual cash value after any deductible. Gap insurance, on the other hand, covers the difference between what your insurer pays and what you owe on the car.

But gap insurance doesn’t cover additional charges, such as excessive lease miles or finance charges on a loan. Gap insurance also doesn’t cover property, personal injuries, or any issues with the car unrelated to an accident or theft.

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How long gap insurance lasts

Gap insurance lasts for the entirety of your policy. But you can cancel it once your loan balance is less than the car’s value. Most people need gap insurance for the first couple of years they own or lease a vehicle but then remove the coverage from their policy to lower their premiums.

How much gap insurance costs

The cost of gap insurance depends on where you buy coverage. You can buy a policy from your auto loan company or existing car insurance company. Although not common, you may also be able to buy stand-alone gap coverage.

Here are estimated costs from various gap insurance sources:

  • Auto loan company: Purchasing gap coverage from a lender typically costs $500–$700. Sometimes, your auto lender may offer gap insurance as “loan forgiveness” coverage.

  • Your current auto insurer: Gap insurance costs around $20 per year for coverage when buying a policy for a new car.

  • Stand-alone policy: If your insurer doesn’t offer gap coverage, you may be able to buy a separate policy for a one-time fee. Coverage usually costs around $200–$300.

When you may need to buy gap insurance

No states legally require gap insurance, and not everyone needs to purchase it. But you may decide you want the additional coverage. Certain situations that warrant considering gap insurance include the examples below.

If you have a car loan

Lenders may require that you have gap insurance if you take out a long-term car loan of five years or longer, according to the Insurance Information Institute. When you have a longer-term loan, you pay more interest up front, which means you have a higher risk of owing more than the car’s value.

In addition, gap insurance ensures that you’ll be able to pay back your loan if you total your vehicle or someone steals it.

If you lease your car

Leasing companies typically require gap insurance to protect their investment in the car. The company leasing your vehicle often builds gap insurance into the leasing agreement or as part of the contract.

Monthly payments for a leased vehicle tend to be lower than typical auto loan payments, which increases the gap between the vehicle’s actual value and the amount you still owe. Gap insurance protects you, and the company you leased your car from, in the event of total loss. 

If you have a high-value vehicle that depreciates quickly

Luxury vehicles depreciate faster than regular vehicles, which may lead you to be upside-down on your loan almost as soon as you drive it off the lot. Unless you make a sizable down payment on the car, your lender might require gap coverage to protect the loan collateral.

If you drive a lot

If you drive more than average — more than 14,000 miles per year — your car will depreciate faster than average. This can leave you upside-down on your loan much faster and longer, making gap insurance worth it.[2]

When You Don’t Need to Buy Gap Insurance

You don’t need gap insurance if you own your vehicle outright. Since you don’t have a car loan to pay off, there’s no gap for the car insurance policy to cover.

Where to buy gap insurance

You can purchase gap insurance from almost any auto insurance company, car dealer, or lender. But purchasing gap coverage from your auto insurer is typically more cost-effective than buying it from a car dealership.

Most car insurance companies offer gap insurance, but here are five known for providing the best quality gap insurance:

Travelers

Travelers logo
User Reviews
4.7
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.5 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$99/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$186/mo
4.7
Best choiceBased on 944 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Travelers

Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
How drivers feel about Travelers

Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
Reviews (483)
Alan
Verified Review
Don't insure with Travelers!
Reviewed in Kansas on October 2025
Travelers increased my homeowner's premium by $1,800 over a 2-year period and doubled the deductible for wind/hail coverage, even though no claims were ever made or paid with Travelers.
Karen
Verified Review
Undisclosed Price Increase
Reviewed in Wisconsin on October 2025
I just received an email saying they were raising my coverage for 6 months by $445. It just said changes were made, with no new policy or pricing details attached. They plan to take the money out of my account over a month in advance. That is very poor customer communication. I am shopping for new car insurance and not paying for a price increase without a reason why.
Anna
Verified Review
Traveler’s is great!
Reviewed in Texas on October 2025
The agent makes a big difference. I’m happy with mine.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
616
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Travelers offers loan/lease gap coverage for original owners of a financed or leased vehicle who purchased the car from a new car dealer.

Pros
  • Accident forgiveness available

  • Offers discount for hybrid and electric cars

  • A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons
  • Rideshare coverage not available in all states

  • High number of negative customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau

  • Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Nationwide

Nationwide logo
User Reviews
4.3
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$95/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$179/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 880 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (493)
Lindsay
Verified Review
Meh
Reviewed in New York on October 2025
I dislike Nationwide. I dislike the late fee and the cost. It's just unfair to have it up to $300 with discounts, and I am barely getting by in life. If I could switch, I would. I don't know why, but since I have been with you guys for 4 years, I can't get a decent quote anywhere.
Camilla
Verified Review
The coverage is good, but the rates are too high
Reviewed in Maryland on September 2025
Their rates are too high and fluctuate at any given time without notice. I've been with them for 19 years, but I can no longer afford their rates.
Connie
Verified Review
Shingle Replacement
Reviewed in Ohio on September 2025
Poor decision-making on product availability for roof shingle replacement. Contractor vs. Nationwide issue.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Nationwide allows customers to purchase gap coverage as an add-on to a new or existing full-coverage policy.

Pros
  • Offers 24/7 roadside assistance coverage add-on

  • SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • Below-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power

  • Some discounts and programs not available in all states

  • Not available in every state

Progressive

Progressive logo
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.7 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$101/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$176/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,201)
James
Verified Review
OK and a bit cheaper than others
Reviewed in Washington on October 2025
No claims yet.
Jacky
Verified Review
Rate Increases
Reviewed in California on October 2025
My monthly rate keeps going up, never down.
Cookie
Verified Review
Raise your premiums and you lose valued customers!!
Reviewed in Connecticut on October 2025
Progressive is one of the higher-priced insurance companies, and they don't offer valued customers any discounted loyalty options. In fact, they increase your premium over time. I'm 61 years old with no violations, no DUIs, no accidents, and before my current policy expired, I contacted them to see if they could give me a better rate. NOPE! In fact, my premium increased, which is why I've been shopping for an alternative insurance company before my next payment is due. Would I suggest Progressive to family, friends, or others? Only if they want to pay more than they should for coverage. I believe they are running close to GEICO for insurance premiums. GEICO has taken first on that. So, Progressive isn't where I plan to stay in the future.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Progressive offers loan/lease payoff coverage, which is similar to gap coverage. But the company limits payouts to 25% of the vehicle’s value in most states, so calculate your car’s gap coverage needs first.

Pros
  • Rewards for good drivers

  • Numerous coverage options and discounts available

  • Optional coverage for pet injuries

Cons
  • Much lower-than-average overall customer satisfaction ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

  • Trustpilot rating of 1.1 stars (out of 5) from more than 1,000 reviews

  • Rates trend higher than rates from many competitors

Allstate

Allstate logo
User Reviews
3.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.9 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$73/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$137/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 7,208 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate

Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Allstate

Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
Reviews (3,769)
Stephen
Verified Review
Good to bad
Reviewed in Texas on October 2025
They started out very affordable, but now they are very expensive.
Jerry
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in Illinois on October 2025
After a few months, they raise your rates over 30% even when you don’t file a claim.
John
Verified Review
You Asked
Reviewed in Illinois on October 2025
Seems expensive, but the service and coverage are very good. You get what you pay for.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
636
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.02
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Why we picked this company

Allstate is another good option for gap coverage, but you can’t add it to a vehicle you already own. Allstate only offers gap insurance when added to a finance agreement when you purchase a vehicle. You can use Allstate’s gap coverage to pay your deductible, too — up to $1,000.

Pros
  • Ample opportunities for bundling discount

  • Offers a pay-per-mile option

  • A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons
  • Low customer satisfaction

  • Rates are merely average compared to other insurers

  • Below-average rank for customer satisfaction in many regions, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study

The Hartford

The Hartford logo
User Reviews
4.2
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$167/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$244/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 1,555 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about The Hartford

Drivers appreciate the prompt customer service and reliable coverage but are frustrated by the significant annual price increases and limited policy options.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Senior drivers
Bundling discounts
Customer service
How drivers feel about The Hartford

Drivers appreciate the prompt customer service and reliable coverage but are frustrated by the significant annual price increases and limited policy options.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Senior drivers
Bundling discounts
Customer service
Reviews (829)
Donna
Verified Review
Great customer service
Reviewed in Michigan on October 2025
Quick responses, great customer service, every department is very friendly and knowledgeable.
Gloria
Verified Review
No agents, just customer service people. I tried to talk to an agent to go over what is best for me.
Reviewed in Indiana on October 2025
Customer service for changing coverage is not very good. I called twice and talked to two different people. Neither one could give me all the answers to my questions. I called a third time and got a nice lady who addressed all my questions. She took the time to check both my car and home premiums and adjusted my discounts. However, my car rates are still higher than they should be.
Mitzi
Verified Review
The Hartford Insurance Story
Reviewed in Texas on September 2025
I really would not encourage anyone to use The Hartford Insurance. They quoted me a good price, and I have never seen it that low. I joined in 2023, and they told me the price was high because I needed to use the app that would track my driving ability. They said in 90 days it would come down. Well, it keeps saying 26% discount and so on, but it only went down to $141.00 a month and then went back up to $160.00, the original price. They did not tell me that to receive discounts, I needed to maintain membership with AARP. I had no knowledge it had gone back up until one month I checked my bills and saw it was up to $161.00. I called, and that is when they informed me about the membership for AARP. I renewed in July, and they had not made any corrections or changes until this month when I had to call again to question why the amount was still the same. They said they did not show that I renewed membership. I have a 2007 Honda Civic, and I asked for full coverage, but my price is, to me, an amount I could pay for a newer car. So that is what's going on with me in my world. I am also a senior, 80 years old, and there are no discounts for that either. I am just saying. You asked, so here it is.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
642
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.52
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Why we picked this company

The Hartford can be a good option if you buy gap insurance within the first 30 days of buying the car. It offers affordable coverage and even further discounts for AARP members.

Pros
  • Savings for AARP members

  • Above-average customer satisfaction

  • Available in all states and D.C.

Cons
  • Available only for AARP members

  • No accident forgiveness coverage

  • Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Gap insurance alternatives

A few alternatives to gap coverage exist and may make more sense depending on your insurance needs.

  • New car replacement coverage gives you money for a brand-new car of the same make and model, minus your deductible. But only cars of a certain age or mileage qualify.

  • Better car replacement coverage gives you enough money to purchase a car that’s one year newer and has at least 15,000 fewer miles than your current vehicle.

  • Loan/lease payoff coverage typically pays up to 25% beyond your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) if someone steals your car or you total it in an accident. The vehicle must be considered a total loss.

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How to save money on car insurance

The cost of gap insurance is typically minimal, so adding it to your insurance policy won’t affect your rate by much. But using strategies to save on your premiums is always a good idea. Here are a few ways to find cheap auto insurance:[3]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/fa11c1fe75/comparison-website.svg

    Compare car insurance quotes

    Get multiple quotes online and compare your options. Look at the premiums, deductibles, and overall coverage.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/42a396bd18/credit-and-loan-96x96-green_033-discount.svg

    Increase your deductible

    The more responsibility you take for the cost of an accident or stolen vehicle, the lower your premiums will be. Don’t take on a deductible you can’t afford, but the higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/834da573df/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_023-driving-test.svg

    Practice safe driving

    Insurance premiums often stem from assessed risk levels. Drivers with a clean record pay less than drivers with a history of tickets and accidents.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/3b97fae014/money-96x96-blue_033-magnifying-glass.svg

    Look for discounts

    Every insurance company offers different discounts that provide ways to save on insurance. See what discounts you qualify for, such as bundling your car and homeowners insurance, taking a defensive driver course, or paying your annual or six-month premium in full.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/e80d4ae197/car-and-driving-96x96-gold_019-car.svg

    Drive an affordable vehicle

    Some cars are more expensive to insure because they cost more to repair or have higher rates of accidents or being stolen. Do your research, and drive a car that insurance companies don’t consider high-risk.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/95fa30ac35/insurify-icons-auto-orange-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Adjust your coverage levels

    Don’t simply take car insurance at face value. Instead, decide what types and levels of coverage you need. For example, if you drive an older car, you may choose not to carry comprehensive and collision coverage.

Gap insurance for cars FAQs

Gap insurance coverage isn’t always necessary. But if you’re still paying off your car or have a lease, your lender may require it. Gap insurance helps pay off your remaining loan balance in the event of a total loss, even if you have negative equity on a new vehicle. You may find this additional information helpful as you consider gap coverage.

  • What is gap insurance?

    Gap insurance bridges the gap between your outstanding loan or lease balance and your car’s current value. It only covers you if you total your car or someone steals it, helping you pay off your car loan or lease when you no longer have a car.

    Gap coverage typically only adds about $20 per year to your annual premium when purchased as an add-on to your existing policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

  • If you have full-coverage insurance, do you still need gap insurance?

    Full-coverage insurance doesn’t include gap insurance. If you total your car in an accident or someone steals it, full-coverage insurance only pays the actual cash value of your car. If you owe more than the car’s current value, you’d be on the hook to pay off the loan balance. Gap insurance closes that gap to help you pay off your car loan.

  • Can you buy gap insurance after you buy a car?

    Some insurance companies allow you to purchase gap insurance after you buy a car, but you may have a limited window of time to do so. It’s best to decide if you need gap insurance when you buy the car or shortly afterward.

  • Is gap insurance worth it?

    Gap insurance can be worth it if you buy a car that depreciates quickly, make a small down payment, or lease a car. If paying off a loan on a car you can no longer drive would strain your finances, the cost of gap insurance might provide peace of mind.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "What is gap insurance?."
  2. Kelley Blue Book. "Average Miles Driven Per Year: Why It Is Important."
  3. Insurance Information Institute (III). "How to save money on car insurance."
Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault

Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out how to manage their finances and credit. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. Her work has been featured on Credit Karma, Experian, LendingClub, Sound Dollar and USA Today Blueprint. She also writes for national insurers, banks and financial institutions like Aetna, MassMutual, Stripe, and UnitedHealthcare. 

Sarah has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

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David Marlett
Reviewed byDavid MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett
David MarlettAdvisor

David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.

He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.

David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.

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