Gap Insurance through Dealership

Buying a vehicle through a dealership can be an exciting experience. You get to test drive multiple cars, negotiate prices, and finally drive off the lot with your new car. However, it’s important to consider protecting your investment with gap insurance.

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the “gap” between what you owe on your car and its actual cash value. In other words, if your car is totaled or stolen, your insurance company will only pay for the actual cash value of your car, which may be less than what you owe on it. Gap insurance covers the difference, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Why do I need gap insurance?

If you finance or lease a new car, you should consider gap insurance. Cars depreciate quickly, especially in the first few years of ownership. If you owe more on your car than it’s worth, you could be left paying thousands of dollars out of pocket if your car is totaled or stolen. Gap insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered.

Even if you have a large down payment or trade-in, you may still owe more on your car than it’s worth. Gap insurance is especially important if you have a high-interest rate, long loan term, or if you put very little down.

How do I get gap insurance?

You can purchase gap insurance through your car insurance company, but it’s often more expensive than getting it through your dealership. Dealerships offer gap insurance as an optional add-on when you finance or lease a car.

It’s important to note that you don’t have to get gap insurance through your dealership. You can shop around and compare prices from different insurance companies to find the best deal.

How much does gap insurance cost?

The cost of gap insurance varies depending on the dealership and the insurance company. The price can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. However, it’s typically cheaper to get gap insurance through your dealership than through your car insurance company.

The cost of gap insurance may also depend on your credit score, the type of car you’re buying, and the length of your loan term. It’s important to ask your dealership or insurance company for an itemized list of costs so you can compare prices and make an informed decision.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What does gap insurance cover?
Gap insurance covers the “gap” between what you owe on your car and its actual cash value. It covers the remaining balance on your car loan or lease if your car is totaled or stolen.
Do I need gap insurance if I have full coverage?
Full coverage insurance typically only covers the actual cash value of your car, not what you owe on it. If you owe more on your car than it’s worth, you should consider gap insurance.
Can I cancel gap insurance?
Yes, you can cancel gap insurance at any time. However, you may not be eligible for a refund if you cancel it after a certain period of time.
Is gap insurance required?
Gap insurance is not required by law, but it’s recommended if you finance or lease a car.
How long does gap insurance last?
Gap insurance typically lasts for the length of your car loan or lease.

Conclusion

Gap insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of a total loss or theft of your vehicle. While it’s not required by law, it’s recommended if you finance or lease a car. Shop around and compare prices from different insurance companies to find the best deal on gap insurance.

Remember, if you’re purchasing a car through a dealership, ask about their gap insurance options. While it may be more expensive than getting it through your car insurance company, it’s often more convenient and can be included in your financing or lease agreement.