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Gap Insurance for used vehicles
Why Gap Insurance is Essential for Used Vehicle Owners
Purchasing a used vehicle can be a smart financial decision, offering significant savings compared to buying new. However, protecting your investment is crucial, and one of the best ways to do this is through Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance.
This specialised coverage is often overlooked but can be a lifesaver in the event of a total loss.
Here’s why Gap Insurance is essential for used vehicle owners and how it can provide peace of mind and financial security.
Understanding Gap Insurance
Combined Return to Invoice Gap Insurance covers the difference between the amount your motor insurer pays out after a total loss and the purchase value of your vehicle, or the outstanding balance on your finance agreement, including early settlement penalties.
In the unfortunate event your vehicle is stolen or involved in an accident that results in a total loss, your motor insurer will typically cover only the current market value of the vehicle on the date of the loss. This can be significantly less than what you paid for it, t the amount you still owe. This gap can leave you with a substantial financial burden, never mind the cost of finding a replacement vehicle.
Why Used Vehicles Need Gap Insurance
Why Used Vehicles Need Gap Insurance
Used vehicles, while more affordable, still represent a significant financial commitment. Here’s why Gap Insurance is particularly important for used vehicles:
- Depreciation: Used vehicles depreciate quickly, and their market value can drop significantly within a short period. Gap Insurance will ensure that you aren’t left with a large debt if your vehicle is written off.
- Loan-to-Value Ratio: Often, the loan amount on a used vehicle can be higher than its market value, especially if you financed the purchase with a small down payment. Gap Insurance covers the difference, protecting you from financial loss.
- Financial Stability: In the event of a total loss, the financial impact can be significant. Gap Insurance helps maintain your financial stability by covering the shortfall between your motor insurer payout and the purchase value of the vehicle or the remaining balance on your finance agreement, whichever is greater.
Benefits of Gap Insurance for Used Vehicles
- Comprehensive Financial Protection: Gap Insurance provides a safety net that can protect you from significant financial loss. This coverage helps to ensure you can replace your vehicle without incurring significant additional debt.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have comprehensive coverage allows you to enjoy your vehicle without the constant worry of potential financial setbacks.
- Enhanced Financial Security: In the event of a total loss, Gap Insurance helps you quickly get back on the road with minimal disruption to your finances.
Why Choose Click4Gap?
Experience with Used Vehicles: You’ll need a provider with a proven track record in covering used vehicles. Our experience will ensure an understanding of the unique risks and requirements of your vehicle.
Coverage Options: We offer flexible coverage options tailored to the needs of used vehicle owners.
Customer Service: Our excellent customer service record will provide you with responsive and knowledgeable assistance that will be delivered promptly in the event of a claim.
Reputation: Our reputation in the industry and testimonials will give you a gauge of our reliability and service quality.
How Gap Insurance Works
Understanding how Gap Insurance works can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Purchase GAP Insurance: Whether you purchase a used vehicle outright or finance it, you can take out Click4Gap Gap Insurance that will cover your use vehicle.
Total Loss Occurs: If your vehicle is stolen or involved in an accident and deemed a total loss, or it’s stolen and not recovered, your motor insurance will pay out the current market value of the vehicle.
Claiming the Shortfall: Your Click4Gap cover will make up the difference between your motor insurance payout and the purchase value of your vehicle, or the remaining balance on your finance agreement, ensuring you aren’t left with a financial shortfall.
Real-Life Scenario
Imagine one of your driving school vehicles is stolen or involved in a severe accident and is declared a total loss.
covered by your
motor insurer
Possible shortfall amount,
for your account
If you paid £16,500 cash for your car and a year or so later it’s declared a total loss, after your motor insurance pay-out you could have a shortfall of as much as £5,300. If you have Gap Insurance, this shortfall would be covered in total up to an amount of £75,000, subject to the policy terms, plus up to £1,500 for dealer-fitted accessories and £500 towards your motor insurance excess.
covered by your
motor insurer
Possible shortfall
amount, for your account
If you bought your car for £16,500 and took out finance to cover the cost, a year or so later when it’s written off the outstanding finance is £17,000. Your insurer will pay out the market value, which could be as little as £11,200, leaving you with a shortfall of as much as £5,800. If you have Gap Insurance, this shortfall would be covered in total up to £75,000, subject to the policy terms, plus an additional £500 towards your motor insurance excess.
Common Misconceptions About Gap Insurance
- Only for New Vehicles: Many people believe that Gap Insurance is only necessary when you purchase a new vehicle. However, used vehicles can also benefit significantly from this coverage due to their rapid depreciation.
- Expensive: Some think Gap Insurance is costly, but it is often quite affordable for used vehicle, especially when considering the financial protection it offers.
- Unnecessary with Motor Insurance: Even with comprehensive motor insurance, you may still have purchase your vehicle for a significant amount more that its current value, or the balance on your finance agreement may be more than the vehicle’s market value on the date of loss. Gap Insurance will cover this difference, providing additional financial security.
Gap Insurance for Older and High-Mileage Vehicles
Gap Insurance can be purchased for used vehicles up to 8 years old and with up to 80,000 miles on the clock. This makes it an excellent option for a wide range of used vehicles, ensuring that even older and high-mileage cars are protected. Here’s why this is important:
- Extended Coverage: Vehicles up to 8 years old and with up to 80,000 miles can still have significant loan balances. Gap Insurance provides extended coverage for these vehicles, ensuring you are protected regardless of the vehicle’s age or mileage.
- Value Retention: Older and high-mileage vehicles can still hold substantial value. Gap Insurance helps retain this value by covering the difference between the motor insurer payout and the purchase value of the vehicle or the outstanding loan balance.
- Peace of Mind for Long-Term Owners: If you plan to keep your vehicle for many years, Gap Insurance offers peace of mind knowing that you are protected for up to 48 months after purchase date.
Gap Insurance is an essential component of a comprehensive insurance strategy for used vehicle owners. It provides financial protection, peace of mind, and ensures financial security in the event of a total loss.
Investing in GAP insurance is a proactive step towards safeguarding your financial future. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to financial setbacks—secure the right coverage today and drive with confidence.
Alternatively, for more information on Gap Insurance for used vehicles, call us on 0208 819 3424, weekdays during office hours. Our team of experts is waiting to help you find the best coverage for your needs.
If you’re interested in Gap Insurance for other types of vehicles, such as driving school vehicles, taxis, or motorbikes, mopeds, and scooters, we have specialised pages to provide detailed information on these options.