Keycare

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) Insurance is designed to protect you financially if your car is written off or stolen. In the event of a total loss—whether through theft, fire, or accident—your motor insurer will only pay the vehicle’s current market value. Unfortunately, this is often much less than what you originally paid, or what you still owe on finance.

That’s where GAP Insurance steps in. It bridges the “gap” between your insurer’s settlement and either the amount you paid for the vehicle, or the outstanding balance on your finance agreement (depending on the type of policy you choose).

This means you won’t be left out of pocket or stuck repaying finance on a car you no longer have. Instead, GAP Insurance helps you get back on the road with the funds you need—giving you peace of mind from day one of ownership.

GAP Insurance isn’t for everyone, but it can be a smart safeguard in certain situations. Cars lose value quickly—often by as much as 20–30% in the first year—so if your vehicle is written off or stolen, your insurer’s payout may not come close to covering what you originally paid or still owe.

You’ll find GAP Insurance is most beneficial if:

  • Your car is brand-new or nearly new – depreciation hits hardest in the first few years.
  • You bought your vehicle on finance or lease – you could still owe more than your insurer will pay.
  • You’ve made a large upfront payment or part-exchange – GAP ensures your investment isn’t lost.
  • You want peace of mind – knowing you won’t be left out of pocket if the worst happens.

At QuoteMyGap, we know every driver’s situation is different. That’s why we offer a range of GAP Insurance policies tailored to your needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Finance GAP – Covers any outstanding finance if your car is written off.
  • Negative Equity GAP – Protects you if you owe more on your finance agreement than the car is worth.
  • Return to Invoice (RTI) – Pays the difference between your insurer’s payout and the original invoice price.
  • Vehicle Replacement GAP – Covers the cost of replacing your car with a brand-new equivalent model.
  • Return to Value (RTV) – Pays the difference between your insurer’s payout and the value of your car when you took out the GAP policy.
  • Lease GAP – Settles any outstanding lease payments if your leased vehicle is written off.
  • Agreed Value GAP – Protects the value of your car as agreed at the start of the policy.

Yes—if you want complete protection against depreciation and finance shortfalls. Comprehensive car insurance will only cover your vehicle’s current market value at the time of a total loss. Because cars depreciate quickly, your payout could be much less than what you originally paid—or what you still owe on finance or lease.

GAP Insurance bridges that difference, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket.

GAP Insurance is designed to cover a wide range of vehicles, not just cars. At QuoteMyGap, you can get protection for:

  • Cars with up to 7 seats
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
  • Motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds
  • Hire and reward vehicles (taxis, private hire, etc.) with up to 10 seats

Some high-performance, luxury, or specialist models may be excluded. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, our team can quickly confirm eligibility.

At QuoteMyGap, we provide a range of GAP Insurance policies to suit different vehicles, budgets, and ownership types:

  • Finance GAP – Clears any outstanding finance if your car is written off or stolen.
  • Return to Invoice (RTI) – Covers the difference between your insurer’s payout and the original invoice price you paid for your car.
  • Vehicle Replacement GAP – Pays the extra cost needed to replace your car with a brand-new equivalent model.
  • Lease GAP – Covers any outstanding lease payments if your leased vehicle is written off or stolen.
  • Agreed Value GAP – Protects the value of your car as agreed when the policy starts—ideal for second-hand purchases.

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Why GAP Insurance Matters

Even with comprehensive car insurance, your payout after a write-off or theft is based only on the car’s current market value. Because vehicles lose value quickly—sometimes thousands of pounds in the first year—you could end up with a settlement that’s far less than what you originally paid, or still owe on finance.

GAP Insurance bridges this shortfall, protecting you against depreciation, outstanding finance, or the rising cost of replacement vehicles. In short, it stops you being left out of pocket.

The Types of GAP Insurance We Offer

At QuoteMyGap, we provide several policy options so you can pick the one that best suits your circumstances:

  • Finance GAP – Pays off any outstanding finance if your car is written off or stolen.
  • Return to Invoice (RTI) – Covers the difference between your insurer’s payout and the original invoice price (or your remaining finance, if higher).
  • Vehicle Replacement GAP – Helps you replace your car with the same make and model, even if a new one now costs more than you first paid.
  • Lease GAP – Clears the balance on a lease contract, and can also reimburse any initial rentals or deposits.
  • Agreed Value GAP – Protects the value of your vehicle as set when the policy begins—ideal if you bought privately or own an older car.

Who Benefits Most?

GAP Insurance is particularly valuable for:

  • Brand-new or nearly new cars – where depreciation is fastest.
  • Finance or lease agreements – where you could owe more than your car’s market value.
  • Large upfront payments or part-exchanges – protecting your investment if the worst happens.
  • Used cars bought privately – where an agreed value policy can guarantee your car’s worth.

It’s less critical for older vehicles bought outright with cash, where depreciation is slower and the financial risk is smaller.

Eligibility & Timing

  • Available on cars, LCVs, and motorbikes (with some exclusions for high-performance or specialist models).
  • Usually must be purchased within a set period after buying or leasing your vehicle (often up to 6–12 months).
  • Age and mileage limits apply at the start of the policy.

Making a Claim

If your car is written off or stolen:

  1. Contact QuoteMyGap before accepting your insurer’s offer.
  2. Provide documents such as your purchase invoice, finance or lease agreement, and your insurer’s settlement letter.
  3. We’ll handle the rest—ensuring your GAP payout bridges the difference and gives you financial peace of mind.

With GAP Insurance from QuoteMyGap, you’ll know you’re protected against unexpected losses and can get back on the road without financial stress.

Types of GAP Insurance at a Glance

GAP Type What It Covers Ideal For
Return to Invoice Pays the difference between your insurer’s settlement and the original invoice price (or your finance balance, if higher). New or nearly new cars, bought outright or on finance
Vehicle Replacement Covers the shortfall between your insurer’s payout and the cost of a brand-new equivalent replacement vehicle, even if prices have risen. Drivers who want protection against rising replacement costs
Lease (Contract Hire) Bridges the gap between insurer payout and the remaining lease balance. Can also refund initial rentals or deposits (up to policy limits). Leaseholders with outstanding contracts
Agreed Value Pays out based on a pre-agreed value at the start of the policy, rather than the market value at the time of loss. Used-car buyers or when other GAP options aren’t suitable