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0800 195 4926

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0800 195 4926

Call Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Closed Weekends & Bank Holidays

Does cheap GAP Insurance mean lower quality cover?

 
Not necessarily.
 
Many drivers assume that a cheaper GAP Insurance policy must automatically provide weaker protection. In reality, the difference regularly lies in where the policy is purchased rather than in what it actually does.
 
Buying direct online can remove some of the large commissions and overheads often associated with dealership sales.
 
That can allow drivers to access:
  • strong levels of cover
  • high claim limits
  • flexible payment options
  • full protection

without paying dealership prices.

 
Online GAP Insurance purchases also attract the standard Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) rate of 12%. When you buy through the dealer, you pay the higher 20% IPT rate. For a full comparison, see Buying GAP Insurance from the Dealer vs Online
 
The important thing is comparing the policy properly.
 
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is comparing GAP Insurance solely on price without checking the policy features.
 
This is often where customers get caught out. Two GAP Insurance policies may look very similar at first glance, but the actual protection can differ significantly once you look at:
  • claim limits
  • finance shortfall protection
  • excess contributions
  • replacement vehicle cover
  • cancellation rights
  • insurer strength
 
For example, one policy may cap claims at £15,000, while another may provide cover up to the original invoice price or the replacement vehicle cost, without the same restrictions.
 
A higher premium does not automatically mean a better policy, just as a lower premium does not automatically mean weaker cover.

 

Why drivers buy GAP Insurance

 
If a vehicle is written off or stolen, your motor insurer will normally settle based on the current market value of the car at the time of the claim.
 
That settlement can sometimes be significantly lower than:
  • the amount originally paid for the vehicle
  • the outstanding finance balance
  • the cost of replacing the vehicle with an equivalent model
 
This is particularly common during the first few years of ownership when vehicle depreciation can be substantial.
 
You can read more about how GAP Insurance claims are calculated and how market value settlements work within our detailed GAP Insurance guides.

 

Compare cheap GAP Insurance cover options

 
At Total Loss GAP, we offer several types of GAP Insurance depending on your vehicle and finance agreement.

 

Return to Invoice GAP Insurance

Return to Invoice GAP Insurance helps cover the difference between your motor insurer’s payout and the original invoice price paid for the vehicle.
This is one of the most popular types of GAP Insurance in the UK and is commonly chosen for:
Total Loss GAP RTI GAP Policies currently start from £77.89.

 

Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance

Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your vehicle with an equivalent replacement vehicle if prices have increased since you purchased it.
This level of cover is commonly chosen for:
  • brand-new vehicles
  • electric vehicles
  • higher-value cars
  • drivers wanting the highest level of protection available

See RTI vs VRI GAP compared

Lease & Contract Hire GAP Insurance

Lease GAP Insurance is designed specifically for leased vehicles and contract hire agreements.
 
If your leased vehicle is written off, Lease GAP Insurance can help cover outstanding lease liabilities and early termination charges that may remain after your motor insurer has settled the claim.

 

Real GAP Insurance claim example

 

BMW GAP Insurance claim
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Total Loss GAP customer purchased a BMW X5 for £46,615.  
 
Following a total-loss claim, the motor insurer settlement was £37,529.73, leaving a depreciation shortfall of £9,085.27.
 
The customer’s GAP Insurance policy covered the remaining shortfall in full.
 
Claims like this are among the main reasons many drivers choose GAP Insurance, particularly during the first few years of ownership, when vehicle depreciation can be significant.

 

Why buy GAP Insurance online?

 
Buying GAP Insurance online lets you compare your options without pressure at the dealership.
 
It also gives you time to:
  • review the policy wording carefully
  • compare different levels of cover
  • check claim limits and exclusions
  • choose the right policy for your finance agreement
  • spread the cost with flexible payment options
 
Unlike many comparison-style websites, GAP Insurance is not simply another add-on product for us. We specialise specifically in GAP Insurance and vehicle protection products and have been arranging GAP Insurance policies for UK drivers for more than a decade.
 
Total Loss GAP is:

 

Cheap GAP Insurance FAQs

 

Is cheap GAP Insurance safe?

 
Yes, provided you buy from a regulated provider and carefully compare the policy features, insurer details and level of protection offered.

 

How much does GAP Insurance cost?

The cost is based on factors such as:
  • vehicle value
  • policy length
  • type of GAP Insurance
  • finance agreement
 
At Total Loss GAP, prices currently start from £77.89.

 

Is GAP Insurance worth it?

 
For many drivers, GAP Insurance can deliver valuable financial protection if a vehicle is written off or stolen and the motor insurer payout is significantly lower than the original cost price or current replacement value.

 

Can I buy GAP Insurance after buying my car?

 
Yes. In many cases, GAP Insurance can still be purchased after your vehicle is collected, although eligibility criteria and purchase time limits may apply. (See When can you buy GAP Insurance?)

 

Get a cheap GAP Insurance quote online

 
Whether you are looking for affordable Return to Invoice GAP, Vehicle Replacement cover, or Lease GAP Insurance, you can compare your options online in under 60 seconds.
 
Get a cheap GAP Insurance quote online today from a trusted UK specialist provider.