Can I Buy GAP Insurance If I Have Owned My Car for More Than 6 Months?

In most cases, no. Standard GAP Insurance must usually be purchased within 90 to 180 days of buying your car from a dealer. If you have already owned your car for more than 6 months, you will not normally qualify for Return to Invoice or Vehicle Replacement GAP (but there are some exceptions).

Why the time limit exists · Options after 6 months · What to do next · Related links

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Check your GAP Insurance options

Why does the time limit exist?

GAP is designed to protect against depreciation from the time of your vehicle purchase.
If you’ve already owned the car for months or years, much of that depreciation has already happened.
Insurers limit eligibility to reduce the risk of late-start policies.

Options after 6 months

Deferred GAP Insurance - with Total Loss GAP, if the vehicle was brand new (you are the first registered keeper) and your have 'new-for-old' replacement cover with your motor insurer in the first year, you can defer your GAP Insurance start date until the end of that first year.
Alternative GAP options: Some providers offer annual Top Up GAP (can add 25% on top of your motor insurers settlement) or a multiyear Agreed Value GAP, which covers the car’s current market value rather than the purchase price, protecting that for up to a further four years.
Motor insurance upgrades: Check if your standard car insurance offers new-for-old or enhanced replacement options.
If neither applies, you may need to rely on your comprehensive motor insurance 'market value' settlement alone.

What to do next

If you are within the 90 to180 day window, arrange cover as soon as possible.
If you are beyond 6 months, look at Agreed Value GAP as your main option.
Always confirm eligibility with your chosen provider before applying.

Tip: Keep your purchase invoice safe. Even if you qualify for GAP within the timeframe, you will need it if you ever claim.