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Buy GAP Insurance Online – What You Need to Know

 

Can you save money and get better cover by buying GAP Insurance online?

Yes, and not just a little. At Total Loss GAP, we've seen customers save hundreds by avoiding dealership mark-ups, comparison site commissions, and stripped-down policies.

Buying direct from a specialist like us means better cover, flexible terms, and no unnecessary middlemen.

 


Why Buy GAP Insurance Online?

 

Buying GAP Insurance online is no longer unusual; in fact, it's becoming the preferred route for many car buyers in the UK.    

 

Here's why.

 

1. Lower Prices, Lower Tax

  • No dealership commission: GAP sold at dealerships can include hefty commissions that increase the price by 50–100%.
  • Lower Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): Dealers typically charge 20% IPT (higher rate Insurance Premium Tax), whereas specialists like us charge just 12% (standard rate Insurance Premium Tax), saving you even more.

2. More Flexible Policy Types

Many dealer products only offer one type of GAP Insurance. We offer:

  • Return to Invoice (RTI) - Pays the difference between your motor insurer's settlement and what you originally paid.
  • Vehicle Replacement (VRI) - Covers the cost to replace your car with a new one, even if prices have gone up.
  • Lease & Contract Hire GAP - Designed for leased vehicles, covering rental shortfalls and initial deposits.

We even offer '3-in-1' Vehicle Replacement GAP, combining invoice protection, replacement cost and finance cover, something dealer and aggregator policies typically can't match.

3. Custom Options You Can't Get Elsewhere

  • Deferred start dates (e.g. if your insurer covers 'new for old' for the first 12 months)
  • Free policy transfers
  • Unlimited claim limits (up to £75,000 vehicle value)
  • No admin or cancellation fees in most cases

Online vs Dealer GAP Cover – A Quick Comparison

 

Feature Dealer GAP Total Loss GAP (Online)
IPT Rate 20% 12%
Typical Policy Types Offered Basic RTI GAP RTI, VRI, Lease & more
Deferred Start Date Available? Rare Yes
Transferable to New Vehicle? Not always One free transfer
Optional Extras (Paint Protection)? Not always covered Covered
Claim Limits Often limited Up to £75k+
Support & Claims Team Generic call centres GAP Insurance specialists

 

Real Example – Buying GAP Insurance Online

Let's say you bought a car for £32,000 with a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) deal. Your dealership offers you a 3-year GAP policy for £499, covering the difference between the invoice price you paid and the current market value.   Buy GAP Insurance online Total Loss GAP

 

Instead, you buy a Return to Invoice GAP policy online for £186.88* from Total Loss GAP, which covers the motor insurer's market value settlement (when written off) to the higher of:

  • Any outstanding finance or
  • The full invoice price paid (no claim limit, covers dealer fit options like paint & fabric protection)
  • With no admin fees or renewal traps

 

You could even buy a '3-in-1' Vehicle Replacement GAP policy from Total Loss GAP for £236.39*, which covers from the motor insurer's settlement to the higher of:

  • Any outstanding finance or
  • The full invoice price paid or
  • The replacement cost of the equivalent vehicle

 

Fast forward 18 months, and your car is written off. The insurer pays £22,000, and your online GAP Insurance provider tops it up to £32,000 with a Return to Invoice GAP policy or the replacement cost if you have a Vehicle Replacement GAP policy.


What Should I Check Before Buying GAP Insurance Online?

Don't just compare prices. Ask:

  • Does the policy cover dealer fit and factory-fitted options?
  • Are there admin or cancellation charges?
  • Is the claims administartor UK-based and FSCS protected?
  • Can I transfer the policy to another vehicle?
  • Is there a cooling-off period?

 

At Total Loss GAP, we make everything clear upfront, and we're always here to help if you need advice before or after purchase.


Buying GAP Insurance Online Is Simple

 

You can get a quote and buy in just a few minutes. All policies and documents are emailed instantly, and your cover starts on the date you choose.

 

There's no need to call unless you'd like to, though we're happy to walk you through the process if you prefer.


Final Word

 

Buying GAP Insurance online offers better flexibility, clearer options, and significant savings, without sacrificing quality. We specialise in GAP cover and have been doing so for over 15 years. That focus means you're getting dedicated support, transparent pricing, and appropriately tailored cover.  Buy GAP Insurance online

 

If you want to protect your new or used car without paying dealer mark-up or comparison site commission, get your quote online with Total Loss GAP today.


Updated by Mark Griffiths, founding Director of Aequitas Automotive Ltd, the company behind Total Loss GAP. Published 26/7/2025