How Long Does GAP Insurance Last?

GAP Insurance usually lasts between 1 and 5 years. Some policies end earlier if your car is written off, sold, written off or if your finance ends. The length you choose should match your ownership or finance term.

Typical policy lengths · What affects length · Changing circumstances · Renewals · Related links

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Typical GAP Insurance policy lengths

Most UK policies are sold for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. - 5 year is rare, but Total Loss GAP currently can provide this.
Dealer products can cap at 36 months; longer levels are available online.
Shorter terms often suit PCP change cycles; longer terms suit HP or cash buyers keeping the car.

What affects the length of cover?

Finance term: Many choose a policy that mirrors their PCP or HP agreement.
Vehicle age & mileage: Older or higher-mileage vehicles may have shorter maximum terms.
Policy type: Return to Invoice and Vehicle Replacement can run up to 5 years; Lease/Contract Hire GAP and Agreed Value GAP can be up to 4 years.
Claim limits: Higher limits can influence price/term choices. See claim limit guidance.

What if my situation changes?

Sell the car: The policy usually ends; you may be due a pro-rata refund. See cancellation & refunds.
Change the car: Some policies allow transfers. Check options: transfer guidance.
Pay off finance early: Cover may continue for invoice/replacement elements, but the finance shortfall part may no longer apply.
“New for old” overlap: If your motor insurer offers new-car replacement, you may delay the start of GAP. See deferred start info.

Can you renew GAP Insurance?

It is not possible to renew GAP Insurance in most circumstances. It is important that you esure you select a length of cover that matches your requirement for protection from the start. You cannot simply take a three year policy and look to tag on another two years at the end.

If you plan to keep the car beyond the maximum term for Return to Invoice/Vehicle Replacement, you may be able to consider an Agreed Value GAP as a follow-on option.

At Total Loss GAP, we provide Return to Invoice and Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance products for between 2 and 5 years (2 and 4 years if opting to defer the start date). We also offer Contract Hire and Lease GAP policies for up to a 4-year duration.