What Happens If My Car Is Stolen but Later Recovered?

If your car is stolen, GAP Insurance only applies if your motor insurer declares the vehicle a total loss. If the car is later recovered and repairable, your motor insurer may authorise repairs instead of writing it off. In this case, your GAP policy will not pay out.

When GAP does apply · When GAP does not apply · What you should do · Related links

Unsure when GAP will pay out?

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When GAP does apply

If your motor insurer declares the car a total loss after theft.
If the car is stolen and not recovered within the insurer’s set timeframe.
If the car is recovered but too badly damaged to repair economically.

When GAP does not apply

If the car is recovered and repaired by your insurer.
If only minor damage occurred, and the car is put back on the road.
If your motor insurer does not declare the vehicle as a 'write-off and pay out the market value in settlement.

What you should do

Always report the theft immediately to the police and your motor insurer.
If the car is recovered, follow your insurer’s process for inspection and repair decisions.
Contact your GAP provider only once your motor insurer confirms a total loss, AND before you accept any settlement from them.

Tip: GAP Insurance is never triggered until your motor insurer issues a total loss settlement. Recovery alone does not qualify.