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What is the 4-day rule for Gap Insurance?

 

On the 1st of September 2015, The Financial Conduct Authority set out the 4-day rule for gap insurance, which dictates how dealerships can offer the policy in the UK.

 

  1. Day 1: You are given information about gap insurance and how it could benefit you, as well as the policy's total cost. You should also be told about any significant exclusions. 
  2. Day 2: nothing can happen - this is called the 1st clear day.
  3. Day 3: nothing can happen - this is called the 2nd clear day.
  4. Day 4: you can now buy gap insurance. 

So why is the 4-day rule important, and why did the FCA decide to enforce it in the first place?

 

Buying any new vehicle, new or simply new to you, can be expensive, and equally, it can be exhilarating. Under old guidelines, some unethical dealerships would offer you gap insurance only at the point of delivery. 

 

This meant there was no opportunity for you to shop around for your gap insurance and ensure that you were getting the best coverage available and the best value for money. 

 

The FCA or Financial Conduct Authority has many aims, including setting standards for any business offering financial products in the UK.

 

They decided this was unfair and did not allow consumers time to reflect and consider alternative options.

 

As such, they instigated the 4-day rule to allow consumers to shop around, compare levels of cover and prices, and decide in a non-pressurised environment which level of cover, if any, is most suitable for them.  

 

There are, as always, exceptions under the FCA rules. 

 

Customers can still buy gap insurance on Day 2 if they choose not to shop around, elect, and accept that they want to avoid taking advantage of the 4-day rule. We can not understand why anyone would not want to ensure they are getting the best cover and the most competitive price, but it does happen.

 

In summary, the FCA introduced the 4-day rule to give UK consumers enough time and space to reflect, shop around, and compare prices and levels of gap insurance.