Yes, Nationwide does offer gap insurance. Gap insurance covers the difference between the amount owed on a car and its actual cash value in the event of an accident. This type of insurance is particularly useful for newer cars and can be added to a collision insurance policy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is gap insurance? | Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance |
Is it necessary? | Optional, add-on coverage |
What does it cover? | Covers the "gap" between the financed amount owed on a car and its actual cash value (ACV) in the event of a total loss |
Who is it for? | Drivers who owe more on their car loan than the car is worth |
Cost | $20-$40 per year when added to an existing car insurance policy; $3 per month; $200-$700 for a standalone policy |
Where to buy? | Nationwide; car dealerships; lenders; insurance companies such as Progressive, Allstate, Amica, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford |
When to buy? | Within 6 months of buying or leasing a new vehicle; before a vehicle is 6 years old |
What You'll Learn
Gap insurance covers the difference between a car's value and loan balance
For example, if a driver owes $30,000 on their car loan and their car is totalled, their standard insurance policy might only cover the car's current value of $25,000. With gap insurance, the remaining $5,000 on the loan would be covered, minus any deductible.
Gap insurance is particularly useful for drivers who owe more on their car loan than the car is currently worth. This includes drivers who have a long-term loan, a small down payment, or a car that depreciates quickly. It is also often required for leased vehicles.
While gap insurance covers the difference between a car's value and loan balance, it is important to note that it does not cover other property damage or bodily injuries resulting from an accident. It also does not cover engine failure or other mechanical repairs.
Nationwide offers gap insurance as an optional add-on to a driver's auto insurance policy. This coverage is available for newer cars and can provide valuable financial protection in the event of a total loss.
Vehicle Insurance: Owners' Purchasing Guide
You may want to see also
It's an optional add-on to your insurance policy
Yes, Nationwide does offer gap insurance. Gap insurance is an optional add-on to your insurance policy. It is an optional, add-on car insurance coverage that can help certain drivers cover the “gap” between the amount they owe on their car and the car’s actual cash value (ACV) in the event of an accident. A car’s actual cash value is the car’s monetary value at the time of the accident, not the car’s original price.
Gap insurance is particularly useful if you have a new car or are still making payments on your car loan. It is also useful if you have a lease; in fact, some lease providers may include gap insurance in the cost of the lease. If you are in this situation, it is worth checking whether you already have gap insurance.
Gap insurance is not mandatory, but it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident. It is relatively inexpensive, costing around $20 to $40 per year when added to an existing car insurance policy.
Nationwide’s gap coverage is available for vehicles 6 years old or less and must be requested within 6 months of buying or leasing your vehicle. It is available in select states and applies to vehicles registered and garaged in those states.
Calculating Vehicle Insurance Costs
You may want to see also
It's for newer cars and covers total loss
Yes, Nationwide does offer gap insurance. It is an optional, additional coverage for newer cars that can be added to your collision insurance policy. It covers the "gap" between the balance of a lease or loan on a vehicle and what your insurance company pays if the car is considered a total loss.
Gap insurance is designed to cover the difference between the amount you owe on your car and its actual cash value (ACV) in the event of an accident. This is important because cars depreciate quickly, and if your car is totalled, your insurance may only cover the ACV, leaving you with a large bill to pay.
Nationwide's gap insurance is available for vehicles up to 6 years old and can be purchased within six months of buying or leasing a new vehicle. It is available in select states and covers up to the limits of your policy and the car's ACV.
For example, let's say you owe $30,000 on a car that has an ACV of $25,000 at the time of an accident. If the car is totalled, your insurance company may only pay you the ACV minus your deductible, leaving you with a gap of $5,500. With Nationwide's gap insurance, this remaining amount may be covered, so you don't have to pay it yourself.
Nationwide's gap coverage typically costs around 5% of the total cost of both comprehensive and collision coverage on the customer's policy. While the exact cost of gap insurance from Nationwide is not disclosed, it generally costs between $20 to $40 per year when added to an existing car insurance policy.
In summary, Nationwide's gap insurance is a valuable option for those with newer cars who want additional protection in case of a total loss. It helps cover the gap between the amount owed on a lease or loan and the car's ACV, ensuring that customers don't have to pay a large bill out of pocket.
Ignition Interlock: Cheaper Insurance?
You may want to see also
It doesn't cover theft of, or damage to, other property
Gap insurance is an optional, additional coverage that can help certain drivers cover the difference between the amount they owe on their car and the car's actual cash value (ACV) in the event of an accident. It is important to note that gap insurance does not cover theft of, or damage to, other property aside from the insured vehicle. This type of insurance is designed specifically for damage to or theft of the insured vehicle itself.
When purchasing gap insurance, it is crucial to understand what is and isn't covered by the policy. While gap insurance can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident or theft, it is important to recognise its limitations. For instance, gap insurance will not cover any theft of or damage to property other than the insured vehicle. This means that if there is damage to another person's vehicle or property during an accident, gap insurance will not provide coverage for those damages.
In the context of Nationwide Insurance, their gap insurance coverage is available in select states and applies to vehicles six years old or less. It is designed to protect drivers from being left with no car and a substantial bill to pay in the event of a total loss. While Nationwide's gap insurance can provide financial protection for the insured vehicle, it is important to understand that it does not extend to other property.
Theft of, or damage to, other property is a specific exclusion under Nationwide's gap insurance coverage. This exclusion ensures that the policy only responds to incidents directly related to the insured vehicle. If there is damage to another person's vehicle or property, those incidents would typically fall under a different type of insurance policy, such as liability insurance.
It is always advisable to carefully review the terms, conditions, and exclusions of any insurance policy before purchasing it. Understanding what is and isn't covered will help you make an informed decision about the suitability of the policy for your specific needs. In the case of Nationwide's gap insurance, while it offers financial protection for the insured vehicle, it specifically excludes coverage for theft of, or damage to, other property.
Insurance Valuation: Your Vehicle's Worth
You may want to see also
It's available in select states and for vehicles under 6 years old
If you're considering purchasing gap insurance from Nationwide, it's important to note that this coverage is only available in select states and for vehicles that are under 6 years old. This means that if you live in a state where Nationwide does not offer gap insurance or if your vehicle is older than 6 years, you won't be able to avail of this coverage from them.
Nationwide's gap insurance coverage is designed to protect you financially in the event of a total loss of your vehicle, which can occur if it is stolen or damaged beyond repair in an accident. In such cases, a standard insurance policy will typically pay out the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV), which may be significantly lower than what you originally paid for the car and could leave you with a large bill to pay.
Gap insurance from Nationwide can help bridge this financial gap by covering the difference between the ACV of your vehicle and the amount you still owe on your auto loan or lease. This can provide valuable peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about being able to afford a new vehicle in the event of a total loss.
It's worth noting that gap insurance is generally recommended for drivers who owe more on their car loan than the car is currently worth. If you're in this situation, it's a good idea to calculate your loan balance and compare it to your car's current cash value to determine if there is a gap that needs to be covered.
Keep in mind that gap insurance is typically added to an existing car insurance policy, and Nationwide requires that you purchase it within six months of buying or leasing your new vehicle. Additionally, to be eligible for gap insurance from Nationwide, you must also hold both comprehensive and collision coverage.
While Nationwide does not disclose the exact cost of their gap insurance, it is generally affordable to add to your existing policy, with an average cost of $20 to $40 per year. However, it's always a good idea to contact Nationwide directly to get a personalized quote and understand the specific terms and conditions of their gap insurance coverage.
Understanding Vehicle Insurance: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Gap insurance is an optional, additional coverage that can help drivers cover the difference between the amount they owe on their car and the car's actual cash value in the event of an accident.
Yes, Nationwide offers gap insurance.
Nationwide's gap coverage costs approximately 5% of the total cost between both comprehensive and collision on the customer's policy.
To get a personalized quote for gap insurance from Nationwide, call Nationwide customer service at 1 (877) 669-6877.