If you've bought a Toyota vehicle and are wondering whether you have Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance, there are a few ways to find out. GAP insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) if your car is deemed a total loss. It is not a state requirement, so it's important to check whether you have it. You can refer to your lease agreement to see if there is a GAP waiver provision, or contact your lender or leasing company to find out. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, you can also call their finance team to check.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is GAP insurance? | Insurance that covers the "gap" between what you owe and the car's worth at the time of an accident. |
When is GAP insurance required? | When you lease a vehicle, your lease agreement may require that you have GAP insurance in case of a total loss. |
When is GAP insurance not required? | GAP insurance is not a state requirement. |
How to know if you have GAP insurance? | Contact your lender or leasing company. |
How to buy GAP insurance? | You can purchase GAP insurance from your car insurance provider, an online insurer that specializes in GAP coverage, or from the finance team at Beechmont Toyota. |
When to buy GAP insurance? | GAP insurance is only available at the time of financing. |
Cost of GAP insurance | GAP insurance costs an average of $61 a year, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis. |
What You'll Learn
Contact Toyota to find out if you have GAP insurance
If you want to find out if you have GAP insurance, you can contact Toyota in several ways. Firstly, you can refer to your lease agreement, as some lease agreements require GAP insurance in case of a total loss. If you are unsure, you can contact your lender or leasing company.
You can also call Toyota's sales, service, or parts phone numbers. For example, the sales phone number for Beechmont Toyota in Cincinnati, Ohio, is (513) 440-4962. Additionally, you can call Toyota Financial at 1-800-874-8822, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm in your local time zone.
If you purchased your GAP insurance through a third party, such as your car insurance provider or a credit union, you will need to contact them directly to inquire about your GAP insurance coverage.
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GAP insurance is not a state requirement
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is not a state requirement. It is an optional product that covers the difference between the compensation you receive after a total loss of your vehicle and the amount you still owe on a car loan. GAP insurance is beneficial for lessees and drivers who still owe on their auto loans. If your loan is paid off, it's likely not needed.
If you are interested in GAP insurance, you will usually need to seek it out or ask for it to be added to your car insurance coverage. However, there is an exception: when you lease a vehicle, your lease agreement may require that you have GAP insurance in case of a total loss.
In most cases, GAP insurance is only available for brand-new vehicles or for models that are less than three years old. It is typically more expensive to purchase GAP insurance from a dealership than from an insurer.
Toyota does offer GAP insurance, which is available in most states. However, it is only available at the time of financing, so you cannot add it on at a later date.
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GAP insurance is available at the time of financing
Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance is available at the time of financing a new Toyota vehicle. GAP insurance covers the difference between the amount still owed on your finance or lease contract and your auto insurance settlement in the event of a total loss. This could include theft or accidental damage.
GAP insurance is not a state requirement, and it is not included in every finance or lease contract. It is an optional purchase and can be added to your car insurance coverage. It is available to buy from your car insurance provider, an online insurer, or from the finance team at your Toyota dealership.
If you are interested in GAP insurance, you will need to seek it out and ask for it to be added to your coverage. It is only available at the time of financing and cannot be added on at a later date.
The cost of GAP insurance can be included in the loan or lease and paid off monthly. It may also cover your deductible, depending on the state.
Before purchasing GAP insurance, it is advisable to check with your insurance company to see if it is already part of your regular vehicle insurance policy. It is also worth reviewing your finance or lease agreement to see if you already have GAP insurance.
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You can purchase GAP insurance from a car insurance provider
Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance is an optional product that covers the difference between the amount you owe on your auto loan and the amount your insurance company pays out if your car is stolen or totalled. While GAP insurance is not a state requirement, it is generally required for leased vehicles.
When purchasing GAP insurance, it is important to compare prices and coverage before you buy. Contact your insurance company to see if GAP insurance is part of your regular vehicle insurance policy. If you are unsure whether you have GAP coverage, ask your lender or leasing company.
In addition to purchasing GAP insurance from a car insurance provider, you can also buy it from an online insurer that specializes in GAP coverage or from the finance team at a car dealership. However, it is worth noting that GAP insurance purchased from a dealership will typically cost between $400 and $700.
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GAP insurance is beneficial for lessees and drivers who still owe on their auto loans
Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance is highly beneficial for lessees and drivers who are yet to complete their auto loan payments. In the event of an accident or theft, GAP insurance covers the difference between the depreciated value of the car and the loan amount owed. This is especially useful if the car is a total loss, meaning the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value.
When a vehicle is declared a total loss, standard car insurance policies will only pay up to the car's current market value, which may be less than the outstanding loan amount. GAP insurance ensures that the remaining loan amount is covered, so you don't have to pay it out of pocket. This is particularly useful for leased vehicles, which often require GAP insurance in the case of total loss.
If you have a long-term loan or lease, made a small down payment, or purchased a vehicle that depreciates quickly, GAP insurance can be a wise investment. It is worth noting that GAP insurance is not required by state law and is optional. However, it can provide valuable financial protection in case of an accident or theft.
To determine if you need GAP insurance, consider the following:
- The amount of your down payment: If you made a substantial down payment, you may not need GAP insurance as there is little chance of being "upside down" on your loan.
- The length of your loan: If you are paying off your loan in a short period, typically less than five years, you may not need GAP insurance.
- The vehicle's depreciation rate: If you own a vehicle that historically holds its value, GAP insurance may not be necessary.
In summary, GAP insurance is beneficial for lessees and drivers with outstanding auto loans, especially those with long loan terms, small down payments, or vehicles that depreciate rapidly. It provides financial protection by covering the difference between the car's value and the loan amount in the event of an accident or theft.
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Frequently asked questions
Review your financing or leasing agreement to see if you have GAP insurance. If you're unsure, contact your lender or leasing company.
You can purchase GAP insurance from your car insurance provider, an online insurer that specialises in GAP coverage, or from the finance team at a Toyota dealership.
GAP insurance covers the "gap" between what you owe and the car's worth at the time of an accident. For example, if you took out a $30,000 auto loan for your new Toyota vehicle, and it's worth $27,000 at the time of the accident, your auto insurance company would give you $27,000. Your GAP insurance would then cover the remaining $3,000.
GAP insurance costs around $3 per month when added to your car insurance policy. When purchased from a car dealership, a GAP insurance policy will cost a total of $400 to $700.