In New Jersey, gap insurance is taxable if it's provided by the lease company, but it's exempt from sales tax if it's provided by a third-party insurer. Gap insurance, also known as guaranteed asset protection insurance, covers the difference between the amount owed on a car loan and the car's actual cash value in the event of an accident. While it's not mandatory in New Jersey, it can be a valuable addition to a driver's coverage, especially if they have a new car.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is gap insurance taxable in New Jersey? | The purchase of gap coverage, when provided by the lease company, is subject to sales tax. Gap coverage provided by a third-party insurer is exempt from sales tax. |
Is gap insurance mandatory in New Jersey? | No, it is not required by the state. However, some lenders may require it. |
What is gap insurance? | A type of auto insurance coverage that covers the difference between what you owe on your auto loan and the actual cash value (ACV) of the car if there is an accident where the car is deemed a total loss. |
What You'll Learn
Gap insurance is taxable in New Jersey if provided by the lease company
In the state of New Jersey, gap insurance is not mandatory. However, if you lease or finance a new car, your lender or dealership may require you to purchase it. Gap insurance is intended to cover the "gap" between the amount you still owe on your auto loan and the car's actual cash value if it is totaled in an accident or stolen.
Gap insurance is taxable in New Jersey if it is provided by the lease company. In this case, the purchase of gap coverage is subject to sales tax. On the other hand, if you obtain gap coverage from a third-party insurer, it is exempt from sales tax.
When shopping for gap insurance in New Jersey, you have several options. You can purchase it from your lending company, the dealership, or add it to your full-coverage insurance policy. It's worth noting that buying gap insurance from your insurance provider is often more affordable than obtaining it from a bank or dealership.
Before purchasing gap insurance, it's important to consider your specific situation. Factors such as the size of your down payment, the length of your loan, the rate of depreciation, and whether you are leasing the vehicle can help determine if gap insurance is a worthwhile investment. Additionally, it's essential to understand the limitations of gap insurance, as it does not cover deductibles, extended warranties, down payments for a replacement car, or lease penalties.
In summary, while gap insurance is not mandatory in New Jersey, it can provide valuable financial protection in certain circumstances. If you decide to purchase gap insurance and choose to obtain it from your lease company, remember that it will be subject to sales tax.
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It is exempt from sales tax if provided by a third-party insurer
In the state of New Jersey, gap insurance is not mandatory. However, it is a smart purchase, especially for new car owners. Some lenders may even require it when you finance or lease a car.
Gap insurance, also known as guaranteed asset protection insurance, covers the difference between the amount you owe to your auto lender and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is stolen or totaled in an accident. For instance, if your car is valued at $16,000 but you still owe $20,000, gap insurance will cover the $4,000 difference.
When purchasing gap insurance in New Jersey, you have the option to buy it from your lending company, dealership, or a third-party insurer. While buying gap insurance from a lease company is subject to sales tax, it is exempt from sales tax if provided by a third-party insurer like Plymouth Rock Assurance.
It is important to note that gap insurance does not cover deductibles, carry-over balances from previous loans or leases, missed payments, or late fees. Additionally, it is usually only available for newer cars that are not more than two to three years old.
When considering whether to purchase gap insurance, it is advisable to shop around and compare rates from different providers, including auto lenders, dealerships, and insurance companies. This will help ensure you get the best value for your money.
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It is not required by the state of New Jersey
While New Jersey requires drivers to carry liability insurance and personal injury protection, gap insurance is not required by the state. It is, however, a smart purchase, especially for those with a new car.
Gap insurance, also known as guaranteed asset protection insurance, covers the difference between the amount you still owe to your auto lender and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is totalled in an accident or stolen. For example, if your car is assessed at $16,000 but you still owe $20,000, gap insurance will cover the $4,000 difference.
Gap insurance is particularly useful if you have made a low down payment on your new car, taken out a long-term loan, or leased your vehicle. It can also be beneficial if you have purchased a vehicle that depreciates faster than average.
In New Jersey, gap insurance is available from a variety of sources, including insurance companies, dealerships, banks, and credit unions. It is worth noting that while it is not mandated by state law, some lenders or lessors may require you to purchase gap insurance as a condition of your loan or lease.
The cost of gap insurance can vary depending on the provider and your specific circumstances, but it is generally more affordable than one might think. For example, the average gap premium for Plymouth Rock customers as of December 2022 was $43.
In summary, while gap insurance is not required by the state of New Jersey, it can provide valuable financial protection for drivers, especially those with new or leased vehicles. It is important to consider your individual needs and circumstances when deciding whether to purchase gap insurance.
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It is not required by state law
While New Jersey requires drivers to have liability insurance and personal injury protection, gap insurance is not mandatory. It is not required by state law. This type of insurance is optional, and it is up to the driver to decide whether to add it to their coverage.
Gap insurance is designed to cover the "gap" between the amount you still owe to your auto lender and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is written off in an accident or stolen. For example, if your car is valued at $16,000 but you still owe $20,000, gap insurance will cover the $4,000 difference. This type of insurance is particularly useful for those with a new car, as most new cars lose value as soon as they are driven off the dealer's lot. In some cases, this can be by several thousand dollars.
If you have financed or leased your car, you may owe more than your car is worth. This can become a significant financial burden if your new car is damaged beyond repair soon after purchase. Gap insurance helps pay for the depreciation of your car. It covers the difference between your car's current value and how much you paid for it. Over time, the gap between what you owe and your car's market value will decrease, and you may no longer need gap coverage.
While not required by the state, some lenders may require you to purchase gap insurance when you finance or lease a car. It is important to note that gap insurance does not cover deductibles, carry-over balances from prior loans or leases, missed payments, or late fees. Additionally, this type of insurance must be added within 30 days of adding the car to your policy.
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It is available as an optional coverage
In New Jersey, gap insurance is an optional coverage, referred to as the Auto Loan/Lease Coverage Endorsement, available to NJM Auto policyholders. This endorsement will pay for some or all of the difference between the balance of a loan or lease on a vehicle and what the insurance company pays if the car is considered a covered total loss.
Gap insurance is intended to cover the difference between the amount you owe on your auto loan and the amount the insurance company pays if your car is stolen or totalled. It covers the "'gap'" between your car's current value and how much you paid for it.
You might want to consider purchasing gap insurance for a new car or truck if you:
- Made a down payment of less than 20%
- Financed for 60 months or longer
- Leased the vehicle (carrying gap insurance is generally required for a lease)
- Purchased a vehicle that depreciates faster than average
The purchase of gap coverage, when provided by the lease company, is subject to sales tax in New Jersey. However, gap coverage provided by a third-party insurer is exempt from sales tax.
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Frequently asked questions
The purchase of gap coverage, when provided by the lease company, is subject to sales tax. However, gap coverage provided by a third-party insurer is exempt from sales tax.
Gap insurance, also called guaranteed asset protection insurance, covers the difference between what you owe on your auto loan and the actual cash value of the car if there is an accident where the car is deemed a total loss.
Gap insurance in New Jersey works the same way as in the rest of the U.S. It pays the balance remaining on your car loan or lease after a liability, comprehensive, or collision claim pays out the actual cash value of your totaled vehicle.
You don't need gap insurance if you have full coverage, but it may be something to consider if you have a loan on your vehicle.