Gap coverage exists to protect 2 specific types of drivers against the costs of a total loss: those who are financing, and those who are leasing. If you own your car free and clear, or owe less on your loan than the car is worth, you don’t need gap insurance.
In other words the gap is the difference between a car’s actual cash value and how much a driver owes on it. A car becomes “used,” and begins to depreciate, the moment you drive it out of the dealership.
For many, owing more than the value of your car is simply a fact of car ownership. But for those who experience a total loss such as, a stolen or wrecked vehicle owing more on your loan than your car is worth is an issue for many. This is because if your vehicle is determined a total loss when more is owed on the vehicle than the total value your insurance company won’t pay off your loan in full. However, usually the insurance company will pay the vehicles ACV (Actual Cash Value).
Gap insurance can be vital for people who are financing or leasing a vehicle and owe more than the car is worth.
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