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Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance

In the event of your car being declared a total loss, Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance will pay the difference between the motor insurer’s settlement and the cost of a replacement vehicle matching the original model’s specification.

Vehicle replacement gap cover also protects you if you purchased your car under a finance agreement (except where the policy is transferred). When your vehicle is written off, if the outstanding finance balance is greater than the cost of a replacement, this total loss gap insurance will pay the difference between the vehicle value at the point of total loss and the remaining finance balance.

Cover will include up to a maximum of £1,000 motor insurance excess.

  • Covers new and used
  • Cover from 2 - 4 years
  • Covers dealer discounts
  • Covers Increase in car list price
  • Unlimited claim limits on vehicles up to £75,000
  • Covers insurance excess up to £1,000
  • Covers all drivers on your insurance policy
  • Free transferable cover

Why choose Direct Gap for your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance?

We’re wholly committed to providing you with the policy that suits you and your vehicle. Here are just some of the reasons why you can rely on Direct Gap:

•  Integrity: We don’t make any commission on sales of total loss gap policies, so you can rest assured we have your best interests in mind.

•  Flexibility: We’ll work with you to find the cover that meets your specific needs.

•  Responsibility: We’re fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and we adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times.

•  Knowledge: All our staff are fully trained specialists with a wealth of experience in motor insurance. And you’ll never be passed around a call centre.

•  Service: We always put our customers first. From our 5-star Feefo rating and the comments below, you can see it’s an approach that is appreciated.

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Potential loss

Only £ 8,550 would be covered by your Comprehensive Car Insurance
leaving a gap of £10,450

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See what our customers are saying about us

natasha badger 28 Oct 2023

55 star rating

Easy to use and half the cost the dealership wanted for a gap policy

Dave Wilkinson 6 Sep 2023

55 star rating

Very straight-forward and a compoetitive price.

Julian Portman 26 Jan 2024

55 star rating

Very easy to arrange. Competitive price. Used with two previous cars.

Gary Smith 13 Jul 2023

55 star rating

Competitive rates and very straight forward to use. Thank you

clive williams 14 Jul 2023

55 star rating

As always great first class customer service. Have always used and will continue to do so. !! Thanks

Gillian Millar 12 Jan 2023

55 star rating

Nice and easy website and good value compared to main dealer.

MARK HURDLEY 28 Oct 2023

55 star rating

Brilliant, a lot cheaper than getting it through the dealer and so easy to set up, will tell my family to use you in the future.

Ranjit Ghag 11 Dec 2023

55 star rating

I have previously used this service and find it amazing, competitive prices and cheaper than buying direct from dealers.

Scott Selbie 8 Sep 2023

55 star rating

Very competitively priced and easy to complete website I would recommend to others

Michael Voyzey 4 Jan 2024

55 star rating

Really easy to purchase a Gap Insurance Policy this is my second one with Direct Gap

Stuart Weatherdon 8 Jun 2023

55 star rating

Straight forward to buy & much cheaper than the dealer...👍 hopefully I will never need it, but its peace of mind if the unthinkable should happen...

Christine Davies 14 Sep 2023

55 star rating

Straightforward application process. Competitive premium rates. Have dealt with company before.

Martin Priest 26 Jan 2023

55 star rating

Polite and informative, easy to contact and talk to and the products are cheaper than the dealer

Gary (Manchester) 31 Oct 2023

55 star rating

Straight forward & easy to use website. Explained what was covered, easy to understand & complete purchase. Much better value than what was offered by car dealership.

darren birch 8 Jan 2024

55 star rating

used before and experienced great service, thats why im back

Richard. Alan. Smith 16 Jul 2023

55 star rating

Second time used for gap insurance, no hassle just straight forward application process and a sensible cost. Would highly recommend.

Susan Smith 13 Mar 2023

55 star rating

Much cheaper than other quotes. Easy to do. I phoned to talk to an adviser as never needed this type of insurance before. No hold time and very helpful.

Surjit Pangli 15 Mar 2023

55 star rating

Easy to use site. Considerably less than dealer's quote.

Louisa Horth 19 Jun 2021

55 star rating

Quick and easy to get a quote and set up insurance. Speedy service should you ever have to claim to on past experience!

Kay Short 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

Have used Direct Gap's products for my last 3 cars. Easy, simply worded, fantastic price...highly recommended!

T Kellett 10 Oct 2017

55 star rating

This is the second time I've used Direct Gap. So easy to setup the policy online and much better price than the dealership!

Joshua O'garro 25 Aug 2017

55 star rating

This made it so easy for me to purchase gap insurance, when looking at other sites it's daunting when you see the prices of other companies but I am really pleased I was able to pu…

Molly A 23 Dec 2013

55 star rating

I love using Direct Gap. All our family have used you for our various car purchases.

Lesley Smith 13 Dec 2018

55 star rating

I would highly recommend Direct Gap. Paid out £10k on a policy for a previous car without any dramas.

FAQ

What is Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance?

In the event of your vehicle being written off, this total loss gap insurance will pay the difference between the motor insurer’s settlement and the price of a replacement vehicle matching the cost of the car’s original specification.

If you purchased your vehicle under a finance agreement (except where the policy is transferred) and the outstanding finance balance at the point of total loss is greater than the replacement vehicle cost, this insurance will pay the difference between the vehicle value at the time it was written off and the outstanding finance balance.

The value of your vehicle at the time of being declared a total loss will be different to when you first purchased it, and your motor insurance company will offer you a payout aligned to its current worth, rather than its original purchase price.

It is estimated that cars can depreciate by as much as 60% over as little as three years, which may leave you with a significant financial shortfall if your car was to be written off. That is an unpleasant scenario for anyone to imagine, which is why we offer the best in Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance, to help protect you and your finances.

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How does Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance work?

For example, if you paid £25,000 for your car, but its value at the time of being written off was only £15,000, your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance would cover the £10,000 difference between that original purchase price and the settlement you received from your motor insurer. Additionally, if the value of your replacement vehicle had gone up from the original purchase price, your gap insurance policy would deliver a payout to reflect that.

Alternatively, let’s assume you bought your car on a finance deal for £25,000 and, at the time of being written off, you owed £17,000. Your vehicle replacement gap policy would ensure the finance company received their money, while you would keep the remaining £8,000. In cases where the outstanding balance was greater than the cost of a replacement car, this policy would cover the difference between the vehicle’s value when it was written off and the amount left outstanding on the finance agreement.

Furthermore, your cover will include up to a maximum of £1,000 motor insurance excess.

Do I need Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance?

There is no obligation to take out total loss gap insurance, but it can prove a sensible decision if your car were to ever be written off. If that were to happen and you did not have vehicle replacement gap cover, you could be left significantly out of pocket or with a hefty amount to repay on your finance agreement.

We would always recommend carefully reading through the terms and conditions of your motor insurance policy. If your car is new, your insurer may include the offer of a replacement vehicle within the first year of ownership. If that is the case, you could always choose to defer the start of your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance until your car is 12 months old.

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What is total loss?

Only your motor insurer can declare the vehicle a total loss. In general, this can result from accidental damage, your fault or third-party fault, fire, theft or vandalism.

Total loss means that you have claimed under your motor insurance, your claim has been agreed, your vehicle has been forfeited (title of the vehicle transferred to the motor insurer) and a payment made following the incident.

Does total loss gap insurance cover me if I’m at fault?

Yes, you will be covered even if the incident that caused your car to be written off was your fault. However, you will not be covered if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs or involved in illegal activity, fraud or an act of wilful negligence. Please take the time to carefully read through the terms and conditions of your replacement vehicle gap policy for full details.

Can I get Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance if I bought my car on finance?

Yes, this policy is an option for you if you have purchased your car via a finance agreement. You will receive any money that is left over once the finance company have been paid what they’re owed, and if the outstanding balance is greater than the cost of a replacement vehicle, this policy will cover the difference between the remaining balance and the value of the car when it was written off.

Does Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance settle my outstanding finance?

Yes, in the event that your finance settlement exceeds the purchase price of the vehicle, this total loss gap insurance policy will settle the outstanding finance shortfall and release you from the finance contract. This excludes negative equity carried forward from any previous finance agreement and arrears on the contract.

Do I still have to make payments on a car that is written off?

No, once your motor insurance company have declared your car a total loss, your finance company will subsequently receive the outstanding balance thanks to the cover provided by your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance policy.

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Is Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance only for new cars?

You can take out total loss gap cover on a used car, but it may make more sense to do so on a new vehicle, which would likely come with a higher initial value and could leave you with a greater financial shortfall in the event of it being declared a total loss.

How long can I have owned the vehicle and still buy the policy?

Our vehicle replacement gap policy can be purchased providing you have owned the vehicle for fewer than 180 days.

I have new-for-old cover for 12 months on my motor insurance; can I defer my vehicle replacement gap policy?

Yes, you can defer the start date for up to a maximum of 12 months but the cover must be taken out within 180 days of purchasing the vehicle. The policy start date must not exceed the anniversary of the vehicle’s first registration.

It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate cover provided by your motor insurer during the first 12 months.

How can I pay?

You can pay for your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance via a one-off payment with the use of a credit/debit card without any charges. Alternatively, we can arrange for credit payments over 12 months. Please note that the payments are collected by a third-party agency and a small administration fee applies.

Why is Direct Gap so much cheaper than a motor dealer’s quote?

We are an internet-based provider, which means we have lower overheads than motor dealers. As a result of the high volume of total loss gap cover that we sell, we are able to provide quality policies at the keenest prices.

You can be confident that our prices are lower than those quoted by dealers and many other websites. Paying less than you have been quoted elsewhere does not mean you are buying an inferior product, it just means that they are making more profit from your purchase!

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When can I claim on my Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance?

You will be able to claim on your policy once your car has been declared a total loss by your motor insurance company.

The process will then be as follows:

  • You will need to call the claims line on 01422 756100
  • You’ll then have to fill out the claims form
  • The relevant paperwork will need to be checked
  • Your money will be issued to you by way of bank transfer

 

 

 

What is the claim limit?

The claim limit is the difference between the motor insurer’s settlement and the cost of a replacement vehicle matching the original vehicle specification or to settle the finance shortfall, whichever is greater.

Why would this policy not pay out?

Please see the policy terms and conditions for a full listing, however the main exclusions on your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance are:

The vehicle becoming a total loss whilst the driver is: under the influence of non-prescription drugs; under the influence of alcohol; involved in illegal activity, fraud or an act of wilful negligence, e.g. leaving keys in the ignition whilst the vehicle is unattended.

What is the vehicle purchase price that I should use to calculate the cost of the policy?

The purchase price is the price of your vehicle as confirmed in the sales invoice, which includes factory-fitted accessories and dealer-fitted options up to £1,500 and paintwork protection systems up to £250.

You should exclude all deposit allowances, discounts, rebates, concessions, cashbacks, incentives and contributions. Also exclude new vehicle registration fees, road fund licence fee, number plates, warranty costs, insurance premiums, fuel and other extras, arrears, or negative equity.

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When and how do I receive my policy documents?

Policy documents together with confirmation of payment are sent by email as soon as you make the payment.

Whose name should the policy be in?

The policy should always be in the name of the owner or registered keeper of the vehicle.

Does Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance cover my motor policy excess?

Yes, up to £1,000 in the event of a total loss claim.

Can my vehicle replacement gap policy be transferred to another vehicle?

Yes, you can make one transfer during the period of insurance.

If you sell your vehicle, provided that no claim has been made under this insurance, you may transfer the remaining cover to the replacement vehicle, subject to our agreement. No fee will apply for this transfer. A new schedule will be issued confirming the replacement vehicle details. Where the replacement vehicle is deemed to be of higher value, an additional premium may be required.

Cover will not include any refinancing.

In the event of bereavement, the remaining benefits of Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance may be transferred to the policyholder's spouse or partner.

Am I covered for theft of vehicle with keys?

Yes, this total loss gap insurance covers you when keys are stolen from your home or office which results in vehicle theft. However, you must exercise due diligence and take appropriate steps to safeguard both the keys and the vehicle.

No insurer, including your motor insurer, will provide cover for wilful negligence – for example if you leave the keys in the vehicle to pay for fuel and the vehicle is stolen.

Can anyone drive my car and still be covered by Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance?

Yes, vehicle replacement gap will include all drivers provided that they are covered on your comprehensive motor insurance policy to drive the vehicle as a named driver.

Am I covered to drive my vehicle abroad?

You are covered in the UK, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. You are also insured in member countries of the European Community and any other country for which an International Motor Insurance Certificate (Green Card) is effective on your vehicle at the point of total loss up to 120 days in any one trip.

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Do I get a courtesy car with vehicle replacement gap insurance?

No. Direct Gap are providers of additional cover, and as such do not offer a courtesy car. Your motor insurance policy may include this, but please check the terms and conditions of that policy to be certain. Nor do Direct Gap provide you with the replacement vehicle – our total loss gap insurance policy is designed to ensure you receive the money you need to be able to afford a new car to the same specifications, but we do not provide you with the car itself.

Can I cancel my vehicle replacement gap cover?

Yes, it is possible to cancel your Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance. To get a full refund, you would usually have to do so within 14 days of the policy’s start date. However, at Direct Gap, we offer you a 30-day grace period.

If you choose to cancel after those 30 days are up, you'll be refunded on a pro-rata basis, excluding any arrangement fees that may be applicable.

How do I get a total loss gap insurance quote?

It couldn’t be simpler to get a quote for this total loss gap cover. Just enter your vehicle’s cost and the desired length of policy and you’ll have your estimate in a matter of moments.

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How old can my car be to buy Vehicle Replacement Insurance?

We can provide cover on vehicles up to 4 years old.