Car Insurance What happens if you total a financed car with gap insurance? View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Insure.com's EditorUpdated on: May 25, 2023 The page is part of the topic how to keep your totaled car Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. If you have a financed car and it’s declared a total loss, gap insurance can be helpful. It covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan and the car’s actual cash value (ACV) determined by your insurance company. Gap insurance benefits and process Coverage of remaining loan balance – It pays off the remaining loan balance after your primary insurance settlement. No out-of-pocket payment – Without gap insurance, you might have to pay the remaining loan balance out of pocket. Lender and loan terms – Gap insurance ensures you’re not burdened with paying a car loan for a car you no longer possess. How gap insurance covers you for a totaled financed car When your car is declared a total loss, your insurer calculates its value. Your primary insurance pays you the car’s ACV as calculated by your insurer. Later, gap insurance covers the difference between the ACV payout and your remaining loan balance. Conclusion Owning a financed car comes with risks, but gap insurance offers protection. It bridges the financial gap so you’re not stuck with a loan after a total loss. Always review your policy terms and ensure you have the coverage you need. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read your auto insurance policy A complete list of car insurance companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make? Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 On this page Gap insurance benefits and processHow gap insurance covers you for a totaled financed carConclusion ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates