Car Insurance What happens if you total a financed car with gap insurance? By Insure.com's Editor | Updated on May 25, 2023 The page is part of the topic how to keep your totaled car Why you should trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing honest and reliable information so that you can make the best financial decisions for you and your family. All of our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. We maintain strict editorial independence from insurance companies to maintain editorial integrity, so our recommendations are unbiased and are based on a comprehensive list of criteria. 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 2023 Car insurance rates by state: The most expensive and cheapest states for car ins... What is Full Coverage Car Insurance? A complete guide to car insurance costs for seniors A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy 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? Buying and insuring a used car: Most and least expensive models to insure in 202... 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 (and actually understand!) your auto insurance policy 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 Get instant quotes now ! Please enter valid zip Get Quotes