How much does gap insurance cost?

Adding gap coverage to your car insurance policy costs less than $100 a year with most carriers. Costs when purchased through a dealer or other standalone options vary widely.

The rates below are based on a full coverage policy with 100/300/100 in liability coverage and $500 deductibles. To purchase gap insurance, you must have full coverage on your policy.

CompanyAverage annual premium without gap coveragePremium with gap insurance added
Vermont Mutual$1,353$1,424
Mapfre Insurance$1,424$1,493
Frankenmuth Insurance$1,402$1,503
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)$1,423$1,505
Erie Insurance$1,390$1,628
Safety Insurance$1,772$1,797
The Hanover$1,760$1,831
State Farm$1,822$1,869
Auto-Owners$1,850$1,912
Travelers$1,977$2,026
American Family$1,998$2,056
Nationwide$2,115$2,183
Shelter Insurance$2,366$2,480
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$2,394$2,483
Iowa Farm Bureau$2,517$2,543
Kemper$2,531$2,622
Progressive$2,640$2,692
The Hartford$2,770$2,891
Mercury Insurance$2,962$3,004
Amica$3,063$3,189
Allstate$3,947$4,066
Farmers$4,021$4,178
Sentry Insurance$5,956$5,980
CSAA Insurance (AAA)$6,134$6,302
USAA$996$1,047

What is the average cost of gap insurance by company in each state?

The most expensive gap insurance is through Farmers in Montana and Colorado, at $444 and $393, respectively, added to your annual insurance policy premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods..

The cheapest place and company to buy gap insurance is through Progressive in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with additional annual costs of $19 and $21, respectively.

Find your state below to compare gap insurance rates by company.

CompanyAverage annual premium without gap coveragePremium with gap insurance added
Travelers$1,421$1,460
Auto-Owners$2,186$2,258
Progressive$2,571$2,653
Farmers$2,933$3,062

How does gap insurance work?

Gap insurance works by paying the balance you owe on your loan after your car insurance pays out the value of your car on a total loss claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing..

“Imagine you finance a car for $40,000,” says McKenzie. “A year later, the car is totaled in an accident or stolen and not recovered. At that point, the insurance company determines the car’s actual cash valueActual Cash Value (ACV) is the current market value of your car, considering depreciation. It's the amount your insurance will pay if your car is totaled or stolen. is $33,000 and pays out that amount. If you’ve paid only $4,000 toward the loan, you still owe $36,000, leaving a $3,000 gap. Gap Insurance covers that difference so you’re not left paying for a car you no longer have.”

You should also factor in any deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. you’re responsible for. Take a look at the table below to see how McKenzie’s scenario plays out with a $1,000 deductible:

Remaining balance on the car loan$36,000
Actual cash value of the car$33,000
Comprehensive or collision deductible
(you pay this before your insurance company pays its share)
$1,000
Insurance company pays$32,000
How much you would have to pay without gap insurance$4,000

“Without gap Insurance, drivers in this situation could be stuck with no car and an outstanding loan balance,” she says. 

FAQ: Cost of gap insurance

How much is gap insurance per month?

“Typically, gap coverage adds about $10 to $15 per month to an auto policy and can offer important financial protection in the early years of a loan or lease,” McKenzie says.

How much is gap insurance on a used car?

Gap insurance on a used car is inexpensive, but some insurance companies only offer it for newer cars. The price will depend on the make and model, your other insurance coverage and your driving record.

How much is gap insurance in Texas?

In Texas, adding gap coverage to your car insurance costs about $70 a year. This is just an average; your cost may be more or less.

How much is gap insurance in California?

It costs about $94 annually to add gap coverage to your car insurance in California. Again, this could be more or less, depending on your situation.

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