How Do I Claim on GAP Insurance? A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

18 Feb 2025

Car accidents happen. Vehicles get stolen. Sometimes, it’s just bad luck. But if your car is written off and the insurance payout doesn’t cover what you owe, that’s where GAP insurance steps in. It fills the shortfall, so you’re not left out of pocket.

But how do you actually claim on your GAP insurance? That’s what we’re going to break down. The process might seem overwhelming, but once you understand each step, it’s much easier to handle. Whether you’ve just had an accident or you’re simply preparing for the future, knowing what to do can save a lot of stress.

Step 1: Notify Your Car Insurance Provider Immediately

As soon as your car is declared a total loss, your first call should be to your standard car insurance provider. They’ll guide you through their process, which includes assessing the damage, arranging an inspection, and deciding on a payout.

Most insurers won’t declare a car a write-off on the spot. Instead, they’ll evaluate its value and check whether repairs are possible. If the cost of fixing it is higher than the car’s worth, they’ll confirm it’s a total loss. Once that happens, they’ll send you a settlement offer.

Step 2: Contact Your GAP Insurance Provider

Once you have confirmation from your main insurer that your car is a total loss, it’s time to get in touch with your GAP insurance provider. Every policy has its own claims process, but they’ll usually ask for a claims form along with some key documents. These often include:

A copy of your car insurance settlement letter
The original purchase invoice of the vehicle
Proof of finance agreement (if applicable)
Your GAP insurance policy details
A copy of the vehicle logbook (V5C)
A letter confirming any outstanding finance on the car

It’s best to gather these documents as soon as possible. Any delays in submitting paperwork can slow things down, so having everything ready can make a big difference.

Step 3: Review Your Car Insurance Settlement Offer

Before signing anything from your car insurer, double-check the settlement amount. Your GAP insurance provider will need to compare this against the value of your car at the time of purchase or the amount you still owe on finance.

Make sure your car insurer hasn’t deducted any fees that should be covered, such as excess or outstanding payments. If something doesn’t look right, question it before agreeing to the payout. Your GAP insurance claim depends on this figure, so it’s important to get it right.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the GAP Insurance Claim Form

Most GAP insurance providers will have an online claims process, but some still require paperwork to be posted or emailed. Take your time filling out the form to avoid mistakes that could slow things down.

You’ll usually need to provide details about the incident, your car insurance claim, and your car’s purchase price. If your car was on finance, they’ll ask how much is left to pay.

Once the form is complete, attach all the supporting documents and send them off. Keep a copy of everything for your records, just in case you need to follow up.

Step 5: Wait for Your Claim to Be Processed

This is often the longest part of the process. Your GAP insurer will review your claim, check your documents, and confirm details with your car insurance provider.

They’ll compare your settlement amount with the original value of your car or the amount left on your finance agreement. If everything lines up, they’ll approve your claim and confirm how much they will pay.

Processing times vary. Some claims are sorted within a couple of weeks, while others take longer if additional checks are needed. If you don’t hear back after the expected timeframe, follow up with a phone call or email.

Step 6: Receive Your GAP Insurance Payout

Once your claim is approved, the final step is receiving the money. How this happens depends on the type of GAP policy you have:

If you had a finance GAP policy, the payout will go directly to your finance provider to clear any remaining debt.
If you had a return-to-invoice GAP policy, the money will either be sent to you or your car dealer if you’re replacing the vehicle.

Some insurers process payments quickly, while others take a bit longer. If you’re unsure about the timeline, ask your provider when to expect the payout.

Step 7: Start Planning Your Next Steps

Now that your claim is settled, it’s time to think about what’s next. If you’re replacing your car, check if your GAP insurance provider offers a new policy for your next vehicle. If your car was on finance, confirm with your lender that the balance is cleared.

If you’re unsure whether you need GAP insurance again, consider your financial situation. If you’d struggle to cover a shortfall in the event of another write-off, a new policy might be worth considering.

Making a claim on your GAP insurance might seem like a hassle, but knowing what to expect makes it much simpler. The key is acting fast—notify your car insurer first, then gather everything your GAP provider needs. The sooner you submit your claim, the quicker it gets processed.

If you’re looking for a GAP insurance provider that makes the claims process simple, check out Best4 GAP. We offer straightforward policies with clear terms, so you know exactly what to expect when you need to claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a GAP insurance claim take?

It varies by provider, but most claims take between two to six weeks. Delays can happen if there are missing documents or if additional checks are required.