GAP Insurance in Louisville, KY

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What Is GAP Insurance?

Published: 28-08-2025

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance helps when your financed or leased car is totaled or stolen and your insurer’s payout is less than what you still owe on the loan or lease. GAP covers that “gap,” so you are not stuck paying for a vehicle you no longer have. It works alongside your full coverage (collision and comprehensive) and does not replace required liability coverage. To compare rates, you can also check car insurance quotes in Louisville, KY.

Who Should Consider GAP?

  • Drivers who put down less than 20% on a new car
  • Leased vehicles (often required by the lessor)
  • Loans longer than 60 months
  • Vehicles that depreciate quickly

How GAP Works After a Total Loss

If your vehicle is totaled, your collision or comprehensive coverage pays the car’s actual cash value (ACV). If you owe more than the ACV, GAP insurance pays the difference, minus any deductible and exclusions.

Example: You owe $24,000, your insurer pays $20,000 ACV, you still owe $4,000. GAP can cover that $4,000.

Average Cost in Louisville

GAP purchased through an insurer typically adds $50–$150 per year to your policy. Dealer-sold GAP can cost more as a one-time fee. Comparing options can save money.

Quick Tips

  • Remove GAP once your loan balance is below the car’s ACV.
  • Ask your insurer about adding GAP vs. buying at the dealership.
  • Confirm if negative equity from a trade-in is covered.

Pros and Cons of GAP Insurance

Decide whether GAP is worth it for your situation.

Benefits
  • Prevents owing on a totaled or stolen car
  • Often required for leases in Kentucky
  • Inexpensive when added to an insurance policy
Drawbacks
  • Does not cover late payments or extended warranties
  • May be unnecessary once equity is positive
  • Dealer programs can be pricier than insurer add-ons

Is GAP Insurance Right for You?

If you’re financing or leasing in Louisville, GAP can be smart protection during the early years of ownership.

Review your loan balance vs. estimated ACV to decide if you still need GAP.

Kentucky & Lender Requirements

While Kentucky does not mandate GAP insurance, many leasing companies require it. If you finance, your bank may strongly recommend GAP during the first years when depreciation is steep. Before buying, compare your options with your current carrier or get auto insurance quotes in Louisville to see the total policy cost with GAP added.

  • Leases often include GAP or require proof of coverage
  • Loans with small down payments benefit most from GAP
  • Consider canceling GAP once equity turns positive

Common Exclusions

GAP fills the difference between your loan balance and the insurer’s actual cash value payout after a covered total loss. It typically does not cover:

  • Late or skipped payments, past-due amounts, or penalties
  • Extended warranties or aftermarket add-ons rolled into the loan
  • Deductibles beyond any stated GAP deductible allowance
  • Negative equity from prior loans unless specified

How to Buy GAP (Dealer vs. Insurer)

You can purchase GAP at the dealership, through your auto insurer, or sometimes via your lender. Buying with your insurer is often cheaper annually than a one-time dealer fee. When comparing options, also review whether you’re carrying the right limits on your full coverage policy.

  • Insurer add-on: typically $50–$150 per year
  • Dealer add-on: usually higher one-time fee
  • Confirm cancellation and refund policies

Alternatives & When to Cancel

If your loan-to-value ratio is low or your car has strong resale value, GAP may not be necessary. You can also lower risk by choosing a higher down payment or a shorter term. Once your principal balance drops below estimated value, consider removing GAP and focusing on the right auto insurance limits.

Tip: Revisit quotes regularly—bundling home and auto may offset GAP costs. See bundle options.