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How to File a GAP Insurance Claim

Lease End

Adam Broud

Published 6/2/25

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Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
TL;DR: If your leased or financed car gets totaled or stolen and you owe more than it’s worth, GAP insurance can save your wallet. This blog walks you through how to file a GAP insurance claim, what documents you'll need, and how to speed up the process without pulling your hair out.
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When your car gets totaled or stolen, the last thing you want is to still owe money on it. That’s where GAP insurance steps in like a financial superhero. It covers the “gap” between what your insurance pays and what you still owe on your lease or loan.
Let’s break down exactly how to file a GAP claim—and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Confirm You Have GAP Insurance

Before you do anything, double-check that you actually have GAP coverage. It might be:
  • Included in your lease or loan contract
  • Purchased separately through your lender, dealer, or insurance company
Pro tip: It might be called something else like “Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage,” but the function is the same.
Step 2: Contact Your Primary Auto Insurer
If your vehicle is totaled or stolen, your main insurance company will determine the actual cash value (ACV) of your car and issue a settlement.
You’ll need this information before your GAP claim can begin. Wait for:
  • The settlement letter
  • A breakdown of what was paid and to whom

Step 3: Contact Your GAP Provider

Now, reach out to your GAP insurance provider. This could be your lender, a third-party company, or your auto insurer.
You’ll need to file a GAP claim with them directly. Ask them for:
  • The GAP claim form
  • A list of required documents
  • Instructions on how to submit everything (email, online portal, mail, etc.)

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Be prepared to dig into your glovebox and inbox. Most GAP providers will ask for:
  • A copy of your lease or loan agreement
  • The primary insurance settlement breakdown
  • A copy of your insurance policy
  • Vehicle valuation report (from the insurer)
  • Police report (if applicable)
  • Proof of all payments made on the loan/lease
  • Odometer disclosure or mileage report
  • Payoff quote from your lender
Triple-check this list with your provider so nothing delays the process.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

Once you have your documents ready, submit them according to your GAP provider’s instructions. Some allow digital upload, others require good ol’-fashioned snail mail.
If they give you a claim number, keep it handy. That’s your golden ticket for follow-ups.

Step 6: Monitor and Follow Up

Don’t just file and forget. Stay in touch. Most GAP claims take 4–8 weeks to process.
Keep a record of:
  • All phone calls and emails
  • The name of any reps you speak to
  • Dates you submitted documentation
If anything gets delayed, your notes will be your best friend.

Bonus Tip: Know What GAP Covers (and Doesn’t)

GAP insurance typically does cover:
  • The difference between the ACV and your loan/lease payoff
  • Up to a certain limit (usually $50,000 or less)
It typically does not cover:
  • Deductibles (some providers do, though)
  • Missed payments or late fees
  • Carryover balances from previous loans
  • Extended warranties or add-ons
Read the fine print or ask your provider directly.

When Should You File a GAP Claim?

File a GAP claim after you get your primary insurance payout but as soon as possible afterward. Waiting too long can cause delays or risk denial.

Final Thoughts: Filing Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

Filing a GAP insurance claim can feel like adulting at its most annoying. But with the right steps and a little organization, you can get through it without losing your mind (or your money).
And if you're nearing the end of your lease and curious about buyouts, Lease End helps you explore your lease equity, find financing, and skip the dealership altogether. Because dealing with your car shouldn’t be harder than filing taxes.
Need help buying out your lease? Try our Lease Payment Estimator to see your new payment in seconds.

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About the author
Adam Broud

Adam Broud is a writer and comedian based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. As a professional stand-up comedian with an MBA, his writing uniquely blends the worlds of business and comedy. Adam's writing for ads and comedy has appeared in places such as Buzzfeed, Vanity Fair, your television, and his mom's box of keepsakes. Feel free to review his writing from any of those places, but just know it's kinda weird if you choose his mom's house.

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