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Have you never heard of Agreed Value GAP Insurance before? You may not be alone. Contrary to popular belief, more than one type of GAP Insurance exists. Each type is designed for a different set of circumstances and can provide a different kind of protection.
Most GAP Insurance products are linked to the leasing or purchasing of a vehicle from a VAT-registered motor dealer within a set timeframe. Products like Return to Invoice, Vehicle Replacement GAP and Lease & Contract Hire GAP all come into this category.
What about if you bought your vehicle from an auction, eBay or a private seller?
What is Agreed Value GAP Insurance?
How Does Agreed Value GAP Insurance Work?
Who Needs Agreed Value GAP Insurance?
Agreed Value (also known as Return to Value) GAP Insurance is a unique form of Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Insurance. Unlike the other forms or GAP cover mentioned above, AV GAP can be purchased for vehicles purchased privately or from an auction, where a VAT Invoice is not provided.
Agreed Value GAP can also provide extended protection when your original GAP cover (RTI or VRI) has ended and you intend to keep the vehicle longer.
How AV or RTV GAP works is straightforward yet effective. When you purchase this insurance, the policy protects the current market value of your vehicle when taking out the policy. This allows the market value to be covered if the car is written off following an accident, flood, fire or theft during the policy term.
Suppose your vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss by your motor insurer. In that case, the policy will pay the difference between the market value settlement paid by your comprehensive insurer and the original value from Glass's Guide on the day of the policy purchase.
Glass's Guide celebrates its 90th anniversary in July 1933. First published by William Glass, it provides trusted trade and retail values on various vehicles. Vehicle retailers, finance houses and insurers alike use it. It is often described as the 'bible' of the motor industry.
AV GAP Insurance is suitable for many potential situations. These include:
Where you buy the car from a private seller and not from a VAT-registered dealer or broker.
Your current RTI or VRI policy is expiring, and you are looking to keep the current car longer.
It should be noted, however, if you are looking to take an Agreed Value or Return to Value GAP following the expiry of a previous RTI or VRI policy, you are only covering the value of the vehicle when you purchase the AV policy. This is not the original purchase price covered by Return to Invoice GAP or the replacement cost covered by a Vehicle Replacement GAP policy.
Although the AV GAP cover is only to the market value when you buy the policy and not the original price you first paid, if you intend to keep the car for a few more years, then the AV GAP can still provide valuable protection. This is because your vehicle value can still fall from the value protected by the AV policy over some time.
AV or RTV GAP Insurance stands out from other types of GAP Insurance due to its unique features. Unlike Return to Invoice or Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance, AV GAP Insurance does not require an invoice from a VAT-registered motor dealer.
AV GAP effectively fits a situation in that the other types of Guaranteed Asset Protection could not provide you with eligible cover.
A Top Up GAP policy is the only option you could consider as an alternative to AV GAP. This is more of a short-term solution. Top Up GAP is an annual, renewable policy that adds 25% to the motor insurers' settlement, up to a maximum of £10,000.
Where Top Up GAP has an advantage is where you are still determining if you will keep the vehicle for more than a year. In this situation, a 25% top-up on the motor insurer's comprehensive settlement could be more than the amount the AV GAP policy can cover.
AV GAP, or Return to Value GAP, is suitable for used cars, especially if bought privately or from an auction, not from a VAT-registered motor dealer. This type of insurance can provide the coverage you need, protecting you from future depreciation and ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of a total loss.
This is done by protecting you from the cost of a vehicle of similar value as yours on the day you pay for it. This is done by paying the difference between the settlement by the car's insurer and the vehicle's value on the day you bought the policy.
Agreed Value GAP covers the market value of your car at the time of taking out the policy. If the market value of your vehicle increases afterwards, it won't affect your coverage. Your policy will still cover the original value of your car as determined by Glass's Guide at the time of purchase.
If the market prices increase, then that situation may be brief. If you buy a 3 or 4-year Agreed Value policy, then you could still expect the value of the vehicle to depreciate from this value over time.
Agreed Value GAP products will have mileage and age restrictions directly or indirectly. Many will state the maximum age and mileage for the vehicle at the start of the policy. For example, no car may have more than 80,000 and be more than eight years old when you buy the policy. Whatever age and mileage you get to during the policy should be fine.
The indirect impact of age and mileage is that most AV GAP products state the vehicle must be in Glass's Guide so they can get a valuation. If the car is too old and/or has exceeded a particular mileage, then Glass' Guide may be unable to provide a valuation.
No valuation means no cover.
Typically, a GAP Insurance policy is non-transferable as they are tied to a specific vehicle and value with Agreed Value. However, checking with your insurance provider for their policy is always best.
Some providers may allow you to transfer your policy to a new vehicle, but this is usually subject to certain conditions and may require an additional premium.
In conclusion, understanding Agreed Value GAP Insurance and its differences from other types of GAP Insurance can help you decide on the best coverage for your vehicle. Always consult a professional insurance advisor to ensure you choose the policy that best suits your needs.
Published 18/7/23, written by Mark Griffiths
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Gap 123 or Gap Insurance 123 to be official is a trading name of Aequitas Automotive Limited
Aequitas Automotive Limited was formed on the 17th of August 2010.
We are based in a stunning grade 1 listed Georgian Town House called Aequitas House in Hamilton Square, which is on the Wirral Peninsula.
Aequitas Automotive Limited is a privately owned limited company.
You can find our opening hours at the top of our websites. Please note that these may be subject to change. If you wish to contact ourselves outside of these hours, please email [email protected] and an advisor will contact you as soon as available.
Our telephone number is 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556.
You can contact us using the contact form or directly at [email protected]
If you want to write to us please send your correspondence to Aequitas House, 56 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 5AS
The purchase price is the total on the road price after any discount but before you have paid a penny in part exchange or cash deposit.
IPT (insurance premium tax) is a tax paid to HMRC on all insurance premiums.
The FCA is short for the Financial Conduct Authority.
The FSCS is short for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
A PCP better known as personal contract purchase is a type of financial package which is often used to fund the cost of a car. We would ask you to speak to your dealership who will be regulated to talk to you regarding your financial package. In reference to your gap insurance it is important as there is a financial tie to your vehicle. This means that from your settlement the finance outstanding is always cleared and what ever is left is sent to you for you to spend as you see fit.
A PCH better known as a personal contract hire is a financial package used to fund the purchase of a vehicle.
The Ombudsman service is an independent service that mediates between financial service providers and policy holders.
The Insurance Broker is normally the company that you have purchased your policy or financial service from.
This is the policy document which contains details regarding the policy holder, the vehicle on cover as well as the type of policy purchased.
With regards to our Gap Insurance policies this is either the date that you have made a claim or the date at which your policy expires.
This is a set time stated within your policy Terms & Conditions during which you can cancel your policy and receive a full refund, provided you have not made a claim. We offer 30 days cooling off, but depending upon where you have purchased your policy from this may be different.
This is an option that may be offered by your motor insurance company if you have purchased a vehicle and are the first name on the V5. Please contact your motor insurance company if you think you may have this option.
The claim limit is the maximum amount your Gap Insurance policy will pay out on top of your comprehensive motor insurance companies settlement.
This would be the amount that you would need in order to settle your finance agreement on the day that your vehicle was written off.
As far as our policies are concerned, this means that your insurance company have looked at the reason for your vehicle being declared a total loss and must have agreed that your claim is valid.
This is a list of countries that your gap insurance policy will cover you in. You can find a full list is available in your policy terms.
With respect to our gap insurance policies this means any amount that you have brought forward from an old finance agreement to the purchase of your new vehicle.
This is the amount that you have paid for your Gap Insurance policy.
This is the date that you have taken possession of the vehicle.
This is the date that you have selected to start your policy from.
This is the event which your motor insurance has declared your vehicle written off.
This is the event which occurred for your own motor insurance to declare your vehicle written off.
The list price of your vehicle. This is normally only needed if you are purchasing your vehicle on a contract or lease hire agreement.
This is the insurance company who back your policy.
This is the organisation who will responsible for settling your claim.
This is the document from DVLA which will show that you are the legal keeper of the vehicle.
These are extras that you have paid your local garage to fit on your vehicle. (Please see your policy documents for a list of exclusions - eg extended warranty.)
These are optional extras that were fitted to your vehicle when it was first built at the factory.
Aequitas Automotive is our limited company name. We trade online using brands including Gap Insurance 123, Easy Gap, Total Loss Gap and Shortfall.
You can contact the office via the following methods: Telephone: 0151 647 7556 or 0800 195 4926 Email: [email protected]
The company registration number for Aequitas Automotive is 7347606.
Yes, our company is directly authorised by the FCA and our FRN is 821163
Our company is based in a grade 1 listed Georgian building in Birkenhead. Our address is Aequitas House, 56 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5AS.
Our BIBA number is 006652.
Yes, we are regulated by the ICO and our number is Z2455374. You can check this by calling the ICO on 0303 123 1113
No, none of our staff are paid commission when they provide a policy for you. All of our staff are salaried and any bonuses they get are based on rates of customer service.
Aequitas Automotive Limited was founded in 2010.
Our FCA Number is 821163
Yes. We can also offer Smartcare, excess cover and tyre and alloy wheel insurance.
Any member of our customer service team can update your registration plate. Your can contact us on 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556 in order to update your policy.
Changes to your contact details can be processed free of charge. In order to update your details, please contact any member of the team on our contact numbers 0151 647 7556/0800 195 4926.
For security, if you are not logged in before you purchase your policy, it will not automatically assign to your online account. If you cannot see your policy, please contact our customer services team on 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556 and any member of the team can assist.
Your online account password can be reset using the link below the log in area on the website. If you require assistance, please contact our advisors on 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556.
IPT stands for Insurance Premium Tax. This is a tax on Insurance products which is passed to HMRC. All our Gap123 policies are inclusive of IPT.
At present (July 2021) the current rate of Insurance Premium Tax charged on independently purchased gap insurance/supplementary insurance is 12%.
If you change your vehicle mid-term, please contact our advisors on either 0800 195 4926/0151 647 7556 who will look into the options available to you.
In order to be eligible for the higher levels of cover, you must purchase your Gap Insurance policy within the first 180 days of ownership of your vehicle.
This will depend on the type of policy you have purchased. Please call 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556 and an advisor will be able to go through this with you.
Gap Insurance is a single use cover. Once you have made a claim, the policy is then finished.
We may have options for monthly payments in regards to your policy. Please contact any member of our advisors on 0800 195 4926/0151 647 7556 in order to look at the options available.
Yes, all our policies are backed by the FSCS.
The quote provided will be a one off payment for the entire term selected unless you have chosen a monthly payment option.
No, in the event of a write off, any unused Road Tax can be claimed back from the DVLA.
All our Gap policies are designed to work alongside your motor insurance company. If the motor insurance company agrees to pay out then the Gap policy should follow suit.
No. We cannot cover taxi/private hire usage on a Gap123 policy. If you are using your vehicle for taxi/private hire usage, why not check our Easy Gap website for a quote?
Yes. Gap Insurance is a policy which tops up your motor insurance settlement. You cannot purchase a policy if you do not have comprehensive motor insurance cover in place.
RTI is the abbreviation of a Return to Invoice policy.
A VRI policy is a Vehicle Replacement policy.
There are a variety of Gap Insurance products available on the marketplace. What policies are available for you will depend upon certain eligibility criteria. In order to find out which policy options you have, please click for a quote or contact any member of our advisors on 0800 195 4926/0151 647 7556.
Unfortunately, Gap123 products do not cover for taxi use. If you are using your vehicle for taxi/private hire use, please check our sister site easygap.co.uk for a Gap Insurance quote
No. If you have a motorbike, please check our sister brand easygap.co.uk for a Motorbike Gap Insurance quotation.
Gap123 has a policy specially designed for those who have purchased their vehicle via a lease/contact hire option. If you wish to get a Gap Insurance quote for a lease vehicle, please contact any member of our advisors on our contact numbers 0151 647 7556 or 0800 195 4926.
Whether an RTI or VRI policy would be better for your situation is a personal choice. Each policy has it's own benefits depending on how you have purchased your vehicle. If you wish to compare the policies, please contact an advisor who will go through all your questions with you.
No, we cannot cover any negative equity.
Yes you must be over the age of 18 and have a full UK driving licence.
You must have fully comprehensive insurance.
No sorry you must have a fully comprehensive insurance policy in your name.
Yes you can cancel your policy. Providing you have not attempted to make a claim and cancel within the first 30 days you are entitled to a full refund.
Yes you can and providing that you have not made a claim you will be entitled to a pro rata refund less a £35.00.
Simply call 01516477556 or 0800 195 4926 Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 6am. Or why not email [email protected].
Our FCA Number is 821163
Your policy is underwritten by a Consortium of Lloyds Syndicates managed by Arch Managing Agency Limited.
Their FCA Number is 526140
Yes you must have a full UK Licence.
No sorry all drivers must be over the age of 18.
No sorry we can not cover you if your insurance is a motor trade policy.
No sorry we can only cover vehicles up to 8 years of age.
No sorry on the day that you buy your policy your car must have less than 80,000 miles on the clock.
No sorry our system will not be able to provide an automated quotation but if you can please call us we may be able to offer cover.
No sorry we can not cover Off Road usage.
No sorry we can not offer cover.
No sorry we can not cover Kit Cars.
No sorry we can not cover grey imports.
No sorry we do not cover any hire and reward or courier vehicles.
No sorry our automated system will not be able to quote you. But please as we may still be able to offer cover.
No sorry our automated system will not be able to quote you. But please as we may still be able to offer cover.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No Sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry our automated system will not be able to quote you. But please as we may still be able to offer cover.
No sorry our automated system will not be able to quote you. But please as we may still be able to offer cover.
No sorry we don't.
No Sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
No sorry we don't.
Yes we do. We may cover a manufacture but not a certain model. For a full list please see your terms and conditions.
No sorry our automated system will not be able to quote you. But please as we may still be able to offer cover.
Please visit our Complaints Page which is located from the main menu under the section "Important Information". Here you will find full details about who to contact as well as other useful information. The information is also shown in your policy documents.
Please visit our Complaints Page which is located from the main menu under the section "Important Information". Here you will find full details about who to contact as well as other useful information. The information is also shown in your policy documents.
Please visit our Complaints Page which is located from the main menu under the section "Important Information". Here you will find full details about who to contact as well as other useful information. The information is also shown in your policy documents.
Please see the Complaints Page which is located on the Main Menu, under the section Important Information. Here you will find full details about what happens if you are dissatisfied with the response to your complaint.
Please visit our Complaints Page which is located from the main menu under the section "Important Information". Here you will find full details about who to contact as well as other useful information. The information is also shown in your policy documents.
Please visit our Complaints Page which is located from the main menu under the section "Important Information". Here you will find full details about who to contact as well as other useful information. The information is also shown in your policy documents.
You have options to set the limit between two or four claims each year.
The maximum limit can be set to either £150 or £350.
It doesn't. It covers accidental or malicious damage to the tyre.
There is no excess to pay.
You can choose between a limit of either two or four claims each year.
There is no excess to pay.
Unfortunately, we cannot renew the cover once it expires. However you can purchase cover your vehicle for a maximum of four years.
No. We can cover vehicles less than eight years old that have travelled less than 80,000 miles. If the vehicle is over five years old and/or has travelled in excess of 50,000 miles then relevant images will be required to be provided within five days of purchasing the cover.
Easy straight forward and good value.
Lynsey Stewart
Really easy to understand, good value, simple to set up
Claire King
Very impressed with the help I received over the phone from **** explained my options very clearly and guided me through the process of applying for cover. I've used GapInsurance123 before and am very happy to do so again!
Edward Waite
Nice and easy
Carl jones
Amazing & easy
Rhys Baker
Always easy to do business with and staff are very helpful and efficient
K Aravena
Thank you Jackie for your help. Highly appreciated for great service...!
Nilesh
Quick simple process, appreciate note about 12 month vehicle replacement may be covered on my insurance already, it was.
Paul Horning
I called to clarify a couple of things before purchasing and spoke to a lady called Jackie, very pleasant and extremely helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend GAP 123.
Julie Cockin
Great service, very friendly call handler
Lily Harlow
easy site to used very pleased with price
Mr Margaret Wilson
Mr Moossa Odayappurath
VERY EASY TO USE AND COMPLETE. EXCELLANT PRICE HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Mrs HILARY GRAY
Very quick an easy, but the only slight disappointment is that is no where to get your existing customer discount on the web site. You have to phone for that and if you need the cover to start at the weekend you miss out. Shame.
Mr Jo Shadbolt
good
Mr Michael Alderton
Really easy to understand and follow.
Mrs Sonia Barker