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Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is a common consideration for Citroen owners in the UK. GAP Insurance provides financial security in the event of theft or a total loss or write-off declaration by your motor insurer.
On the basis that your car loses value over time. Should the worst happen and the vehicle is written off, the settlement from your motor insurance company may not be enough to pay off your finance company or give you enough money to buy a new car.
As you navigate the complex world of insurance for car ownership, understanding your options for GAP insurance will protect your investment in your Citroen.
Citroen, founded by French industrialist André-Gustave Citroen in 1919, has a rich history of producing iconic cars such as the Citroen 2CV and the Citroen DS.
Today, as part of the Stellantis Group, which includes 16 brands like Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Maserati, Citroen continues to offer a diverse range of vehicles in 2023, including the Citroen C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C5 X, C5 Aircross, and Berlingo.
When looking at GAP insurance for your Citroen, you could consider several styles of GAP Insurance.
The three primary types to explore:
This GAP coverage reimburses the difference between your car's current market value and the original invoice price you paid if the vehicle is written off or stolen.
Suitable for Citroen cars purchased by:
Not suitable for:
RTI GAP insurance ensures you receive the total purchase price of your Citroen in the event of a total loss. It does this by topping up the market vehicle value settlement from your car insurer to your original purchase price.
This means you receive the full invoice price you originally paid for your Citroen. If you have outstanding finance, then you can pay this off from your settlement. What is then left over is your deposit for your next vehicle.
If you are offered the manufacturer-endorsed Citroen Gap Insurance at the Citroen main dealer, it is often a form of Return to Invoice cover.
If you buy Back to Invoice Gap for your Citroen, which is subsequently written off, it can work in the following way.
The Return to Invoice Gap can cover the difference between the motor insurers' settlement and the original invoice price paid. In this case, a difference of £8,000 (£19,000 - £11,000).
This provides the total original purchase price of £19,000 back.
The outstanding finance settlement of £10,500 can be paid. This leaves £8,500 for a deposit for a replacement vehicle.
If you are given a manufacturer-endorsed Citroen Gap Insurance quote at the Citroen main dealer, it is often a form of Return to Invoice cover.
VRI GAP insurance covers the difference between your car's current market value and the cost of replacing the Citroen with the equivalent replacement model.
If the Citroen was a new car, then the equivalent is a brand-new replacement model. If the Citroen were a used car, then the equivalent replacement vehicle would be the same age, mileage and specification that your Citroen was on the day you bought it.
Vehicle Replacement GAP for a Citroen is suitable for:
Not suitable for:
Vehicle replacement cover is often considered alongside Return to Invoice Gap. They are, in truth, similar types of cover. The only difference between the two is that VRI Gap insurance allows for any increased inflationary costs if the equivalent vehicle increases in price.
If you buy a Vehicle Replacement Gap for your Citroen, which is later involved in an accident, stolen, in a fire or flood and written off, it can work in the following way.
The Vehicle Replacement Gap can cover the difference between the motor insurers' settlement and the cost of a brand new replacement Citroen Berlingo, which is now £25,000. In this case, a shortfall of £15,000 (£25,000 - £10,000).
This provides the equivalent replacement cost of £25,000 back.
The outstanding finance settlement of £5,000 can be paid. This leaves £20,000 towards the cost of a replacement new vehicle.
Vehicle Replacement Gap insurance policies could be a better choice than an RTI Gap Insurance policy when you get a heavy discount on your Citroen, and the cost of the equivalent Citroen will be more expensive.
This can happen when the manufacturer discounts a new model as it is due to be updated. Later, these discounts may not be available, so the costs of the same standard of vehicle are higher.
Tailored for those who choose a contract hire lease agreement, CHG GAP insurance covers the shortfall between your car insurer pays and any outstanding lease payments or settlement figures.
This coverage ensures you're not financially burdened if your leased Citroen is stolen or written off.
CHG GAP insurance is designed explicitly for leased vehicles with no option to purchase, rental agreements, or contract hire and is not suitable for other types of purchases.
Additional cover for your advanced rental payment can often be taken to provide further protection.
Lease and Contract Hire GAP Insurance is suitable for:
Lease and Contract Hire GAP insurance is not suitable for:
Lease and Contract Hire GAP should not be confused with Finance GAP insurance or negative equity GAP Insurance, which can cover a shortfall on a PCP or HP agreement.
If you buy Contract Hire Gap for your Citroen, which is later involved in an accident, stolen, in a fire or flood and written off, it can work in the following way.
The Lease Gap can cover the shortfall between the motor insurers' settlement and the motor insurer settlement and lease settlement. In this case, a shortfall of £3,000 (£15,000 - £12,000).
If the advanced rental protection has also been taken, then the £3,000 advanced rental can be claimed back also.
Selecting the appropriate GAP insurance requires a thorough assessment of your financial situation, the age and value of your Citroen, and the type of purchase or leasing agreement you have. Consider potential depreciation and your willingness to invest in a brand-new replacement if necessary. Consult a qualified insurance specialist for further guidance in making your decision.
Understanding common questions surrounding GAP insurance will help you make informed decisions regarding your Citroen coverage. These questions include eligibility, GAP Insurance providers, what GAP covers and how to save money.
Standard Citroen models, supplied from a franchised main dealer, should be fine for any GAP Insurer. These vehicles will appear in Glass's guide (if not, they are typically excluded) and will be standard factory specifications.
Exclusions for your Citroen car may apply when you use the vehicle for unusual purposes. The excluded vehicle uses from standard Gap cover usually include:
There are several options for buying GAP insurance, including motor dealers, specialist online Gap brokers, general insurance brokers, and motor insurers.
Different Gap Insurance providers will offer other products and various features. Premium prices will differ also.
Comparing costs and coverage is essential to finding the best provider.
However, you are often provided with your first GAP Insurance quote from your motor dealer. When you compare this to alternative products, you will probably notice one massive difference...............the premium price.
When purchasing from a motor dealer, the premium cost is typically much higher than the premiums you will be offered elsewhere.
Why?
GAP Insurance does not cover mechanical failures. This type of insurance is designed to protect you only if your car is written off or stolen and not recovered. A motor warranty typically covers mechanical failure for mechanical and electrical failure.
No, you do not have to buy GAP Insurance from the Citroen main dealer. There are specialist providers of GAP Insurance who can offer competitive premiums and better levels of coverage than many dealers.
By shopping around online for different GAP policies, you can find one that meets your needs at a significantly lower cost.
You can check out online GAP Insurance reviews to see what others have bought.
Which type of GAP Insurance may be best for your Citroen purchase depends on a few factors and your personal circumstances.
If you buy the car outright, then protecting the value of your vehicle can be achieved by an RTI or VRI Gap product.
If you secure your Citroen on a lease, a lease gap insurance policy can protect against any shortfall on your car insurance payout.
The premium cost of your GAP policy can differ, depending on where you buy the cover from. An RTI Gap policy purchased from your motor dealer could cost £300+ for a 3-year term. An equivalent policy bought online could be around £100.
Use our GAP Insurance calculator to find out what information you need to get an accurate quote for GAP coverage.
Again, the answer to this depends on where you are getting covered. Different GAP Insurance providers will have additional requirements. GAPInsurance123 can cover vehicles up to 10 years of age at the time of policy purchase.
Other providers will have different age parameters.
Mileage restrictions can also come into play. Check the policy document for clarification.
Please note: GAP insurance products from GAPInsurance123 are not officially endorsed by Citroen and are not available from Citroen showrooms. Any GAPInsurance123 branded product can only be purchased from the official GAPInsurance123.co.uk website.