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Insurance excess is a common feature of all kinds of insurance protection nowadays. Many policies will feature an excess requirement, from motor to pet insurance, home insurance to travel insurance.
So in this article, we will help you understand what is an insurance excess and how does it work with GAP Insurance?
Introduction to GAP Insurance and Excess
What is an excess on an insurance policy?
Types of Motor Insurance Excess
Your fully comprehensive Motor Insurance Excess
The Relationship Between GAP Insurance and Excess
The Standard Contribution from GAP Insurance
When GAP Insurance Pay out Applies
Key Takeaways on Excess and GAP Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions about GAP Insurance and Excess protection
An excess (also known as a deductible) is the contribution paid by the policyholder towards an insurance claim.
It is usually the first amount paid towards the claim. For example, if you made a car insurance claim, you would first pay the excess amount towards the claim. Your motor insurer will pay the rest.
For example, if your claim would cost £5,000 and you had a £500 excess, then you would pay the £500 excess contribution with your motor insurer paying the £4,500 remaining.
Insurance excess is designed to lower the risk to the insurer firstly by eliminating all claims that do not exceed the excess and reducing any claim cost by the excess contribution. This can then provide a lower premium to the policyholder.
There are two types of excess.
Compulsory Excess - the amount that the car insurance provider sets as a minimum contribution from the policyholder in case of a claim.
Voluntary Excess - the amount the policyholder sets as a minimum they are happy to pay, in addition to the compulsory excess amount, in case of a car insurance claim.
The idea of adding a voluntary excess amount to the compulsory excess figure is that this increased overall contribution from the policyholder to a claim should bring their annual insurance premium down. The overall risk is lower for the car insurance company, so they should provide a lower premium cost to the insured.
Fully comprehensive motor insurance provides you with the legal protection you require to drive your vehicle on the roads of the UK.
You can claim on your car insurance policy if you are involved in an accident, a fire, a flood or a theft.
Should the motor insurer confirm you have an eligible claim, they will charge your excess amount if it is either a fault claim, fire, or theft. If the fault of the claim lies with someone else, a third party, then you should either not be charged your excess at all, or you can claim it back from them.
Some things about the concept of excess concerning when you buy GAP Insurance need to be clarified.
It's important to clarify that GAP Insurance does not have an excess. So if you make a GAP Insurance claim, you should see no excess deducted from the settlement.
Instead, GAP cover can contribute towards the excess deducted in the car insurance settlement in case of a write-off or total loss claim.
It's a standard feature of GAP Insurance that enhances its value to policyholders.
A vehicle GAP Insurance policy typically contributes £250 towards the motor insurance excess. However, some policies may offer a higher contribution. This is an essential feature of GAP Insurance coverage that can provide significant financial relief in the event of a claim.
However, it's essential to read the terms of your policy to understand what your GAP Insurance covers. Each policy can vary. Some may cover a higher excess deduction than £250, for example.
A GAP Insurance claim can only be made when your motor insurer writes off your vehicle, AND the motor insurer pays you the current market value in a settlement.
This could be due to severe damage from an accident, fire, or flood or if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered.
However, it's important to note that not all motor insurance claims will result in a GAP Insurance claim. If the motor insurer repairs or replaces the vehicle for you instead of writing it off, then there is no GAP claim to make.
GAP Insurance also has eligibility and exclusion criteria. These can include the age and mileage when the policy was purchased and the vehicle use.
If the motor excess is charged and the vehicle is written off, then a claim for the excess charges, or a contribution up to the maximum limit, can be made as part of the GAP Insurance payout.
If the motor insurer repairs or replaces your car in a claim but still charges your excess payment, then you cannot make a GAP claim so that no excess contribution can be made.
Understanding the nuances of GAP Insurance, including its relationship with excess, is crucial for any vehicle owner in the UK.
While GAP Insurance does not have an excess, it can contribute towards the excess deducted by your primary motor insurance, providing additional financial protection.
Always read your policy terms carefully and consult your insurance provider if you have any questions. With the right knowledge and understanding, you can ensure you're adequately covered and prepared for any eventuality.
Guaranteed Asset Protection, more commonly known as GAP Insurance, is a specialised form of vehicle insurance offering additional financial protection to car owners.
It can only be claimed when a vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss, or 'written off', by the main motor insurance company. The main purpose of GAP Insurance is to cover the 'gap' between the amount your fully comprehensive motor insurance policy pays out and, depending on which type of GAP Insurance you have:
the original price or value you paid for the vehicle
the outstanding finance settlement on a lease or car loan
The replacement cost of a new car
It's a safety net that ensures you're not left financially disadvantaged due to the depreciation of your vehicle.
Yes, there are several GAP Insurance policy types available. Each can protect you in a slightly different way.
Return to Invoice GAP Insurance - the most common type of GAP Insurance that bridges the difference between the car insurance payout and the original net invoice price you paid for the vehicle.
Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance - the most comprehensive type of GAP Insurance. It covers the difference between the motor insurers' settlement and the cost of the equivalent replacement vehicle.
Finance GAP Insurance - designed to cover the difference between the motor insurance settlement and the outstanding finance balance on a hire purchase or personal contract purchase credit agreement. Finance GAP Insurance is often combined with Return to Invoice GAP or Vehicle Replacement GAP.
Lease and Contract Hire GAP Insurance - designed to cover any shortfall between the motor insurers' settlement and the outstanding lease settlement. This particular policy is designed explicitly for lease vehicles.
No. You can only claim your motor insurance excess contribution element on a GAP policy where you have made a full claim on the GAP Insurance cover. This is when the motor insurer writes off the insured vehicle and charges you an excess against the market value settlement.
If you have a claim on your motor insurance that sees the insured vehicle repaired, the car has not been written off. The excess is still charged, but you cannot make a GAP Insurance claim as the car has not been written off.
Yes, it is called a Motor Excess Insurance policy. This works because you have a claim with the motor insurer, and they charge you your excess in processing the claim and repair.
Once you have paid the excess, you can claim back the excess you have been charged from a Motor Excess Protection policy up to the claim limit.
Published 11/7/23, 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
Gap Insurance 123 specialises in Gap Insurance products. If you wish to purchase policies to cover Alloy, Tyre, Scratch & Dent or Excess, please check our sister sites easygap.co.uk or totallossgap.co.uk or call our office on 0800 195 4926 and any member of the team can assist.
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 747 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 easygpa.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 licence and until you are over the age of 21 you must have a telematics / black box fitted to your car.
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 21.
No sorry we can not cover you if your insurance is a motor trade policy.
No sorry we can only cover vehicles up to 10 years of age.
No sorry on the day that you buy your policy your car must have less than 100,000 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.
If your compliant relates to a claim - you can make a complaint by calling Claims Consortium Group Limited on 0330 174 2071. Alternatively you can complain directly to Lloyd's, their telephone number is +44 (0)2073275693
If your compliant relates to a claim you can write to the Claims Consortium Group Limited. Their address is Copthall House, King Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 1EL. If you prefer you can write directly to Lloyd's. Their address is Complaints at Lloyd's. Fidentia House, Walter Burke Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent. ME4 4RN
If your complaint relates to a claim please email [email protected] alternately you can email Lloyd's directly on [email protected]. If you prefer you can complain directly to Lloyd's their email address is [email protected]. For more information please see our Complaints Page. This is found either on the menu at the bottom of your screen or the top menu under the section marked are Important information.
If you have complained to the administrator and your complaint is with regards to the sale of your policy and are still unhappy with the response to your complaint you may be able to refer the matter to Lloyds. 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 contact Arch Complaints Team, 5th Floor, 60 Great Tower Street, London, EC3R 5AR. Or email [email protected]. Or if you prefer you can take your complaint directly to Lloyds. For more information please see our complaints page.
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