ALA Insurance
Cover types
Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, contract hire, agreed value
Key benefits
- 5 Star Defaqto rated cover
- Motor insurance excess cover included as standard
- Underwritten by Financial & Legal and Hiscox
UK-focused guides for car buyers
Pricing, policy, and provider comparisons
Fast, mobile-first quote guidance
Why GAP cover matters
Bridge the gap between payout and purchase price
Standard car insurance often settles at market value after a write-off. GAP insurance is designed to protect against the shortfall between that payout and the amount you paid, still owe, or need to replace the vehicle.
That makes it especially relevant for new cars, financed vehicles, and situations where early depreciation would otherwise leave you exposed.
Write-off example
A typical shortfall can appear surprisingly quickly
This is why many buyers compare GAP insurance soon after purchase rather than waiting until depreciation has already done the damage.
Original purchase price
The amount paid when the car was bought.
£29,500
Insurer market-value payout
What standard motor insurance may settle after a total loss.
£22,400
Potential GAP shortfall
The difference a suitable policy could help bridge.
£7,100
What is GAP insurance and how does it work?
A concise explanation for UK car buyers
GAP insurance is an optional policy designed to protect you if your car is written off or stolen and your standard motor insurer only pays the vehicle's market value at the time of the claim. Because cars can lose value quickly, especially in the first few years, that insurer payout may be lower than the amount you originally paid, the finance balance still outstanding, or the cost of replacing the vehicle with an equivalent model.
After a total loss, your normal car insurer usually settles first. GAP insurance then aims to cover the shortfall between that market-value settlement and the basis set out in your GAP policy, such as return to invoice, finance GAP, or vehicle replacement. In practical terms, that can stop a buyer from being left out of pocket after depreciation has done most of the damage.
This is why GAP cover tends to matter most when the potential shortfall is meaningful in pounds, not just in percentage terms. If you have bought a newer car, used finance such as PCP or HP, or chosen a vehicle that could depreciate quickly, a comparison before purchase can help you judge whether the premium is proportionate to the risk.
Who should consider GAP insurance?
Common situations where the value case is strongest
New car buyers
New vehicles often lose value fastest early on, making the insurer payout gap more noticeable.
PCP, HP and financed vehicles
Finance customers may want to avoid owing money on a car they no longer have after a write-off.
High depreciation models
Some premium or fast-moving models can create larger shortfalls in a short period.
Higher value and electric cars
Bigger purchase prices and replacement costs can make even modest depreciation expensive.
Some used car buyers
Used cars can still justify GAP cover when the value is meaningful and the expected payout gap is material.
Explore the key pages
Use these guides to compare costs, cover, and providers
Compare leading GAP insurance providers before you buy
Start with the provider table so you can compare policy positioning, pricing signals, and route options in one place before visiting any provider directly.
⭐ Friendly comparison view
Compare leading GAP insurance providers
Cover types and key features below were checked against each provider's own website in July 2026. Pricing is quote-based for almost every provider, so always compare live quotes for your own vehicle.
Direct GAP
Cover types
Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, lease and contract hire, agreed value
Key benefits
- Unlimited claim limits on vehicles up to £50,000
- Monthly instalments available
- Trading since 2006 with Feefo Platinum award
gapinsurance.co.uk
Cover types
Replacement GAP, invoice GAP, contract hire, top-up GAP
Key benefits
- Established 2004, underwritten by Arch
- No market value clauses in payout terms
- Contract hire cover includes up to £3,000 initial rental
Cover My GAP
Cover types
Return to invoice and finance, vehicle replacement and finance, contract hire
Key benefits
- FCA regulated (Reach Financial Services)
- FSCS protected
- No market-value payout restriction
Coffee Insure
Cover types
Combined RTI, combined VRI, vehicle finance GAP, contract hire
Key benefits
- Up to £1,000 motor excess cover
- Temporary replacement vehicle for up to 30 days
- FCA regulated (Ping Insure Ltd)
Sura (formerly Platinum GAP)
Cover types
Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, contract hire and lease
Key benefits
- Operating since 2009
- Insurance excess covered up to £1,000
- 2 to 4 year policy terms
MotorEasy
Cover types
Return to invoice, return to value, lease, finance GAP
Key benefits
- 5 Star Defaqto rated, advertised from £4.30/month (July 2026)
- Covers vehicles under 8 years, 100,000 miles and £75,000 value
- Up to £500 insurance excess covered
Click4Gap
Cover types
Combined RTI, combined RTI Plus, hybrid and EV variants
Key benefits
- Shortfall cover up to £75,000
- Monthly payment plans spread over 12 months
- Up to £500 excess contribution and £1,500 dealer-fitted accessories
| Provider | Cover types | Key benefits | Visit site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, contract hire, agreed value |
| Visit site |
| Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, lease and contract hire, agreed value |
| Visit site |
| Replacement GAP, invoice GAP, contract hire, top-up GAP |
| Visit site |
| Return to invoice and finance, vehicle replacement and finance, contract hire |
| Visit site |
| Combined RTI, combined VRI, vehicle finance GAP, contract hire |
| Visit site |
Sura (formerly Platinum GAP) | Return to invoice, vehicle replacement, contract hire and lease |
| Visit site |
| Return to invoice, return to value, lease, finance GAP |
| Visit site |
| Combined RTI, combined RTI Plus, hybrid and EV variants |
| Visit site |
Mini FAQ
Quick answers before you compare
Is GAP insurance worth it in the UK?
It can be worth it if your car is new, financed, high value, or likely to depreciate quickly. The key question is whether a write-off would leave a meaningful shortfall between the insurer payout and what you paid or still owe.
How much does GAP insurance cost?
Many UK drivers see prices from roughly £100 to £300, although higher-value or electric vehicles can cost more. Policy type, claim limit, and purchase timing all affect the premium.
Can you buy GAP insurance after buying a car?
Yes. Many providers let you buy after purchase, but there is often a time window from the sale date, so it helps to compare options soon after buying.