Motorcycle Gap Insurance Options and Advice

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Motorcycle gap insurance can be a lifesaver if your bike is stolen or written off. If you owe more on your loan than your bike is worth, gap insurance can cover the difference.

Typically, gap insurance costs between 5-15% of your bike's value per year. For example, if your bike is worth $10,000, you could pay around $500-$1,500 per year for gap insurance.

You can usually purchase gap insurance through your lender or a third-party provider.

What Is Motorcycle Gap Insurance?

Motorcycle gap insurance is an additional policy that pays the difference between your motorcycle's current market value and your outstanding motorcycle loan balance. It steps in when your regular insurance payout isn't enough to cover what you owe on your bike.

Your regular insurance company will likely only reimburse you for the actual cash value of your bike if it's stolen or totaled in an accident. This means they'll pay you the bike's current market value, not what you originally paid for it.

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If you owe more on your loan than what the bike is worth, motorcycle gap insurance helps cover the financial shortfall. This is especially important if you're not ready to pay off the remaining balance on your loan.

Motorcycle gap insurance can cover a range of incidents, including accidents, fire, theft, and flood. It's designed to help you avoid a financial burden when your bike is written off.

You can buy motorcycle gap insurance as an additional policy, separate from your regular motorcycle insurance.

How It Works

Motorcycle gap insurance covers the difference between the actual cash value of your bike and the remaining balance on your loan or lease.

If your motorcycle is totaled, your insurance company will only pay out the depreciated actual cash value, which may be less than what you owe on your loan. For example, if you purchased a new motorcycle for $11,000 and it's now worth $9,500, you'll still owe $1,500 on your loan.

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Motorcycle gap insurance can reimburse you for this shortfall, so you don't have to pay it out of pocket. In the example above, you'd be reimbursed an additional $1,500 to fully pay off your motorcycle loan.

Most insurers require that you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your motorcycle in order to buy motorcycle gap insurance. This is a standard requirement for purchasing gap coverage.

The insurance company will pay out on the 'book price' of the motorcycle in case of theft or loss, which may be less than what you owe on your loan. For instance, if your motorcycle is stolen and its book price is £8,500, you'll still owe £1,500 on your loan.

GAP insurance can cover various types of losses, including theft and accidents. However, it may only apply if your motorcycle is deemed a total loss due to these circumstances.

Is It Necessary?

Motorcycle GAP insurance isn't necessary for all motorcycle owners, especially if you purchased your motorcycle used. It's only for new motorcycles.

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If you have a smaller down payment on your motorcycle, you may owe more on your loan, and standard insurance policies might not cover this sizable loan balance.

New motorcycles depreciate quickly, which means you might owe more on your loan than your motorcycle is worth.

For older model motorcycles with lower outstanding loans and slower depreciation, GAP insurance may not be as necessary.

GAP insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that you won't be left with substantial debt on a motorcycle you no longer have.

If you can easily manage the outstanding loan balance in case your motorcycle is stolen or totaled, you might not need GAP insurance.

Types of Motorcycle Gap Insurance

There are different types of motorcycle GAP insurance to consider, each with its own benefits and limitations.

Return to Invoice (RTI) GAP insurance is the original type and pays the difference between the insurance payout and the outstanding finance amount. It's often only available on new motorcycles and must be taken out within 90 days of financing.

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If your bike is written off due to incidents like accidents, fire, theft, or flood, GAP insurance covers the difference between the insurance valuation and either the original invoice price or the finance settlement figure.

Return to Value (RTV) GAP insurance pays the difference between the insurance valuation and the bike's value when you took out the GAP insurance. This type of policy can be tricky to get on older bikes, with most cases requiring the bike to be under 5 years old.

GAP insurance can be a lifesaver in the event of a total loss, but it's essential to understand the different types and their limitations to make an informed decision.

When to Consider

If you've financed a motorcycle, GAP insurance can help you avoid being underwater on the loan if the bike is totaled or stolen.

Certain situations make GAP coverage a smart choice. Consider GAP coverage if you fall into any of these categories.

Benefits and Drawbacks

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If you're considering motorcycle GAP insurance, it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

Financial protection is a key benefit, as GAP insurance covers the difference between your motorcycle's depreciated value and your remaining balance, preventing you from having to pay out of pocket.

Knowing you're protected from potential financial setbacks allows you to enjoy your rides without worry, and GAP coverage ensures you won't be stuck with payments on a bike you no longer have if it's stolen or totaled in an accident.

In worst-case scenarios, GAP insurance can save you thousands of dollars, especially true for new motorcycles, which lose vehicle value quickly in the first few years of ownership.

However, some people might view GAP insurance as an unnecessary expense, especially if they're not financing a significant portion of their motorcycle's value.

A high proportion of finance, such as £18,000 on a £20,000 superbike, makes GAP insurance a more attractive option, as the risk of being in negative equity for a longer period of time is higher.

Purchasing and Obtaining

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To purchase motorcycle GAP insurance, it's essential to research and compare multiple providers, looking at their coverage options, premiums, and customer reviews. You can also seek recommendations from friends, family, or other motorcycle owners.

You can use online tools like "find-an-agent" tools to find an independent insurance agent in your area. This can be a great way to get personalized advice and find a reputable provider.

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the policy. Ask questions if anything is unclear, and ensure you're comfortable with the policy before signing on the dotted line.

Here are some steps to obtain GAP insurance in Canada:

  • Get quotes from multiple insurance providers
  • Ask your dealer about their GAP insurance options
  • Compare coverage limits and exclusions

Remember, the cost of GAP insurance can vary widely depending on your motorcycle's value, loan terms, and the provider you choose.

How to Purchase

To purchase motorcycle GAP insurance, look for a reputable provider with excellent customer service. Research and compare multiple providers to find the best coverage options and premiums.

Orange and Black Bmw Motorcycle Before Concrete Wall
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You can start by seeking recommendations from friends, family, or other motorcycle owners, or use online tools like "find-an-agent" tools to find an independent insurance agent in your area.

It's essential to understand the terms and conditions of the policy, as Motorcycle GAP Insurance policies can vary greatly. Ask questions if anything is unclear and ensure you're comfortable with the policy before signing.

In Canada, you can obtain GAP insurance through insurance providers, motorcycle dealers, or lenders. Contact your current provider to inquire about availability and costs, or ask your dealer about their GAP insurance options.

To get quotes from multiple insurance providers, ask your dealer about their GAP insurance options, and compare coverage limits and exclusions. This will help you find a policy that offers the right balance of coverage and affordability.

Torian's Approach

At Torian Insurance, you can count on a knowledgeable and experienced team to guide you through the complexities of motorcycle GAP insurance.

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Our team ensures you fully understand your policy, including the terms and conditions, so you can be confident in your coverage.

We are committed to providing excellent customer service, ready to support you every step of the way with questions, claims, or discussions about your options.

Our team is readily available to help, whether you need assistance or just want to discuss your options.

We use our knowledge of regional factors to provide insurance solutions that meet your needs and are compliant with local regulations and requirements, particularly in the tri-state area surrounding Torian Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a gap in insurance cover?

A gap in insurance covers the difference between the financed amount owed on a car and its actual cash value (ACV) in the event of a total loss. This coverage helps drivers avoid owing money on a car that's no longer worth its original price.

Anne Wiegand

Writer

Anne Wiegand is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing insightful commentary on the world of finance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Anne has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her articles on "Gold Chart" and "Mining Stocks" have been well-received by readers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique perspective on market trends and investment opportunities.

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