How do I file a Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) claim
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) covers the gap between what you owe on an auto loan and what your car is worth.
In the event your vehicle is “totaled” or stolen, your primary insurance company settlement can be significantly less than the outstanding balance on your loan or lease. This may create a deficiency balance or a "gap" resulting in a serious financial hardship for you. GAP covers the loan balance that your primary insurance carrier did not cover.
Here are the steps to follow in the event you need to file a GAP claim:
- File a claim with your insurance company
- Call Elements at 1-800-621-2105 and provide us with your insurance information so our Loan Servicing team can reach out to the insurance company on your behalf.
- Behind the scenes, Elements will cancel any added products that were financed. Since the funds to purchase these products were borrowed, the funds will be applied to your loan balance. If the insurance settlement already paid the loan in full, the funds will be deposited into your savings account.
- If the loan still has a balance, we will file a GAP claim. In most cases, we will do this on your behalf, and you will receive an email letting you know the claim has been filed. There are certain GAP carriers that may require you to file your own GAP claim. You will be notified if this is the case.
- Depending on the dealership/third party you got your loan through, you may be required to provide additional documentation to complete your GAP claim. Once you receive notice that your GAP claim is filed, please respond to any communications you receive from Elements or your GAP carrier asking you to provide additional documents. Any delay in receiving documents will result in a delay in receiving your GAP settlement, and failure to send the documents your GAP carrier is requesting may mean they won’t be able to complete your claim.
- The regular monthly payment will still need to be made until the loan is paid off.