What Happens if You Crash a Financed Car with Insurance?

If you have a car loan or lease and get into an accident, you may be wondering what happens next. Crashing a financed vehicle can complicate things since the car isn’t fully paid off yet. This guide will walk through some common scenarios and questions that come up when a financed car is damaged or totaled in an accident.

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Discuss Your Options With Our Auto Accident Attorneys for Free

Dealing with car insurance companies after an accident can be confusing and frustrating. An experienced auto accident attorney can help protect your rights. Our attorneys offer free consultations to review your case. We can help you understand your options so you can recover damages and get the compensation you deserve. Don’t go it alone – call us to discuss your case at no cost.

What About Additional Damages in a Car Accident?

Beyond damage to your financed vehicle, you may have suffered other losses in the accident, such as:

Medical bills
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Property damage

An auto accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for all your accident-related damages, not just those directly related to your financed car. This is important to fully cover the losses you sustained.

What happens if you damage or crash your financed car?

If you damage or crash your financed vehicle, like with a Title Loan on a Financed Car, you are still responsible for repaying the auto loan or lease as agreed. The financing company maintains a secured interest in the car until you satisfy the loan terms and pay off the balance. This means even if the car is damaged, you must continue making your monthly payments.

Several things can happen after an accident with a financed vehicle:

Your insurance company may declare the car a total loss if repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car’s pre-accident value. Typically this is 75-80% of the car’s value before the crash.
If the car is not totaled, your insurance will pay for covered repairs based on your policy limits. You will be responsible for any deductible or non-covered repairs.
The finance company will require proof of insurance and may need documentation related to the repairs before releasing any insurance payout.
If you owe more than insurance pays out for the car, you will be responsible for paying the difference so the finance company receives the agreed payoff amount.
If you stop making payments, the lender can repossess the damaged vehicle and take further action against you to recoup their losses. This can seriously harm your credit and finances.

What should you do if you crash a financed car?

If you are in an accident with your financed vehicle, here are important steps to take:

Contact your lender

Inform them of the accident and find out what documentation they require. This may include proof of insurance, repair estimates, etc.
Ask if they will release insurance payouts directly to the repair shop so you can get the car fixed quickly.
Discuss options if the car is totaled and you owe more than it’s worth. See if they will waive the remaining balance or set up a payment plan.

Contact your insurer

File a claim immediately and retain all documentation they provide.
Ask about your policy coverage for repairs or total loss payout.
Get a repair estimate authorized by the insurance adjuster.
Be sure to document all communications with your insurer.

Continue making payments

Unless instructed otherwise, continue making your normal monthly payments. Failure to do so can trigger default actions by the lender.
If the car is a total loss, ask the lender about suspending payments until the insurance claim is settled. Get any agreement in writing.

What is an insurance write-off?

An insurance write-off refers to a vehicle that the insurance company deems a total loss after an accident. This means the estimated repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car’s pre-accident value, usually 75-80%.

If the vehicle is written off, the insurer will pay the insured party a settlement based on the car’s actual cash value before the accident, minus deductible and salvage value.

What happens if you write-off a financed car?

If your financed vehicle gets written off by insurance after an accident, things can get more complicated:

You will receive the insurer’s settlement payout based on ACV. However, this may or may not be enough to pay off what you still owe the finance company.
The finance company maintains a secured interest in the written off vehicle. They have the right to keep the salvage value and any insurance payout to cover your remaining loan balance.
If the payout does not cover your full loan balance, you will be responsible for paying the finance company the difference.
The lender can pursue collections actions against you if your loan is not paid off as originally agreed. This can seriously damage your credit and finances.

What should you do if you write-off a car on finance?

Here are some tips if your financed vehicle is declared a write-off after an accident:

Notify your lender immediately and provide details on the settlement offer. Ask if they will waive any balance difference.
Review your loan documents. See if there is an “early payout” option without penalties if the car is totaled.
Discuss a payment plan or loan modification if you cannot pay the balance difference all at once. Get any agreement in writing.
Consider gap insurance if offered. This covers the difference between the ACV payout and remaining loan balance if the car is totaled.
Contact your insurer to ensure you receive the maximum settlement allowed. Provide documentation on your car’s features and condition.
Consult an attorney. They can review your case and ensure you receive the full compensation you are legally entitled to.

Writing off a financed vehicle can put car owners in a difficult situation. Our legal team is here to help – call us today to discuss your options at no charge.

What is classed as wear and tear on a financed car?

Normal wear and tear on a financed vehicle is expected over time and is not considered damage. Wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of the car through regular, everyday use.

Here are some examples of acceptable wear and tear on a financed car:

Minor scratches, scuffs or dents from normal driving and use
Fading or discoloration of exterior paint and plastic trim from sun exposure
Interior stains, wear marks or small rips and tears from routine use
Normal tire tread wear
Chips and cracks in windshield from rocks
Surface rust on undercarriage components
Brake pad replacement when worn down
Oil leaks from seals and gaskets drying out
Replacement of consumable parts like wiper blades, filters, belts

Excessive damage beyond normal wear and tear can be classed as unacceptable by finance companies. Examples include:

Major unrepaired body damage, cracked windows, missing pieces
Deep gouges, rips or tears in upholstery and carpets
Missing parts, body panels, wheels or tires
Mechanical or electrical problems needing repair
Major corrosion and rust
Abnormal tire wear from misalignment or suspension issues

If you are unsure what is considered acceptable wear vs. excessive damage, check your loan contract or consult the finance company. Maintaining the vehicle per manufacturer recommendations can help minimize wear issues.

Who pays for repairs on a financed car?

With a financed vehicle, responsibility for paying for any needed repairs depends on three factors:

Who caused the damage? If you were at fault in an accident, you or your insurer pays. If another driver caused damage, their liability insurance should pay.
Is it wear and tear or unexpected damage? For normal wear items, you pay for replacement as maintenance. Accidental damage or vandalism should be covered under your own collision/comprehensive insurance policy.
What does the loan contract say? The finance agreement may stipulate that certain repairs are your responsibility vs. the lender’s. Read the loan contract carefully.

In general:

You must maintain proper insurance coverage as required by the lender. This covers accident repairs.
The finance company may only cover certain issues under warranty if it’s a newer vehicle.
For deferred maintenance issues that already existed when you bought the car, liability depends on your loan terms.
You are responsible for ongoing maintenance and wear items per the manufacturer’s schedule.

If you are unsure who should pay for a specific repair, contact your lender for clarification before authorization. Keep copies of all repair orders and communications.

Are there different kinds of car write-offs?

Yes, there are a few different categories of insurance write-offs for vehicles:

Total Loss: Repair costs exceed 75-80% of the car’s pre-accident value. The insurer declares it a total loss and pays the ACV.
Structural Total Loss: Frame or unibody structure is warped/twisted beyond repair. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive even if other components could be fixed.
Repairable Write-off: Repairs exceed economic threshold but the structural integrity remains intact. An insurer will brand the title if repaired.
Break for Parts: Deemed cost-effective to part out undamaged components vs. repair the vehicle. The rest is scrapped. Titles are usually branded as dismantled.
Non-Repairable: Extensive damage makes the car unsafe and economically unwise to repair. Often scrapped for parts/materials recycling.
Flood damage: Flooded past a certain water line threshold where electrical, mechanical systems, and interiors may be irreparably damaged by water.
Fire damage: Burned partially or fully. Heat and smoke damage can make repair prohibitive based on value.
Vandalism: Severely damaged by vandals. Repairs may exceed car’s worth.

The specific write-off category determines available options. Our legal team can help maximize your compensation. Call today to discuss your situation.

What happens if your car is written off?

If your car has been written off by the insurer after an accident, here’s what typically happens:

The insurer declares it a total loss and provides a payout for the vehicle’s pre-accident actual cash value or market value, minus your deductible.
Your insurer gains possession of the written off car. They will sell it to a salvage yard to try to recover a portion of the payout amount.
The title is branded by the Department of Motor Vehicles as “salvage”, “flood”, or other notation so future buyers know it was deemed unrepairable.
You use the payout to either repair the car (if repairable write-off), pay off your loan balance, or put towards a replacement vehicle.
Any outstanding loan balance not covered by the payout remains your responsibility to repay the finance company as agreed.
If you keep the written off vehicle, it cannot be legally driven on public roads without extensive repairs first. Re-registration requires a salvage inspection.
Your insurance policy on the totaled car is cancelled. Any refund of unused premiums can be applied to a new policy.

Determining actual cash value and getting properly compensated can be complex. Consulting an attorney may be wise to ensure maximum compensation.

If my car is written off, how long before I get paid out?

After an insurer declares your vehicle a total loss, it typically takes 2-6 weeks to receive the actual claim payout. However, the process depends on factors like:

How quickly the adjuster can inspect the car and process the claim
Delays in obtaining police reports, getting title documents from your lender, etc.
Negotiations if there is disagreement about the vehicle’s value
How backed up the insurer is with claims during a busy period
Whether you have submitted all required documentation

To expedite the process, be proactive in contacting your insurer, lender, and the other party’s insurer if needed. Have your documentation ready to submit immediately. Stay engaged with the adjuster and seek legal help if delays arise.

What happens if your PCP car is written off?

If your PCP (personal contract purchase) financed car is written off after an accident, the process can differ from standard car loans:

The finance company, not you, owns the PCP car. So they receive the insurer’s settlement payout.
If the settlement does not cover the early termination PCP balance, you must pay the difference.
The finance company can seek compensation beyond the payout if the car was worth more than the guaranteed future value in the contract.
You lose the option to buy the car at the previously agreed residual value when the PCP ends.
Any unused monthly payments you made are refunded to you on a pro rata basis.
Your PCP agreement terminates so you must arrange a new car. Your next financing may be impacted if you still owe money.

PCP write-offs can get quite complex. speaking with an attorney experienced in car finance issues is strongly recommended. They can help maximize your compensation and resolve matters favorably.

Do you still need to make monthly finance payments if your car is written off?

If your financed vehicle has been written off, you need to continue making your usual monthly payments until the insurance claim process concludes. This protects you from defaulting on your loan.

Once the insurer declares the car a total loss, the process typically takes 2-6 weeks until you receive the actual payout. During this time, keep making payments until you settle matters with the finance company.

If the payout covers your full remaining loan balance, the finance company will contact you to have the loan marked “paid in full.” Any excess payout money goes to you.

If you still owe additional money not covered by the payout, continue ongoing payments per your agreement. Do not stop paying unless the lender gives you written approval. Defaulting could result in legal action and credit damage.

Discuss options with the lender like deferred payments if struggling to pay the remaining balance. Get professional legal advice to protect your rights and finances in this situation.

What should you do once your car is written off?

If your insurer deems your financed vehicle a total loss, here are important steps to take:

Notify your car lender of the write-off status immediately. Ask what documentation they require.
Review your loan contract regarding any early payoff penalties or balance responsibilities.
Continue making payments until you settle up the total outstanding balance.
Provide all requested documentation to your insurer to facilitate the payout.
Accept the settlement offer only once you are certain it covers your expenses. Consult an attorney if unsure.
Use the payout to satisfy your loan first before allocating it elsewhere.
Arrange alternate transportation as you can no longer legally drive the written off car.
Transfer or cancel any insurance policies, registrations, inspections related to the totaled vehicle.
Monitor your credit reports and lender accounts until all balances are paid.
Seek professional legal advice concerning your rights and options if needed.

Acting quickly and proactively can help resolve a written off vehicle situation with the least financial impact. Our attorneys are here to help you.

If my car is written off, can I keep it?

In some cases, you may be able to retain possession of the written off vehicle after settling with the insurer:

For a repairable write-off, you can request to keep the car. But you will need to complete repairs to make it roadworthy before re-registration.
If the insurer deems it a total loss but you want to keep the car for parts, you can negotiate this in the settlement.
The insurer will deduct the estimated salvage value from your payout if you keep the vehicle.
The title will be branded as salvage. Extensive repairs are required before the vehicle can be legally driven again.
State laws vary on retention rights for total loss vehicles. There may be certain exceptions for classic cars with sentimental value.
Check with your lender, as they may not approve retaining a written off financed vehicle until you settle the full loan balance.
Retaining a badly damaged vehicle is rarely recommended. Consult an attorney regarding available options in your specific situation.

What happens if you crash a car on finance?

Getting into an accident in a financed vehicle can complicate matters since you still owe money on the car. Here’s what typically happens if you crash a car on finance:

You must continue making your regular monthly payments, even if the car is damaged and undrivable.
Your insurance policy will pay for covered repairs based on your coverage limits, minus any deductible you owe.
If the car is determined to be a total loss, the insurer will pay the actual cash value at the time of loss, not the remaining loan balance.
The finance company has a secured interest in the vehicle and will require the insurance payout to satisfy the outstanding loan balance first.
If the payout does not cover the full remaining balance, you are responsible for paying the difference to the lender.
The finance company may place restrictions on any repair claims and require documentation before releasing the vehicle or title.
Defaulting on payments can allow the lender to repossess the vehicle and seek further legal action against you for non-payment.
Your credit rating can be severely affected if you fail to continue making payments as agreed after a crash.

Consult an attorney experienced in auto accident law. They can help ensure the finance company treats you fairly while you get repairs completed or determine if the car is a total loss. Don’t navigate this alone.

What is GAP insurance?

GAP insurance covers the difference between what your vehicle insurance pays out if your car is totaled and what you still owe on your auto loan balance.

If your car is wrecked or stolen, your insurer only pays the actual cash value, which may be less than the remaining loan amount. GAP insurance helps bridge that outstanding “gap” amount so the finance company can be fully paid off.

GAP insurance provides an important extra layer of protection for financed or leased vehicles. It typically costs $200-$500 one time when you purchase your car. Make sure you understand eligibility conditions and exclusions.

Damaging a finance car

If you damage a financed vehicle, you have certain responsibilities:

You must continue making your loan or lease payments per the contract, even while the car is being repaired.
Notify your lender of the damage and confirm their requirements for repairs.
Use an approved repair shop and provide repair documentation to the lender. Keep all receipts and paperwork.
File a claim with your insurer and pay any deductible you owe for covered repairs.
If the car is totaled, the finance company will require the insurance payout to satisfy the remaining loan balance.
You must pay any repair costs or balance shortfalls not covered by insurance.
Cosmetic damage like dents may need to be fixed before the lender allows lease turn-in or loan payoff.

Failure to properly repair a damaged finance vehicle before lease termination or loan payoff can result in significant fees and penalties. Protect yourself by understanding your obligations.

What is fair wear and tear on a HP or PCP finance car?

Normal wear and tear is expected on any used vehicle. For cars on hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements, fair wear and tear refers to the acceptable deterioration of the vehicle over the finance term.

What counts as fair wear vs. excessive damage depends on factors like:

The age and mileage of the car
How long you have financed it
The car’s maintenance history
The manufacturer’s durability standards

Some examples of fair wear and tear:

Minor interior scuffs, stains, or upholstery fraying
Paint chips, small dents and scratches
Tire tread wear
Fading trim and plastic pieces

Excess wear could include:

Ripped upholstery, cracked glass, missing pieces
Major mechanical issues
Structural rust
Deep scrapes and dents

Carefully maintaining your finance car per the owner’s manual helps minimize excessive wear issues down the road.

Why does fair wear and tear matter?

At the end of an HP or PCP agreement, the lender assesses the vehicle’s condition to determine if any excess wear fees apply. So understanding fair vs. excessive wear helps set expectations.

If the car shows greater deterioration than reasonably expected based on age and mileage, the finance company may charge repair fees upon return. But normal fair wear and tear within acceptable parameters should not incur fees.

Being aware of fair wear and tear conditions allows you to properly maintain your finance vehicle and avoid surprise charges. Check your contract and get an inspection near the end of the term.

What happens if I crash my finance car?

Crashing your financed car can significantly complicate matters. Here’s what to expect if you are in an accident with a finance vehicle:

You must continue making monthly payments as agreed, even if the car is damaged. Failure to pay could result in repossession and credit impacts.
Your insurer will determine covered repairs or declare it a total loss based on your policy terms. You must pay any deductible owed.
The finance company has a secured interest in your car and will require the insurance payout if it’s totaled.
If you owe more than insurance pays out, you are responsible for the remaining balance. The lender can pursue legal action if you default.
For repairs, the lender may restrict which body shops can be used and require documentation.
If the car was deemed safe to drive, the finance company cannot force you to have cosmetic damage fixed. But they may charge fees later for excess wear if unrepaired.
Your insurance premiums will likely increase after an at-fault accident that required a claim payout.

Consult an attorney to ensure you’re treated fairly and compensated fully if you crash your financed vehicle. Don’t go it alone against the finance company and insurance adjusters.

Who pays for repairs if your finance car is damaged?

If your financed vehicle is damaged, who pays depends on these factors:

Did you cause the damage? You and your insurer may be responsible.
Was it the other driver’s fault? Their liability insurance should pay.
Is it normal wear and tear vs. accidental damage? You pay for routine maintenance issues.
Does your loan or lease stipulate certain responsibilities? Read your contract.
Do you have appropriate coverage? Collision, comprehensive policies cover non-collision damage.
Does the damage exceed your coverage limits? You pay the excess.
Is it a lease turn-in? Excess wear fees often apply.
Did you meet loan requirements for repairs? The lender may not release funds if not.
Are recall or warranty repairs needed? The manufacturer may be responsible.

Determining responsibility for damage on a financed vehicle can get complicated. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights if questions arise.

You Crashed Your Financed Car

If you are at fault in an accident with your financed vehicle, here’s what to expect:

Your collision coverage will pay for covered repairs, minus your deductible.
If totaled, your insurer pays the actual cash value, which you must use to satisfy the loan balance.
You continue monthly payments until the insurance settlement is completed.
Any repair shortfall or remaining loan balance comes out of your pocket.
Your insurer likely increases your premiums after the claim.
The finance company requires documentation on the repairs/payout and may restrict repair options.
Defaulting on payments allows the lender to take possession of the vehicle.
Both your finances and credit rating take a hit from the increased costs.

Seek legal guidance to ensure the insurance settlement adequately compensates you and covers what you still owe on the car. Don’t let them take advantage of the situation.

You Crash Your Car and Still Owe Money on the Loan: Now What?

If you wreck a vehicle that you still have an outstanding loan balance on, here’s a rundown of what typically happens in various scenarios:

You Have Insurance (At Fault)

Your own collision coverage pays for repairs or total loss, minus deductible. But you must continue making loan payments. Higher premiums often follow.

You Have Insurance (Not at Fault)

The other driver’s liability insurance should cover repairs or replacement value if they were at fault. Your monthly loan payments continue.

You Don’t Have Insurance

You alone are responsible for repair costs and continuing loan payments. The lender can pursue legal action if you default on the loan.

Having insurance is crucial when financing a vehicle. Consult an attorney to get advice specific to your situation after an accident. They can help maximize your claim and negotiate on your behalf. Don’t go it alone against the insurance companies.

What Does a Total Loss on a Vehicle Mean?

If your car is declared a total loss, it means your insurance company has decided the vehicle is too badly damaged to be safely repaired, or the repair cost exceeds around 75% of the car’s pre-accident value.

This typically happens if the vehicle was:

In a very severe accident
Flooded or burned extensively
Stolen and not recovered within a certain time

Once deemed a total loss:

Your insurer will pay the actual cash value of the car before the incident, minus deductibles.
The totaled vehicle’s ownership is then transferred to the insurance company.
You cannot legally drive the totaled car until extensive repairs are made.

If you still owe money on your loan, the payout should go toward the remaining balance first before you use funds for any other purpose. However, the payout may not be enough to fully pay off the loan, leaving you responsible for the difference.

What If Your Settlement Doesn’t Pay Off Your Car Loan?

If the insurance payout on your totaled financed vehicle does not fully cover the remaining loan balance, here are some options:

Continue making monthly payments as agreed until the loan is paid off.
Refinance the balance of the loan to improve the terms.
Buy GAP insurance to cover the difference (must be purchased at loan origination).
Negotiate a settlement with the lender for a reduced payoff amount.
Voluntarily surrender the vehicle to the lender so they can auction it.
File bankruptcy to eliminate some/all of the remaining balance obligation.
Hire an attorney to pursue legal action against the insurer or other driver if not sufficiently compensated.

Never accept a settlement offer until exploring all options to avoid owing beyond the insurance payout. Consult a professional for guidance.

Does a Car Crash Affect My Credit Score?

Your credit score can be impacted after a car crash if:

You stop making monthly payments on the damaged vehicle. This causes a default on your loan that damages your credit history.
The insurance payout does not fully cover the remaining loan balance. Lending additional money to cover the shortfall hurts your debt-to-income ratio.
You use your entire settlement check to buy a replacement car instead of paying off the wrecked car’s loan first. This adds additional debt obligations.
Injuries force you to miss work and fall behind on other bills that then go to collections. Late payments show on your credit report.
Legal or medical bills drive you to take on new credit cards or loans you cannot manage. High balances and spotty payment records on new accounts drag down your score.
You default on the wrecked car loan and the lender repossesses the vehicle. Repossession significantly damages credit.

Consult an attorney experienced in auto accident law and financial matters. They can help you make choices to protect your credit score after a crash. Don’t jeopardize your financial recovery.

Finance Car Damages with Power Finance Texas

If your financed vehicle was damaged or totaled in an accident that was not your fault, the experienced attorneys at Power Finance Texas can help. We assist clients who have outstanding auto loans and leases to ensure the at-fault driver’s insurance provides full compensation, so you are not left paying out of pocket.

After a collision, insurance companies quickly try to minimize claim payouts, often taking advantage of victims who don’t understand their legal rights. We handle negotiations with insurers and fight to recover the maximum settlement to cover your loan balance, deductible, rental car costs, medical bills related to injuries and other expenses stemming from the accident. Our attorneys help Texas auto accident victims level the playing field against big insurance companies and avoid further financial burdens.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call today for a free attorney consultation and case review. We only get paid if we get you compensation, so you pay nothing up front. Get the knowledgeable legal representation you need to protect your rights after finance vehicle damage.

What is a Total Loss Car or Vehicle?

A total loss car or vehicle is one that an insurance company deems too extensively damaged from a collision or other incident to justify repairing it. This happens when the estimated cost to return the vehicle to pre-loss condition exceeds approximately 75% of the actual cash value.

Some key things to know about total loss cars:

The insurer pays the ACV in a lump sum minus deductible, usually within 3-6 weeks of total loss declaration.
The vehicle’s title is branded as “salvage” to indicate its unrepaired status.
You must use the insurer’s settlement payout to satisfy any outstanding loan balance first.
The insurance company then takes possession of the car and sells it for parts/materials recycling.
You must arrange alternate transportation, as the totaled car cannot legally be driven without extensive professional repairs meeting state criteria.

Can I Keep My Totaled Car?

In some cases the owner may be able to retain possession of a total loss car after settling with the insurer. However there are significant limitations, costs and paperwork involved. Total loss retention is rarely a smart financial decision.

Will I Still have to Pay Insurance on a Total Loss Car?

No, your insurance company will cancel coverage on a vehicle after deeming it a total loss and paying the claim settlement. Any premium refund owed is usually applied toward your replacement transportation policy. Do not drive the totaled vehicle until proper repairs are made.

Do I Still Need to Pay My Car Loan?

Yes, you must continue making payments on your loan or lease until the insurance settlement pays out. Use the full settlement amount to satisfy any outstanding balance on the totaled car first. If it does not fully pay off the loan, keep making payments as agreed. Defaulting could seriously damage your credit and lead to legal action.

What Happens If I Still Owe Money on a Total Loss Car?

If you owe more on your auto loan than the insurance settlement amount on a totaled vehicle, you are responsible for paying the difference. Here are some key things to know:

Your Car’s Actual Cash Value

The insurer only pays the ACV of your totaled car – its worth right before the accident. This may be thousands less than the remaining loan balance.

What Happens to My Loan If I Have Insurance?

Your own collision coverage will pay the ACV settlement, but you must continue monthly payments until the lender is fully paid off. Expect higher premiums going forward.

What Happens When You Total a Financed Car Without Insurance?

You alone are on the hook for the entire remaining loan balance, plus fees/penalties for not having required insurance. The lender can take legal action against you for defaulting.

What Happens to My Loan If the Other Driver Is At Fault for the Accident?

Their liability insurance should pay your car’s ACV and injury claims. But your monthly payments continue until the settlement is completed. An attorney can help maximize your payout.

What Happens to My Loan If I Am At Fault and I Don’t Have Insurance?

You must somehow pay for repairs or the ACV settlement yourself while continuing monthly payments as agreed. This financial burden can be devastating. State laws may also suspend your license and registration for driving without insurance.

What If Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Entire Balance of My Car Loan?

If the insurance settlement on your totaled car does not fully pay off your remaining auto loan balance, here are some options to handle the difference:

Continue making payments per your original loan agreement until it’s paid off.
Refinance the remaining balance on different terms to reduce the monthly payment.
Buy gap insurance if offered, to cover the balance difference (must be purchased when you originated the loan).
Negotiate with the lender for a reduced payoff settlement.
Voluntarily surrender the vehicle to the lender so they can sell it and get some cash back.
File bankruptcy to eliminate some or all of the remaining balance obligation.
Hire an attorney to pursue legal action against the liable parties if the settlement was insufficient.

Never accept an insurance payout until exploring all options to avoid owing more than they cover. Get professional legal and financial advice specific to your situation. Don’t let them stick you with the balance.

What Is Gap Insurance?

GAP insurance helps cover the potential difference between what your car insurance pays if your vehicle is totaled, and what you still owe on your auto loan balance.

GAP = “Guaranteed Auto Protection”

Key things to know:

Protects you if insurance only pays actual cash value, which is less than the remaining loan amount.
Typically costs $200 – $500 one time when you purchase the car.
Offered on both new and used vehicle loans and leases.
Covers the balance difference so you don’t end up owing money.
Sometimes offered free by auto lenders when financing high-mileage used cars.
Read the policy carefully for coverage caps, exclusions, claim filing process.
Must be purchased at the original loan origination. Cannot be added retroactively.

GAP insurance provides valuable protection in case of a total loss. Make sure you understand eligibility conditions and restrictions before buying the policy.

When Does Gap Insurance Not Pay Out?

While GAP insurance provides valuable protection, there are situations when the policy may not pay:

You fall behind on loan payments. The gap policy only covers the agreed payoff amount if payments were current.
The primary insurer denies the underlying comprehensive or collision claim. Gap does not override this decision.
You do not have required comprehensive/collision coverage on the vehicle. Gap only comes into play when those policies pay first.
The vehicle

Conclusion

Getting into an accident with a financed vehicle can be stressful and complicated. Your auto loan or lease doesn’t just disappear – you are still responsible for making payments and settling the balance, even if the car is damaged or totaled.

Insurance should cover repairs or replacement value, but often won’t be enough to fully pay off what you owe the lender. You need to understand your options, rights and responsibilities to avoid being stuck with extra costs out of your own pocket.

The wisest course is consulting an experienced attorney. They can help ensure you are fully compensated by at-fault drivers or your own insurer. An attorney can also advise you on next steps for your loan or lease so your finances and credit don’t take an unnecessary hit after the accident.

Don’t navigate this alone against the finance company and insurance companies working to protect their own interests. Get knowledgeable legal representation on your side.