USAA GAP Insurance (2025 Guide): What It Covers, Costs, and How to Get It

Introduction: Why GAP Insurance Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Consider this: your relatively new vehicle has just been involved in an accident and declared totaled; your insurance takes care of the major part of what you still owe on it from an auto loan. “Gap” remains yours to pay, which could run into thousands of dollars.

Thus the GAP Insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) is there to cover the gap between what your car is worth and what is still owed on the loan or lease.

You might ask if:

• Does USAA have GAP insurance?
  
• Can I purchase GAP insurance through a USAA auto loan?
  
• Is GAP insurance a standard feature of USAA car loans?
  

We break it down in this in-depth guide: everything you need to know about USAA GAP insurance, who needs it, how it works, what it covers (and doesn’t), and how to get it.

What Is GAP Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

Not a penny would go out of your pocket, had you paid off the loan with direct cash. It’s only in a situation where you owe some amount relating to the car even though it’s not in your possession.

Does USAA Offer GAP Insurance?

Yes and no. Currently, USAA does not offer regular GAP insurance as a separate product; rather, they do offer GAP-like coverage on some loans for vehicles financed with their banking partners through GAP Waiver Protection.

USAA Offers GAP Coverage:

• On financing of vehicle through USAA auto loan programs
  
• As part of GAP Waiver Protection – included or optional depending on loan type
  

And that is how GAP Waiver is working as one of the closest kin to GAP insurance, relieving you of total loss from the remainder of the loan balance not taken care of by car insurance.

Key Terms: GAP Insurance vs. GAP Waiver

Feature	GAP Insurance	GAP Waiver (USAA-style)
Sold by	Insurance companies	Auto lenders or finance institutions
Regulated by	State insurance regulators	Not regulated the same way
USAA Offers?	❌ (not traditional insurance)	✅ Through auto loan partners
Premium Type	Monthly or one-time	Usually a one-time fee

Who Should Consider USAA GAP Coverage?

Not everyone needs GAP coverage, but it’s a must if:

• You’ve put less than 20% down on the vehicle
  
• Loan duration is long (60+ months)
  
• The car is of high depreciation value, such as a luxury or an electric one
  
• You are leasing
  
• Financed add-ons raise the loan a total amount
  
• Premium-priced used car
  

One other rule of thumb that you should make sure you do before making that final buying decision is to check with your insurer to see if they are currently selling the product, and then check to see what the price is. This way, if you have any doubts about its worth, you can easily weigh this against its cost. If your car loan amount is more than what your car is worth, GAP coverage is highly recommended.

How to Confirm If You Have GAP Insurance with USAA

You can easily confirm your status regarding USAA GAP cover by following the below steps:

• Visit usaa.com and log in to your account
  
• Now, go to your Auto Loan account
  
• Check over your loan documents for any mention of ‘GAP Waiver’ or ‘Loan Protection’
  
• You can also directly contact the customer care at USAA Auto Loan by dialing:
  

USAA Auto Loan Support: 1-800-531-USAA (8722)

Does USAA Auto Loan Include GAP Insurance Automatically?

Sometimes — but not always. Some USAA auto loans include a GAP Waiver provision, while others do not. It depends on:

• The loan agreement terms
  
• Whether GAP Waiver was opted into at signing
  
• The lender or financial partner used
  

If your car was financed with USAA and you’re not sure, it’s important to call and verify.

How Much Does GAP Coverage Cost Through USAA?

While USAA does not sell its own standalone GAP policies, if you receive a GAP Waiver through their loan program the charge is typically included in your loan amount.

Average Costs:

• GAP Waiver (via USAA loan): $250–$600 one-time fee
  
• GAP insurance sold by a dealer: $400–$900 (more expensive)
  
• Third-party GAP insurance: $15–$40/month
  

Note: Always compare the GAP coverage provided by the dealership, USAA loan, and standalone providers prior to making a decision.

USAA GAP Insurance (Waiver) Does Not Cover

Yet there are some exclusions to GAP Waiver:

• Late-payment charges or deferred interest
  
• Extended warranties, and service plans financed with the loan
  
• Negative equity from a prior trade-in
  
• Leased vehicles unless specifically included
  

Generally, GAP insurance is added:

• At the inception of the USAA loan for a motor vehicle
  
• At any time within 30–90 days of purchase (check lender policy)
  

Once added, the coverage cannot be removed unless upon refinancing or early payment of the loan.

Advantages of Opting for GAP Through USAA

• Reputable military-centric organization
  
• Single charge (frequently less than what you pay at the dealership)
  
• Car loans available in each of the 50 states
  
• Included with your USAA automobile loan
  
• Much easier claim handling in total loss circumstances
  

How Do I End My GAP Insurance from USAA?

Yes, though only in particular situations:

• Customers that pay a car loan early may qualify to receive a refund of the unused GAP waiver
  
• If a vehicle is refinanced, the GAP coverage existing with the prior loan shall be deemed to have been canceled
  
• Contact USAA Loan Servicing at 1-800-531-USAA for specifics
  

How to File a GAP Claim with USAA

In the event of a total loss or theft of your vehicle:

• File a USAA auto insurance claim with USAA or your carrier
  
• Inform the USAA Auto Loan Department about the total loss
  
• Contact your loan servicer for GAP claim forms or processing
  
• Send in:
  
  • Insurance settlement papers
    
  • Proof of loss
    
  • Remaining loan balance
    
  • Odometer reading
    
• Follow up on the claim through your USAA online dashboard
  

USAA GAP Waiver Availability

GAP Waiver is available through USAA vehicle financing in every U.S. state, including Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona etc.

Always confirm availability and jurisdiction based on your location and lending institution.

“I didn’t even realize my new car depreciated $7,000 in the first year. Thank God I added GAP through my USAA loan – it covered the full difference when I totaled it.”
– Daniel P., Navy Veteran, Georgia

“USAA’s auto loan process was simple and adding a GAP Waiver felt like a no-brainer. The price was even better than what the dealership offered.”
– Emma T., Air Force Spouse, Arizona

Common Questions About USAA GAP Insurance

Does USAA Offer GAP?
The solution is yes but not in an outright manner of a solitary insurance offering; clients who finance their vehicle with this insurer realize that it comes along with a GAP Waiver – functioning as GAP insurance does.

Can I Obtain GAP Insurance via USAA?
Yes, when you finance your car through USAA, you’re entitled to GAP Waiver coverage, usually available for a single fee.

Is GAP Insurance Included in the USAA Auto Loan?
Some loans do — it depends on your loan agreement. Always confirm before assuming you’re covered.

Do USAA cover GAP insurance for leased vehicles?
Only in certain cases. Speak to your lender first to confirm coverage before assuming.

How do I file a GAP claim with USAA?
First file your auto claim, then call the USAA loan department for a GAP claim form. You’ll need documents from the insurer and the lender.

Is the GAP Waiver better than dealership GAP insurance?
Yeah, in most cases, it’s cheaper, more transparent, and integrated into your USAA loan with fewer hidden fees.

Final Thoughts: Is USAA GAP Insurance Worth It?

If you finance or lease a vehicle through USAA and owe more than the vehicle is worth, then you really need GAP coverage. Although USAA does not sell pure GAP insurance, their GAP Waiver protection dispenses indispensable financial relief that can rescue one from losing thousands.

USAA GAP Coverage Pros:

• Low one-time fee
  
• Simple claims process
  
• Endorsed with USAA service
  
• Peace of mind in case of total loss
  

Active-duty military, a veteran, or a family member — USAA’s automotive financing options with GAP Waiver Protection are just a good layer of protection for your financial future.

Need Help or Quote?

Visit: www.usaa.com
Call: 1-800-531-USAA (8722)
Available 24/7 for all members