Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) has always been an important component of a comprehensive risk mitigation solution for auto lenders — and in today's economy, it has become even more critical. Without GAP protecting a lender's collateralized loans, borrowers are still responsible for any deficiency balance in the event of a total loss. Francine Gagliano, Director of Client Services at State National, shares how a high-quality GAP program protects these borrowers and also protects financial institutions from charge-offs.

Auto Lenders and Borrowers at Risk

Auto lenders have long recognized the value in protecting their collateralized loans with Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP). And in today's economic environment, with higher interest rates, higher auto prices, longer loan terms, rising delinquencies, and other auto lending risks, a robust GAP program is more important than ever before to protect both lenders and borrowers.

However, not all GAP Programs are created equal. This may be an opportune time to reevaluate your GAP program and consider whether a change would be in the best interest of your credit union and members.

”Why GAP Now?”

GAP protects members for the difference between their primary insurer’s claim payment, settled using the current ACV of the vehicle, and their outstanding loan balance on the date of loss. Without GAP protecting the collateralized loan, members would still be responsible for this deficiency balance.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed primary insurance carriers finding more and more creative ways to limit their settlements, thereby increasing borrower deficiency balances. At a time when many U.S. households have been impacted by increasingly tighter household budgets, having to potentially pay thousands of dollars on a loan where the collateral has been totaled or stolen may feel like yet another punch in the gut. Will this cause an increase in members who elect to just walk away from their loan? Time will tell — but with GAP protecting the loan, members (and your bottom line) are protected from loss.

”Why State National GAP?”

State National underwrites, offers for sale, and administers its own GAP product. Functioning in all three capacities means increased product and systems flexibility as well as lower costs to our lender partners due to not having to pay agent costs. 2023 marks our 23rd year offering our GAP product and brings a renewed focus on our product portfolio of coverages. The following are just a few of the program features* available for a customizable product that will best meet the needs of your credit union and members.

• Auto Deductible Reimbursement – Provides reimbursement of unlimited primary carrier physical damage deductibles for up to four household vehicles, as long as one is protected by GAP.
• GAP Plus – Provides members with a $1,000 credit toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle when financed with your credit union.
• Monroney Labels – Ensures you are lending in compliance with your underwriting guidelines by obtaining a copy of the collateral’s Monroney window sticker. The label can be obtained even when GAP is not sold on the associated loan.
• Skip-a-Pays – Protects against a set number of skipped or extended payments included in the loan balance on the date of loss.

InsurTrak, State National's in-house proprietary platform, is regularly upgraded to ensure we are providing a system that is easy for your staff to use while saving them precious time administering your GAP program. Sales, program administration, and claims submissions are all managed within InsurTrak. And, speaking of claims, how many other GAP providers can say they settle claims in an average of two business days with minimal or no supporting documentation required?

At a time when borrowers are more financially challenged than ever, doesn’t it make sense to partner with a GAP provider that puts them back on their feet as quickly as possible?

Contact us today to learn more about how State National's GAP is better for you and your borrowers!

Francine Gagliano, State National Director of Client Services
817-265-2000 x1247 or fgagliano@statenational.com

*Available features may vary by state.