If you’ve recently bought a new car, you’ve probably spent time comparing finance deals, choosing the right vehicle and arranging your motor insurance. But have you thought about what happens if your car is written off?

At Ping Insure, we speak to drivers every day who are surprised to learn that their comprehensive motor insurance may not pay out enough to replace their vehicle or clear their finance agreement. That’s where RTI Gap Insurance comes in.

What is RTI Gap Insurance?

RTI Gap Insurance, also known as Return to Invoice Gap Insurance, is designed to cover the difference between your motor insurance settlement and the original price you paid for your vehicle if it is declared a total loss following an accident, fire or theft.

Cars begin to depreciate from the moment they leave the dealership. While your motor insurer will usually pay the vehicle’s market value at the time of the claim, that amount could be significantly lower than what you originally paid.

RTI Gap Insurance helps bridge that financial gap, so you’re not left out of pocket.

How does RTI Gap Insurance work?

Imagine you purchase a new car for £30,000.

Two years later, the car is stolen and your motor insurance company values it at £21,000.

Without Gap Insurance, you would receive £21,000 from your insurer, leaving a £9,000 shortfall if you wanted to buy the same vehicle again.

With RTI Gap Insurance, that difference could be covered, helping you return to the original invoice price of your car.

At Ping Insure, our Return to Invoice Gap Insurance policy goes even further.

This policy covers all eventualities, covering the GAP between your main motor insurance settlement, the price you paid for the vehicle and your outstanding finance.

This means you have the reassurance that whichever amount is greater, whether that’s replacing your vehicle or settling any remaining finance, you’re protected from a potentially significant financial loss.

Who is RTI Gap Insurance suitable for?

RTI Gap Insurance is ideal for drivers who have purchased a brand new or nearly new vehicle, particularly if they have financed the purchase.

It may be worth considering if you have:

• Bought your car outright 
• Purchased your vehicle using PCP finance 
• Taken out HP finance 
• Used a personal loan 
• Bought a high-value vehicle 
• Purchased a vehicle that is likely to depreciate quickly 

The larger the difference between your insurer’s settlement and the amount you originally paid, the greater the benefit Gap Insurance can provide.

Is RTI Gap Insurance worth it in 2026?

For many UK motorists, the answer is yes.

Vehicle prices remain significantly higher than they were a few years ago, while depreciation continues to affect most new cars during the first few years of ownership.

If your vehicle is written off shortly after purchase, relying solely on your comprehensive motor insurance could leave you with a sizeable financial gap.

RTI Gap Insurance provides valuable financial protection and peace of mind, especially if replacing your vehicle would otherwise place pressure on your finances.

Many customers also compare Gap Insurance quotes online before purchasing cover to ensure they’re getting good value from an independent provider rather than buying directly from a dealership.

RTI Gap Insurance vs standard Gap Insurance

There are several types of Gap Insurance available, which is why it’s important to understand what you’re buying.

Return to Invoice Gap Insurance focuses on the difference between your insurer’s payout and your original purchase price.

Some policies may only cover outstanding finance, while others offer different levels of protection depending on how the vehicle was purchased.

Choosing the right Gap Insurance policy depends on your circumstances, how you bought your vehicle and the level of cover you want.

At Ping Insure, we’ll help you understand the options so you can choose the policy that best suits your needs.

Why choose Ping Insure?

We believe buying Gap Insurance should be straightforward.

Whether you’re comparing Gap Insurance providers, looking for Gap Insurance quotes online or simply trying to understand your options, we’re here to make the process simple and transparent.

Our policies are designed to provide comprehensive protection when you need it most, helping safeguard both your vehicle investment and your finances.

We also understand that every customer is different, which is why we offer cover that reflects the way people buy cars today, whether through finance or outright purchase.

Final thoughts

No one expects their vehicle to be written off, but accidents, thefts and unforeseen events do happen.

RTI Gap Insurance can provide an important financial safety net, helping protect you from the effects of vehicle depreciation and ensuring you’re not left with an unexpected shortfall.

If you’ve recently bought a car and want extra confidence that you’re financially protected, Return to Invoice Gap Insurance is well worth considering.

Get a Gap Insurance quote today

At Ping Insure, we’re here to help you protect your vehicle investment with straightforward, affordable cover. If you’re looking for RTI Gap Insurance, Complete Gap Insurance or simply want to compare your options, get in touch with our team or request your Gap Insurance quote online today. We’re ready to help you find the right level of protection for your vehicle.