If your vehicle has been declared a total loss, you may be wondering what happens if your primary auto insurance payment doesn't cover the full amount you still owe on your vehicle financing.
That's where Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) may help.
At Arnie Bauer Buick GMC in Matteson, IL, we know this question is especially relevant following the recent severe storms, tornadoes, and derecho that caused significant damage across northeastern Illinois, Chicago's south and southwest suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Whether your vehicle was damaged in an accident, by a fallen tree or branch, or during severe weather, here's what you should know about GAP and what to do after a total loss.
Quick Answer: How Do You File a GAP Claim?
If you have GAP and your vehicle is declared a total loss, start by working with your primary auto insurance company and your lender or financial institution.
Once you have information about the total loss and insurance settlement, review your GAP agreement and contact the administrator identified in your agreement for instructions on submitting a claim.
If you purchased Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection, Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP page identifies the administrator as:
Safe-Guard Products International, LLC
Two Concourse Parkway, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30328
1-833-959-0104
Your individual GAP Deficiency Waiver Addendum controls the terms, conditions, coverage, limitations, exclusions, and applicable state-specific provisions.
What Is GAP Coverage?
GAP stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection.
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP information explains that Buick GAP can provide added financial protection following a total loss by waiving some or all of the difference between what you owe on your finance agreement and the amount your primary insurer pays.
Here's a simplified example:
Amount owed on finance agreement: $32,000
Primary insurer pays: $27,000
Difference: $5,000
Depending on the terms of the applicable GAP agreement, some or all of an eligible difference may be waived.
Is GAP Insurance?
You'll often hear consumers refer to this protection as "GAP insurance," and that's also a common phrase people use when searching online.
However, Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection is optional and is not insurance.
Transactions involving Buick GAP are governed by the applicable Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Deficiency Waiver Addendum. Terms and conditions can vary by state, and not every vehicle model may be eligible.
Recent Derecho and Tornado Damage in Illinois and Northwest Indiana
Many local drivers are dealing with vehicle and property damage following the severe weather that struck the region on August 11, 2026.
The National Weather Service Chicago reports that a derecho moved across portions of the Midwest and Ohio River Valley that day. Across northeastern Illinois and into Northwest Indiana, the derecho produced widespread straight-line winds of 70 mph to locally more than 100 mph, resulting in widespread wind damage across Chicago's south and southwest suburbs and Northwest Indiana.
The National Weather Service has also confirmed six tornadoes in its Chicago-area responsibility from the August 11 event, including:
- An EF-0 tornado in Oswego, Illinois
- An EF-1 tornado in Wilmington, Illinois
- An EF-1 tornado from Mokena to Tinley Park, Illinois
- An EF-1 tornado from Orland Park, Illinois, to Munster, Indiana
- An EF-2 tornado from Monee, Illinois, to Crown Point, Indiana
- An EF-1 tornado affecting Glenwood and Lansing, Illinois
The National Weather Service has documented extensive tree and branch damage from the storm as well.
For vehicle owners, severe weather can result in damage from things such as:
- Falling trees
- Large branches
- Wind-blown debris
- Hail
- Water or flooding
- Falling objects
- Storm-related collisions
If your vehicle was damaged during the recent storms, don't assume that visible damage automatically means the vehicle is a total loss. Your primary auto insurer will evaluate the claim under the terms of your insurance policy.
If your insurer determines that your vehicle is a covered total loss and an eligible amount remains on your finance agreement, that's when GAP may become relevant.
How to File a GAP Claim After a Total Loss
Because GAP agreements and claim circumstances can differ, you should follow the instructions in your individual agreement and from your GAP administrator. The following steps can help you get started.
1. Report the Loss to Your Primary Auto Insurance Company
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, tornado, derecho, flood, fallen-tree incident, or other event, contact your primary auto insurer.
Follow your insurer's instructions for reporting and documenting the loss.
If you're dealing with storm damage, photos or videos of the vehicle and surrounding damage may be useful when it is safe to take them.
2. Find Out Whether Your Vehicle Is a Total Loss
Your primary insurer will handle the physical-damage claim according to your policy and determine how the loss is handled.
GAP is relevant to an eligible total loss. It isn't a replacement for the primary auto insurance coverage that handles physical damage to the vehicle.
3. Review the Information From Your Insurance Company
If your vehicle is determined to be a total loss, review the information provided by your insurance company.
Make sure basic information about your vehicle is accurate, including its:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Trim
- Mileage
If you have questions about how your insurance settlement was calculated, contact your insurer.
4. Contact Your Lender or Financial Institution
Contact the lender or financial institution associated with your vehicle financing.
Ask about your account balance and what you're required to do while the total-loss process is being completed.
Do not assume that a total-loss determination or GAP claim automatically suspends your payment obligations.
Follow the terms of your finance agreement and your lender's instructions.
This is particularly important because Buick's current GAP information specifically identifies amounts resulting from missed, delinquent, deferred, or skipped payments among its exclusions.
5. Find Your GAP Agreement
Locate the GAP paperwork you received when you purchased your vehicle and coverage.
If you purchased Buick GAP, review your Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Deficiency Waiver Addendum.
That document—not a general online article—determines the terms, conditions, coverage details, limitations, exclusions, and state-specific provisions applicable to your agreement.
6. Contact Your GAP Administrator
Contact the administrator identified in your GAP agreement and ask how to submit your claim.
For Buick GAP, Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current GAP page identifies:
Safe-Guard Products International, LLC
Two Concourse Parkway, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30328
1-833-959-0104
Follow the administrator's instructions for your specific claim.
7. Submit the Documentation Your Administrator Requests
The documents required for a GAP claim can depend on your agreement and circumstances.
Rather than relying on a generic checklist online, ask your GAP administrator exactly what documentation is required.
Keep copies of the documents you provide and your claim information.
If additional information is requested, responding promptly may help keep your claim moving.
8. Stay in Contact With Your Lender
Continue communicating with your lender while your insurance and GAP matters are being resolved.
Don't assume your account has been satisfied until your lender confirms its status.
What Does Buick GAP Do After a Total Loss?
According to Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP information, Buick GAP can provide added financial protection following a total loss by waiving some or all of the difference between what you owe on your finance agreement and the amount your primary insurer pays, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
The actual amount that may be waived depends on your individual GAP Addendum and circumstances.
Can Buick GAP Waive an Insurance Deductible?
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP page states that the product includes a waiver for a primary insurance deductible of up to $1,000.
However, the same page specifically states that primary insurance deductible coverage is not available in all states.
For that reason, don't assume the deductible benefit applies to your particular agreement. Review the state-specific provisions in your GAP Addendum for complete details.
What Doesn't Buick GAP Cover?
Buick's current GAP information lists several exclusions.
These include amounts owed on the vehicle finance agreement resulting from:
- Late fees
- Due-date changes
- Missed payments
- Delinquent payments
- Deferred payments
- Skipped payments
The published exclusions also include:
- Certain total losses resulting from dishonest, fraudulent, or illegal acts
- Vehicles used for competitive racing or a prohibited commercial purpose
- Refinancing of the vehicle finance agreement
- Certain deductions taken by the primary insurer, such as prior damage, salvage, missing items, excess towing, custom equipment, and storage
This is not a complete list of exclusions.
Your applicable GAP Addendum contains the complete terms and exclusions.
What If a Tree or Branch Fell on My Car?
This is an especially relevant question following the recent storms across northeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
The National Weather Service documented widespread tree and branch damage associated with the August 11 derecho.
If a tree or large branch damaged your financed vehicle, report the loss to your primary auto insurer and follow its instructions.
Your insurer will determine how the physical-damage claim is handled under your policy.
If the vehicle is determined to be a covered total loss and there is an eligible difference between what you owe on your finance agreement and what your primary insurer pays, review your GAP agreement and contact the administrator.
What If My Vehicle Has Flood or Water Damage?
If your vehicle has suffered flood or water damage, contact your primary auto insurer and follow its instructions regarding the claim and vehicle.
Your primary insurance policy—not GAP—governs how the physical vehicle damage is handled.
If your insurer determines that the vehicle is a covered total loss, GAP may become relevant if there is an eligible difference between the amount you owe under your finance agreement and the amount paid by your primary insurer.
Your individual GAP agreement determines whether and how coverage applies.
What If I Refinanced My Vehicle?
If you refinanced your vehicle, don't assume your original Buick GAP protection continues to apply.
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP information specifically lists refinancing the vehicle finance agreement as an exclusion.
Review your GAP Addendum and contact the administrator if you have questions about your specific situation.
GAP Claim FAQs
How do I file a GAP claim in Illinois?
Start with your primary auto insurance claim and determine whether the vehicle is a total loss. Review your GAP agreement and contact the administrator identified in the agreement for claim instructions. You should also stay in contact with your lender regarding your finance account.
Is GAP insurance actually insurance?
"GAP insurance" is a phrase consumers commonly use, but products can be structured differently.
Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection is optional and is not insurance. Buick GAP transactions are governed by the applicable GAP Deficiency Waiver Addendum.
Who administers Buick GAP?
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC's current Buick GAP page identifies Safe-Guard Products International, LLC as the administrator of Buick GAP and lists 1-833-959-0104 as the contact number.
Can GAP help if my vehicle was totaled by the August 11, 2026 Illinois derecho?
Potentially, depending on your individual GAP agreement and circumstances.
Your primary auto insurer handles the physical-damage claim. If the vehicle is determined to be a covered total loss and there is an eligible difference between what you owe on your finance agreement and what your primary insurer pays, GAP may provide financial protection according to the applicable GAP agreement.
Can GAP help if a tornado totals my car?
Potentially. The primary insurer determines how the physical-damage claim is handled under your insurance policy. If the result is a covered total loss and an eligible difference remains, review your GAP agreement and contact the administrator.
Can GAP help if a tree falls on my financed vehicle?
Potentially. First report the damage to your primary auto insurer. If the vehicle is determined to be a covered total loss and the requirements of your GAP agreement are satisfied, GAP may apply to an eligible difference.
Does GAP pay to repair storm damage?
Buick GAP is designed to provide added financial protection in the event of a total loss. It isn't a replacement for the primary auto insurance coverage that handles physical damage to your vehicle.
Does GAP cover flood damage?
Your primary auto insurance policy determines how physical flood or water damage is handled.
If that claim results in a covered total loss and an eligible difference remains between your finance agreement and the primary insurer's payment, GAP may become relevant according to your individual agreement.
Should I stop making payments when my car is totaled?
Don't assume that you should stop making payments because your vehicle has been declared a total loss.
Contact your lender and follow the terms of your finance agreement and the lender's instructions while the insurance and GAP matters are being resolved.
What documents do I need for a GAP claim?
Requirements can vary. Contact the administrator identified in your GAP agreement for the documentation required for your particular claim.
Questions About Buick GAP? Contact Arnie Bauer Buick GMC in Matteson, IL
If you're dealing with a totaled vehicle following an accident or the recent severe weather in Illinois and Northwest Indiana, the process can feel overwhelming.
If you purchased Buick GAP and need help locating information about your coverage, contact Arnie Bauer Buick GMC in Matteson.
For a GAP claim or questions about whether a particular loss or amount is covered, follow your GAP Addendum and contact the administrator identified in your agreement.
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC
5525 Miller Circle Dr
Matteson, IL 60443
Sales: 708-843-9295
Arnie Bauer Buick GMC serves Matteson and communities throughout Chicago's south suburbs, including Homewood, Flossmoor, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Monee, Crete, Park Forest, Orland Park, and surrounding areas.
Important Disclosure
Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is optional and is not insurance. Transactions related to Buick GAP are governed solely by the provisions of the applicable Buick Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Deficiency Waiver Addendum. This article provides general information only and should not be relied upon as a statement of coverage. Refer to your individual Addendum for full terms, conditions, coverage details, limitations, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and applicable state-specific provisions.
