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Can I get liability insurance for a financed car, and can I get gap insurance without full coverage?

I am an 18-year-old male and car insurance is expensive for me. Most dealerships require full coverage for financed cars. I just wanted to know if there is a way I can get liability insurance instead.

Aug 8, 2019 New Haven, CT

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Typically, no. You don't want liability only because the car will not be sufficiently protected.

Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage which protects the car when there is physical damage. Financing companies require this because you owe money on the car and they need their loan covered, and if something happened and you only have liability, you would be responsible for the full loan and not have a car. Additionally, if you don't have full coverage it's unlikely insurers will honor gap coverage.

Yes, insurance is expensive for 18-year-olds, so you should shop around as much as possible for the best rate. If a parent can add you to their policy, you'd save some money that way. Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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