What insurance coverage covers the financial gap between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the loan or lease balance?

Gap insurance specifically addresses the scenario where an insured vehicle is totaled or stolen, and the payout from the insurance may not be sufficient to cover the outstanding balance on a loan or lease. When a vehicle is financed, its value typically depreciates quickly. This means that, in the unfortunate event of a total loss, the actual cash value that the insurance company provides may be significantly lower than the remaining loan or lease balance owed by the policyholder.

By having gap insurance, the insured can avoid having to pay the potential difference out of their own pocket. This coverage provides peace of mind, knowing that if a loss occurs, they won't face the financial burden of paying the remaining balance without the means to cover it through the insurance payout.

Other options, like loan protection insurance, comprehensive insurance, and lease coverage do not specifically address this financial gap like gap insurance does. Therefore, gap insurance is the most appropriate answer to the question regarding the coverage that protects against that specific financial issue.