MotorEasy’s GAP insurance payouts jump 17% as car theft drives one in four claims

Posted on Mar 25, 2026

Fresh data from Intelligent Motoring, the expert behind leading vehicle ownership and management solution, MotorEasy, has revealed that its average payout for the top ten Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance claims has increased by over 17% year-on-year[i], reaching £27,995 up from £23,913 in 2024.

This upward trend reflects a combination of rising vehicle prices, longer finance agreements and the increasing theft of newer, higher-specification models. One in four of all MotorEasy GAP insurance claims in 2025 were theft-related[ii], as were 37% of the top one hundred claims in terms of value. This underlines the growing financial impact of vehicle theft across the UK.

As motorists take delivery of brand new 26 plates this March, MotorEasy’s GAP insurance theft claims reveal BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz as the most stolen brands. This mirrors findings from DVLA data obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by MotorEasy, listing Ford and BMW as the most stolen car brands across the UK in 2025. The DVLA data also reveals that car thefts rose by 12.8% year-on-year, with some 60,900 cars stolenⁱⁱⁱ.

When a stolen car is not recovered, insurers typically declare it a total loss and pay out the vehicle’s current market value. For many drivers, this amount can often fall short of the original purchase price, the outstanding finance balance on the vehicle or the cost of replacing the vehicle with a like-for-like model. As a result, car theft can leave drivers financially exposed even after an insurance claim has been settled. 

Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of MotorEasy’s parent company, Intelligent Motoring comments,

“Our latest GAP insurance claims figures highlight just how significant the financial impact of vehicle theft can be for drivers. A 17% rise in the average payout for the top claims reflects not only the increasing value of claims, but also how quickly vehicles, particularly high-end EVs, can depreciate in today’s market, making financial shortfalls more likely and reinforcing the importance of GAP cover.

“With a quarter of our claims as a result of theft, we know how distressing it is for drivers to lose a vehicle, and to then face the added worry of potential financial shortfalls can make it even harder. There are measures drivers can take to reduce the risk of their vehicle being stolen. These include using secure parking where possible, fitting Thatcham approved tracking devices, keeping keyless entry fobs shielded in a Faraday pouch, and ensuring software updates are installed. Just as importantly, motorists should understand exactly what their insurance covers.

“In the event of a total loss, standard motor insurance typically pays out the market value at the time of the claim, which may be less than the original purchase price or any outstanding finance. GAP insurance is designed to bridge that difference, so taking the time to understand how it works can help drivers avoid unexpected financial exposure at what is already a difficult time.”

[i] The average payout for the top ten GAP insurance claims has soared by 17.1% year-on-year between 2024 and 2025

[ii] 24%) of the top 100 GAP insurance claims in 2025 were theft-related

ⁱⁱⁱ 2024-2025 DVLA vehicle theft data obtained by Motoreasy through a Freedom of Information request